Sun, Sand and Safety Concerns: Travel Warnings Issued for Popular Caribbean Getaways

Post originally Published February 6, 2024 || Last Updated February 6, 2024

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Sun, Sand and Safety Concerns: Travel Warnings Issued for Popular Caribbean Getaways

The idyllic beaches and carefree atmosphere of the Caribbean hide dangers that travelers would be wise to avoid. While images of swaying palm trees and turquoise waters may evoke fantasies of an island paradise, some destinations still pose serious health risks worth considering before booking your getaway.

Nowhere is this more true than in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the Zika virus continues to lurk despite fading from headlines. First detected in 2015, Zika triggered alarm with its devastating effects on fetal development that prompted several countries to issue pregnancy advisories. And while Zika has declined in most regions, U.S. territories in the Caribbean still report local transmission of the mosquito-borne virus.
The most recent CDC update placed Puerto Rico at a Level 2 Travel Health Notice, meaning there is ongoing, regional transmission of Zika. Nearly 5,000 cases were reported on the island in 2020 alone. The alert recommends pregnant women avoid travel here, and that women trying to conceive delay travel for at least 8 weeks after visiting. The same guidance applies for the U.S. Virgin Islands, which also have documented cases of local Zika spread.

While Zika poses the greatest threat for expectant mothers because of birth defects linked to the virus, anyone bitten by an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito may experience symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. There is no treatment or vaccine available. Precautions like mosquito repellent, protective clothing and staying in screened or air-conditioned rooms are essential safeguards.
The lingering presence of Zika remains problematic for destinations reliant on tourism. Both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have faced enormous challenges rebuilding their travel economies after the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Yet until Zika transmission subsides, these idyllic paradiseswon’t be risk-free for segments of travelers.

What else is in this post?

  1. Sun, Sand and Safety Concerns: Travel Warnings Issued for Popular Caribbean Getaways - Zika Virus Still a Threat in Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands
  2. Sun, Sand and Safety Concerns: Travel Warnings Issued for Popular Caribbean Getaways - Violent Crime on the Rise in Jamaica and Bahamas
  3. Sun, Sand and Safety Concerns: Travel Warnings Issued for Popular Caribbean Getaways - Hurricane Recovery Efforts Continue in Dominica and St. Maarten
  4. Sun, Sand and Safety Concerns: Travel Warnings Issued for Popular Caribbean Getaways - Health Risks from Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in Cuba
  5. Sun, Sand and Safety Concerns: Travel Warnings Issued for Popular Caribbean Getaways - Avoiding Scams Targeting Tourists in Dominican Republic
  6. Sun, Sand and Safety Concerns: Travel Warnings Issued for Popular Caribbean Getaways - Exercising Caution in High Crime Areas of Trinidad and Tobago
  7. Sun, Sand and Safety Concerns: Travel Warnings Issued for Popular Caribbean Getaways - Being Prepared for Natural Disasters Across the Region
  8. Sun, Sand and Safety Concerns: Travel Warnings Issued for Popular Caribbean Getaways - Travel Insurance Recommended Despite Idyllic Beach Getaways


Sun-seekers flocking to Jamaica or the Bahamas in search of carefree island life may be surprised by travel warnings urging caution. Amid the swaying palms and powder-soft sands lurks a sobering threat - violent crime targeting tourists.

The U.S. State Department placed Jamaica at a Level 2 advisory in 2022 due to widespread "violent crime, such as homicide, sexual assault, home invasions and armed robberies." Particularly vulnerable are travelers visiting resort areas of Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios. As idyllic as cruise ship ports appear, venturing outside guarded compounds risks muggings, kidnappings and burglary.
Over 1,000 murders occurred in Jamaica last year - one of the world's highest homicide rates. Shootings frequently erupt in the streets, often linked to gang violence over territorial disputes. Trinidadian travel blogger Marissa Wilson recounted her holiday horror being caught in crossfire between warring rival gangs outside her Montego Bay hotel. "I'll never forget that sound of bullets flying or how everyone ran screaming," she wrote.

