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As I sit here on my flight to Panama, I couldn’t feel safer where I’m going to explore.
But there are a few other powerful Caribbean getaways that have long been among Americans’ most sought-after paradises for very different reasons — beautiful beaches aside.
Unfortunately, the American embassy has put a damper on travelers’ plans. It doesn’t sound too funny, but it’s not majestic ruins of one country destroy an epic vacation, it is one government-implemented state of emergency (SOE).
As for the rest, it’s no real surprise. While it appears the rubber has hit the road, this isn’t even close to the first go-around for the embassy to issue a high-profile security warning.
But this time it’s even more worrying You may not have access to basic amenities unless your hotel of choice runs on generators.
Even then it’s questionable.
But enough of the starter…
Let’s get to the “meat and taters,” as my stepdad says.
The US Embassy has issued two travel safety alerts for popular Caribbean beach destinations:
Government declares 30-day state of emergency in Belize 🇧🇿
How honest do we want to be today?
Should I let my intrusive thoughts run wild?
Well, I haven’t exactly been shy about Belize not being the best experience for me on my only visit to…
This is my shocked face (😑) that an increase in crime has caused a state of emergency.
Anyway, I don’t claim to be Nostradamus, or even Miss Cleo. I’m just saying that, given my own personal experience, I have never felt so out of place anywhere else.
Not even at my ex’s family gatherings, but I’ll save those stories for another day…
That said, I have never set foot in Belize City – the main destination highlighted in the last article alert.
These are the following areas to avoid due to “a recent increase in crime”:
- Ladyville Village
- Burrell Boom Village
- Community for fresh pounds
- Buttercup estates
- Bermuda landing village
- Lemon Village
- Isabella Bank
- Rancho Dolores Village
- Double head cabbage village
Here’s the problem with Belize City: it’s rarely tourists’ favorite spot.
Unless you finance and charter a seaplane (and if that’s the case, let’s remain friends), your gateway to Belize, where you can venture to truly worthwhile beach paradises like Caye Caulker and Placencia, is usually reached via Belize City, home to the country’s main airport.
As part of the 30-day SOE, the embassy is reminding visitors The government may arrest anyone deemed a nuisance to the publicso it is best to avoid large gatherings.
In addition, travelers are advised to follow these steps to stay safe:
- Follow guidelines from local authorities; in case of emergency, call 911.
- Stay up to date with the Belize Government Press Office Facebook And website pages.
- Contact the Government of Belize Press Office at info@pressoffice.gov.bz or +501-822-0759 regarding the state of emergency.
- Check local media for updates.
- Read the one from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Travel advice for Belize .
- Please inform friends and family of your location at all times.
Travelers currently score Belize 70/100 on our Safety Index tool:
Topics like these are the perfect time to remind you to double-check travel warnings and entry requirements before your trip.
Dark times in Cuba
There is perhaps no more timeless destination on earth than Cuba, with its classic cars dotting its legendary roads and Havana’s crumbling, yet colorfully charming cityscape.
But as I said before, the rubber hits the road because of its timeless appearance. Cuba’s infrastructure has long been in need of an upgrade.
As such, locals and tourists alike are feeling the pain – and it doesn’t stop the kind of travel memories you’re hoping to make.
Those classic cars I was just talking about? Well, they’re certainly not Teslas.
They are guzzling fuel, which Cuba cannot supply for numerous reasons.
The embassy used the word “unstable” to describe not only Cuba’s fuel shortage in their country safety warningbut the electricity grid in general.
Power outages become unpredictable; some are planned and others come out of nowhere.
The lack of electricity has caused major problems with water supply, lighting, cooling and communications.
Ah, “cooling”
That brings back unwanted memories, as Cuba was the only country where I’ve been insanely ill from food poisoning.
Word to the wise: be careful what you eat now.
Unlike Belize, there is no timetable for this crisis. But the frustration has led to protests with violent attacks reported.
In addition, travelers are advised to follow these steps to stay safe:
- Avoid crowds where possible
- Save fuel, water, food and cell phone costs. Be prepared for unpredictable disruptions.
- Please be aware of the heavy police presence, as well as traffic diversions and public transport disruptions.
- Check local media for updates.
- View daily updates fromUNE (Union Electrica)and follow UNE’s social media profiles.
- Stay in touch with family and friends.
- Bring a portable battery for emergency phone power.
- Bring flashlights and spare batteries.
- Provide non-perishable food and drinks.
- Prepare for alternative methods to meet your medical needs if they require power.
Travelers currently score Belize 72/100 on our Safety Index tool:
