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Safety is a priority for many travelers, especially when traveling abroad.
The Caribbean is one of the most popular regions in the world to travel, and yet there are varying levels of safety between the Caribbean islands.
These are the safest Caribbean islands you can visit right now:
1. Saint Barthélemy
Saint Barthélemy, better known as St. Barts, is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. This French island region is known for its luxurious luxury resorts and great beaches.
In St. Barts, the crime rate is so low that it is virtually non-existent, making this the top destination in the Caribbean if you are concerned about safety.
2. Virgin Islands
There are two Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Both archipelagos are extremely safe for travelers.
The US Virgin Islands are known for islands like St. John, home to the pristine Virgin Islands National Park and the most beautiful beach in the world.
In the British Virgin Islands, tourists flock to safe and beautiful islands such as Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
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3. Cayman Islands
Another safe Caribbean destination is the Cayman Islands. This British Overseas Territory consists of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
All three islands are safe and offer different things. Grand Cayman is the largest island and is known for its beautiful Seven Mile Beach and great diving.
Cayman Brac is a smaller island, perfect for travelers looking for adventure, while Little Cayman is another small island, ideal for those looking for solitude and relaxation.
4. Anguilla
Anguilla is another of the safest islands in the Caribbean with an exceptionally low crime rate. This small British Overseas Territory is the perfect destination for travelers looking to relax and get away from it all.
The island does not allow large cruise ships and you will not find any sprawling mega-resorts or casinos here. Instead, you’ll find a more tranquil, authentic atmosphere next to beautiful beaches.
5. Bonaire
Bonaire is part of the ABC Islands and is underrated compared to its more popular neighbors Aruba and Curaçao. This Dutch island territory is the perfect island destination in the Caribbean, known for its beautiful beaches and great shore diving.
It is also an incredibly safe destination. Bonaire’s crime rate is very low, making it a safe place for travelers looking for a worry-free vacation in paradise.
What about the ‘dangerous’ islands?
Security levels vary across the Caribbean, with some islands experiencing more crime and violence than others.
While the above islands are among the safest, others have a more dangerous reputation.
Currently, most Caribbean islands have a Level 1 security rating from the U.S. Department of State, meaning travelers should take normal precautions while traveling, but there is no increased risk of crime or danger.
However, Level 2 advice applies to the following destinations: Be extra careful:
- Dominican Republic
- The Bahamas
- Turks and Caicos Islands
And Jamaica has an even more extreme warning, with a Level 3: Reconsider travel advisory due to increased crime across the country.
Even with these warnings, travelers are still flocking to the “more dangerous” countries in the Caribbean.
Jamaica has broken tourism records despite the recent increase in crime, and destinations such as the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic also remain popular.
This is because the majority of tourists in these destinations will stay in safer, touristy areas, often in all-inclusive resorts that are safe and isolated from crime.
So despite the different levels of security, it is possible to have a safe holiday in the Caribbean wherever you go.
Traveler warning: Don’t forget your travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