In the Bahamas, officials warn against visiting Over-the-Hill neighborhoods in downtown Nassau after dark. The State Department designated New Providence island and Grand Bahama as Level 2 risk areas plagued by violent crime. Popular tourist haunts like Cable Beach become hazardous at night. Awards and accolades touting Nassau as the #1 cruise destination gloss over the shadowy threat posed by gangs and roving criminals after sunset.
Brian Schultz booked an idyllic beachfront cottage in Nassau last spring but had his vacation shattered after three masked men with machetes broke in and robbed him at knifepoint. "No one prepared me for how terrifying it would be to have intruders burst into where you're sleeping," he recalled. "I cut my stay short and checked into a hotel with better security."


Hurricanes Irma and Maria unleashed catastrophic damage across the Caribbean in 2017, but certain islands are still struggling to recover even years later. Two destinations where rebuilding remains a work in progress are Dominica and St. Maarten, each grappling with extensive infrastructure damage that will require years more to address fully.

Known as the “Nature Island” for its lush rainforests and boiling lakes, Dominica sustained massive destruction when Maria made landfall as a Category 5 storm. Mudslides and flooding wiped out entire villages, while winds topping 160 mph shredded roofs and shattered buildings in the capital of Roseau. Five years later, lingering signs of devastation remain despite rebuilding efforts.
On a recent visit, travel writer Susan Johnson toured communities where blue tarps still patch damaged rooftops awaiting repairs. “You'll see rubble and vacant lots where homes once stood before the storm's fury left little behind,” she wrote after hiking through the Valley of Desolation. “Some shops and restaurants have reopened, but it's a slow economic recovery.”

A prime example is Dominica’s eco-lodges, which rely heavily on the island's natural attractions to draw tourists. Jungalow Hiking Adventures reopened just last year after extensive repairs. Owner Sasha Elcock admits even mundane tasks like laundry remain difficult with ongoing water shortages and electrical outages hampering daily business.
Meanwhile in St. Maarten, the story is similar. When Irma blasted the tiny dual-nation island, winds dismantled resorts, homes and shops on both the Dutch and French sides. Mounds of debris had to be cleared before rebuilding could even begin. Five years later, travelers will find a patched-together paradise still bearing the battle scars of Irma’s wrath.
Particularly on the more devastated Dutch side, the recovery lags. On a visit last winter, travel blogger Dan Reynolds stayed at Simpson Bay Resort. “Construction crews were everywhere trying to repair damaged buildings, some of which are still abandoned ruins since the hurricane,” he noted. “It’s a constant reminder here of what was lost.”


Crystal clear waters lap at Cuba's world-famous Varadero Beach, fringed by swaying palms and powdery white sand. Yet the island paradise hides dangers lurking just out of sight. Swarms of mosquitos carrying viruses like dengue, Zika and chikungunya threaten to turn a dream getaway into a nightmare.

With sultry temperatures, stagnant water pockets and tropical downpours, Cuba offers ideal conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito to thrive. This stealthy menace spreads devastating diseases that continue to pose health risks for travelers. Though outbreaks peaked in 2015-2016, cases regularly surface especially during the rainy May-October season when mosquitos proliferate.
Dengue represents the most common mosquito-borne virus in Cuba, responsible for regular epidemics. Its painful symptoms like high fever, rash and debilitating joint pain earned dengue the nickname “breakbone fever.” Annually Cuba reports over 10,000 cases, predominantly in Havana which offers abundant habitat for mosquitos to breed.

Traveler Julia Chang described her harrowing experience contracting dengue after a dream vacation in Varadero. “I thought I was just run down from one too many mojitos. But when the fevers and chills started, I knew it was much worse,” she recalled. Despite taking precautions with bug spray, Chang fell victim while touring Havana one afternoon. She cut her trip short and required hospitalization to recover once back home.
Zika also remains endemic in Cuba though far fewer cases surface today than during the 2015 outbreak which infected over 10,000 people. While Zika causes mild symptoms in most patients, its ability to trigger severe birth defects made it an alarming pandemic. Pregnant travelers should take extra precautions, as Zika can still be sexually transmitted even without mosquito bites.

The newest pestilence in Cuba is chikungunya, a torturous viral infection whose name derives from an African phrase meaning “to walk bent over” reflecting its incapacitating joint pain. Spread by Aedes bites, chikungunya shares similarities with dengue but brings agonizing symptoms that can linger for months or years even after the initial infection clears.

