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As more and more Americans seek out winter sun, there’s no better vacation destination than the ever-reliable Bahamas.
…or is it?
According to the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, crime is common this time of year. So much for a new security alert has just been released.
While the US State Department caused quite a stir by issuing a new voyage advisory To kick off 2024, the US Embassy will close that same year with the words: “Hold my beer.”
Normally, the Bahamas is widely regarded as one of the safest Caribbean vacation destinations, but no place is flawless despite its pristine beauty and spacious luxury resorts.
Ugh, not again! The Bahamas can’t wait for 2024 to end
Crime can be a fickle subject.
Nowadays it’s hard to open YouTube without seeing travel bloggers venturing into the most “dangerous” places.
But guess what: there’s always a second video, which means they made it out unscathed and can move on to the next one.
Whether or not the Bahamas will experience a crime wave this winter, this new warning is the second blemish this calendar year on what is normally a squeaky clean record.
So let’s turn the clock back before we turn it forward again in a few weeks.
What started the year of bad press in the Bahamas was a wave of unprecedented murders in the capital Nassau.
You don’t think the Bahamas is full of gang violence, so this was pretty shocking news.
Long story short: the advice has never been updated. Since then, tourists have enjoyed this beautiful country.
However, things got spicy for a while when Bahamian officials claimed that the unusual incidents did not reflect the island as a whole.
This was followed by several American tourists claiming to have been drugged and assaulted. To the Bahamas’ credit, the perpetrators were quickly arrested.
Since many tourists will spend their holidays in the Bahamas, what should they do?
Are tourists in danger this winter?
While it is reasonable to assume that most vacationers visit the Bahamas knowingly, those aware of the violence in the Bahamas may have reservations about visiting, and rightly so.
The American Embassy has listed many suggestions for a safe holiday here.
The bottom line is that you go on holiday as you would anywhere, by remaining cautious about your surroundings, who you interact with and where you go.
Even a destination with incredible safety records can find itself in dangerous situations.
While the Bahamas became tough in their response to the initial advice, this time the US embassy is making a valid claim.
The local Bahamian police have done the same issued a warning to the local population to be more vigilant in recent years, which certainly does not help their cause.
Of course, this isn’t the best look for your police force federally charged not even for smuggling.
The embassy’s point is that there is no certainty that crime will escalate, but history says it is likely during the holidays, and more importantly: the new warning is intended to raise awareness and not incite fear.
If you spend your vacation responsibly at one of the Bahamas’ many luxurious properties and phenomenal beaches, you will most likely have the time of your life and return home safe and sound.
For what it’s worth, the Bahamas broke tourist records Last year, hospitable almost 10 million visitors.
More important safety tips from the US Embassy:
- Use ATMs in well-lit, populated areas
- Stay alert for signs of burglary, such as open gates, unknown vehicles, forced entry or broken windows
- Avoid displays of wealth, such as showing large amounts of cash or jewelry in public
- Walk in groups if possible, especially after sunset
Where to Avoid in Nassau
Like most cities, there are places you should avoid to stay safe. But sometimes our wanderlust itch is too tempting to scratch.
Nassau is a vibrant city, home to the world famous Paradise Island and a host of nice excursions.
Many tourists stay at the resort, but it is always nice to venture into the city and discover unexpected delights.
This is no different in Nassau, but there are certainly no-go zones.
Previous advice highlighted Over the hillan area south of Shirley Street that you should avoid. Additionally, southern Nassau is off the traditional tourist trail, lacking infrastructure in poorer neighborhoods with higher crime rates.
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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.
