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Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned traveler, you may be used to checking the U.S. Department of State for updates on the security situation in a number of countries:
After all, these are strange times we live in, with all these geopolitical conflicts There’s nothing wrong with wanting reassurance.
For Americans, this means checking the status of their destination with the State Department official website: if it is level 1 or 2 they are good to go, although some caution is needed for the latter, if it is level 3 they may need to reconsider traveling, and at level 4…
Well, for you that would be Russia, North Korea and Iran.
This week the entity updated its list, republication of travel advice for 5 destinationsincluding 3 popular Caribbean getaways that some Americans may have on their radar this winter, and we have good news for you:
The updates were mostly positive. Let’s start with the Caribbean.
3 Caribbean islands placed at level 1
With Level 1, we now have the most desirable status any country can aspire to Bermudaa British island region famous for its pink sands, the picturesque capital Hamilton, with pastel-colored buildings and red telephone boxes, and luxury resorts.
According to the State Department, Americans visiting Bermuda this season should do so as well take ‘normal’ precautionsas crime on the island is not significant and the vast majority of holidaymakers have a worry-free stay.
After Bermuda, the American authorities added an unusual, but incredibly beautiful country Grenada in their level 1 advice: an archipelago nation consisting of a mountainous main island and several satellite islets, boasts a rich British colonial heritage, with historic plantations and 18th-century forts in abundance.
Grenada is also highly sought after for its pristine golden sand beaches, which are nowhere as crowded as other holiday islands, and the fact that safety risks are minimal makes it particularly attractive to American guests.
That said, the islands of Carriaocu and Petite Martinique are still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, as noted in the advisory, and some services may still need to be restored.
Last, but not least, there is Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesyet another independent collective of islands distinguished by yacht-lined harbors, dramatic volcanic landscapes, especially in St. Vincent, the largest landmass, and paradise islands with private villas.
Whether you’re lazing on a deserted Princess Margaret Beach, where the sand is icing sugar white, or cruising past a reef-fringed Bequia Island, this safe, largely crime-free island is perfect for unwinding, with nights in beachfront hotels from $220.
However, like Grenada, you should know that the islands of Canouan, Mayreau, Palm Islands and Union Island are still recovering from Hurricane Beryl.
One of the safest destinations in the world is now at level 2
Greenland is one of the safest destinations in the world. As an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, it has only 56,865 people calling it home, with a low to negligible crime rate, so you would naturally expect it to be part of the Level 1 crowd.
That is no longer the case, however not for the reason you might think.
Greenland remains a low-risk adventure when it comes to personal integrity, but on the other hand, the extreme weather conditions and limited emergency services can pose a problem for American visitors in need.
As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates, consular assistance in Greenland is extremely limitedand as the weather can be harsh, especially in winter, and resources are scarce outside larger settlements such as Nuuk, visitors should continue ‘increased’ caution.
In other words, as fun as that can be, don’t try to drive a snowmobile or dog sled yourself, as it can take search and rescue efforts several days to reach the scene of an accident.
South Africa remains at level 2 despite rising crime
To end this story on a good note, another advisory has been issued for South Africa, a bucket list country for millions of travellers, and we are happy to report that it is officially considered quite risky to visit.
Although much has been said about South Africa in the media in recent years, following the significant spike in communal violence and incessant power outages, Washington officials have refrained from issuing their dreaded Level 3 or even Level 4 warning to give.
It continues at level 2like on November 7 judgement.
That’s not to say Americans should let their guard down when traveling through Africa’s southernmost state, where crime, civil unrest and even kidnapping remain major concerns. Yet incidents involving foreigners do not occur. alarming rates to warrant more serious warnings.
The advice is that ‘violent crime is common and includes armed robbery, rape, carjacking and robberies’, as well as ‘smash-and-grab attacks’ on private vehicles, so you should be vigilant at all times when traveling through urban areas . .
Here are some safety tips for South Africa:
- Keep your valuables in a hotel safe if you travel with jewelry and/or luxury watches
- Don’t use your phone in public (newer iPhones and other expensive models are most commonly used)
- Do not join demonstrations and protesting crowds as they have the potential to become violent
- Do not go to the suburbs unaccompanied
- Beware of existing racial tensions within certain communities
- If traveling within South Africa, plan your route in advance and stick to the highway (shortcuts are not advised as these may be policed by militias)
- Roll up windows and lock doors while driving
- Don’t walk alone in dimly lit, deserted areas at night
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