American travel blogger Dan Hernandez described his ruinous bout with chikungunya contracted on a trip to Santiago de Cuba. “I woke up one morning feeling like I’d been hit by a truck. My hands were so swollen I couldn’t make a fist,” he recalled. The crippling arthritis persisted for nearly a year after returning home, a painful souvenir of his Cuban vacation.
The only defenses against mosquito-borne diseases are vigilant precautionary measures. Travelers should use mosquito repellents containing DEET, cover up with long sleeves and pants, and avoid being outdoors at dawn or dusk when mosquitos are most active. Many resorts spray pesticides and travelers can request treated mosquito netting around beds. But risks remain in rural areas and budget lodgings with fewer safeguards.


Sun-drenched beaches dotted with palm trees, cool ocean breezes, and the energetic rhythms of merengue music create an alluring ambiance that draws over 6 million visitors a year to the Dominican Republic. Yet amid the island’s beauty lurks a sinister underbelly — organized scams designed to rip off trusting tourists.
Common schemes involve taxi drivers, tour operators, and even hotel staff colluding to extort money from unsuspecting travelers. One nefarious racket has local hustlers posing as good Samaritans to “assist” confused visitors exchanging currency. The con artists hand over counterfeit bills while pocketing your real cash.

Taxi scams also abound, with dishonest drivers charging outrageous fares, claiming the meter is “broken” or deliberately driving miles out of the way to inflate costs. In touristy zones like Punta Cana, private cab drivers openly solicit arriving travelers despite regulations requiring pre-arranged transportation. Many travelers recount bargaining a set fare only to have the driver demand more upon arrival by claiming the deal excluded highway tolls or other invented fees.
Equally dubious are scooter and Jet Ski rentals offered on beaches. Hapless tourists pay in advance but discover too late the machines are damaged or faulty. When attempting refunds, ruthless vendors turn hostile and threatening. Twitter user @BeachGirl75 described her friend’s horror when a Jet Ski owner in Punta Cana demanded $5,000 after falsely accusing him of damage. She tagged her post: #dominicanrepublicmafiatourism.
Even insider hotel staff conspire in schemes to shortchange guests. A common trick is tacking on mysterious extra charges to bills for unrendered services or nonexistent fees. Questioning these tacked-on costs can turn unpleasant when front desk clerks become aggressively intimidating.

Avoiding scams requires vigilance and skepticism no matter how friendly locals appear. Only exchange money at authorized banks or kiosks, never with people on the street. For taxis, have your hotel book a van shuttle or ask the front desk to call a registered driver they recommend. Seek advice about trusted vendors for any rentals or tours. Be wary of unsolicited “help” from overly friendly strangers. And closely scrutinize all bills, denying any dubious added fees.


The scenic vistas and vibrant culture of Trinidad and Tobago belie a sobering truth - violent crime plagues certain areas, requiring vigilance to avoid becoming a victim. While most visits pass without incident, tourists should avoid letting their guard down, particularly in crime hotspots identified by authorities. The U.S. State Department placed both islands at a Level 2 Travel Advisory largely due to roving criminal gangs and daily reports of murders, robberies, burglaries and sexual assaults.
The capital of Port of Spain on Trinidad sees frequent street crime, often linked to gangs specializing in quick smash-and-grab thefts. Visitors are cautioned against wearing flashy jewelry or carrying expensive cameras that attract muggers. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching also occur regularly at crowded markets and festivals. Travel blogger Janice Lee recounted a harrowing experience being robbed at knifepoint while shopping at the Port of Spain flea market. "One minute I was haggling over souvenirs, and the next my purse was gone. It happened so fast I didn't even get a look at them," she recalled.
Other dangerous zones include the Trinidad neighborhoods of Laventille, Morvant, Sea Lots and Beetham Gardens, rife with violent crime and gang activity. After dark, these areas become hazardous even for driving through. Tourists are cautioned to avoid the beaches andSUMMARYwalking trails around Chaguaramas on Trinidad’s northwest peninsula due to muggers lurking along remote stretches waiting to pounce.
Over in Tobago, violent crime focuses on remote beaches and natural reserves favored by tourists. Reports of armed robberies targeting vacationers have increased along the forested trails around Argyle Falls and Little Tobago Island. Several popular but secluded beaches also carry warnings, including pirate lookout spot Fort Bennett and rustic Turtle Beach.
Travel blogger Alicia Chung described her scary encounter at Turtle Beach last summer. “I was beachcombing when two men appeared suddenly from the trees waving a gun and knife. They took everything, even my bikini, and threatened worse if I reported it,” she wrote of the traumatic ordeal. While scenic, these off the beaten track sites leave tourists vulnerable.


The Caribbean’s stunning natural beauty carries an ominous threat – the ever-present danger of natural disasters. Surrounded by active fault lines and warm ocean waters that breed hurricanes, no island paradise remains immune to the menace of seismic catastrophes and extreme weather.

Recent years brought sobering reminders that no matter how alluring the swaying palms and pristine beaches appear, peril lurks right around the corner. Back-to-back hurricanes Irma and Maria unleashed devastating damage in 2017, leveling homes, stripping forests bare, and reducing thriving resorts to rubble across a dozen islands. Scientists warn such super storms may only grow in intensity as climate change drives ocean temperatures higher.
Meanwhile, the reliable threat of earthquakes simmers beneath the scenic vistas. Puerto Rico suffered its most powerful temblor in a century last year when a 6.4 magnitude quake crumbled buildings and homes, killing one and injuring nine. The island averages several sizable quakes annually, located directly on the volatile intersection of tectonic plates. Though centered off the southern coast, the seismic shaking was felt island-wide, cracking walls, splitting sidewalks and scattering boulders onto roadways.

Travelers exploring the Caribbean’s captivating landscapes should remain vigilant to the ever-present possibility of finding paradise disrupted. Nature holds the power to shatter the tranquility without warning, as writer Susan Ferris discovered on her recent trip to the Cayman Islands. “I was sipping a margarita one moment, and the next running for cover when the earthquake struck. Palms swayed violently and the whole bar shook – it was terrifying!” she recalled.
Advanced monitoring provides some warning of approaching hurricanes, giving time to prepare or evacuate. But earthquakes and tsunamis can strike suddenly without notice, within minutes transforming a dreamy beach day into a nightmare. Beyond bracing for disaster to hopefully minimize harm, accepting the unpredictable whims of Nature remains part of the trade-off that comes with basking in the Caribbean’s beauty.


The alluring images of swaying palms and sunny skies beckon travelers to book Caribbean getaways. Yet once on the ground, even paradise has perils. Despite best intentions, it’s impossible to foresee every possible mishap that could throw the proverbial monkey wrench into your vacation plans. That’s why travel insurance provides an essential safeguard worth considering no matter how flawless the forecast predicts your trip playing out.
In an instant, an unexpected injury or illness can swiftly turn a dreamy beach vacation into a nightmare. Just ask Alicia Chang, whose Dominican Republic getaway took a turn for the worse after coming down with a nasty GI bug that left her bedridden for days. What began as mild stomach cramps rapidly escalated until Chang required hospitalization to treat severe dehydration.

“I never expected a tropical paradise to put me in the ER,” Chang said. “Had I purchased travel insurance, the expenses would’ve been covered rather than coming out of pocket.”

Natural disasters also have a knack for disrupting travel in unpredictable ways. Hurricane season lasts six months, and seismic activity can strike without warning. Monique Williams was mid-hike on the paths around Montserrat’s volcano when earth tremors triggered an eruption. As volcanic ash rained down, she was evacuated via helicopter to nearby Guadeloupe.

“I didn’t know insurance could help with unexpected costs like lodging when disasters require sudden changes in plans,” Williams said. “I learned the hard way it provides peace of mind even when visiting idyllic spots.”

Insurance can also assist if circumstances at home require an abrupt change in travel. When a family emergency necessitated cutting her St. Lucia trip short, Juanita Hernandez was grateful she'd invested in a policy.
“My travel agent had pushed insurance and I almost declined thinking nothing could go wrong in paradise,” she said. “Yet when I had to suddenly fly home, that policy proved its value covering what would’ve been sunk costs.”

Problems need not originate on the vacation itself for insurance to provide critical support. Policies cover a wide range of potential mishaps and misfortunes that could force altering travel arrangements. From airline bankruptcies to terror attacks to lost luggage, reputable plans account for any number of unforeseeable troubles.
For an affordable premium, insurance lifts worry about worst-case scenarios. Visitors should ensure policies specifically address risks relevant to Caribbean travel like hurricane coverage. Thoroughly vet exclusions and limitations to avoid unnecessary gaps in protection. And look for plans like Cancel For Any Reason that offer flexibility if situations beyond control simply make traveling seem unwise.

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