No matter where in the world you’re planning on visiting for your vacation, it’s important to stay safe. In cases where you are unsure of the place you’re headed, it is best to travel in group and be security cautious. Jamaica is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in the world and a place of fun for all ages. To ensure your safety, there are some few precautionary measures you need to take. Most times, you hang out with locals and other tourists on the island as well, so you assume you’re safe. The bad news is you’re not and in cases when you’re not extra careful, your valuables may be stolen. Here are some helpful tips to make your vacation is safe while you have a good time.
Dangerous Areas
According to reports by the U.S. Department of State, tourists should try to avoid several secluded areas late in the night. Avoid strolling around the beaches in the evening and even if you’ll love to take a walk, you should consider going in groups of three or more to avoid been seen as easy targets. Tourists should be very careful when visiting places such as Montego Bay, New Kingston and Kingston because they have the highest number of crime rates in the country. If you are unsure of an ideal place to stay, you can consider visiting Ocho Rios. It is one of the safest destinations in Jamaica, especially for tourists. When traveling on public buses, it is important to keep an eye on your belongings and valuables. Expensive items such as cameras, jewelry, or cell phone should be kept properly whenever you are out in public places, or better still keep them in your hotel room.
Hotel accommodation
It is advisable to make reservations for larger hotels rather than smaller ones for security reasons. Bigger hotel accommodations guarantee your safety the more as they may be walled and fully guarded to prevent unauthorized entry. You’ll find special foot police in most sort areas including Montego Bay, to ensure the safety of both the locals and tourists. Keep your valuables such as jewelry and other non-essential items in your hotel rooms safely to prevent thieves from stealing them. Ensure your doors and windows are in good condition to prevent thieves from breaking in easily. In a situation where the telephone in your room is not working properly, contact the hotel front desk immediately to have it checked and fixed.
Getting around
Whenever you are going out, ensure you have a copy of your passport and an ID with you every time. It is recommended to make several copies of them and keep one in your room safety deposit box and wallet or purse etc., so if one is lost, you have more. Taxis with a red PP on their license plate is one of the safest transportation options and are duly registered to take you places. Avoid taxis with dark windows. As a tourist, it is extremely important to exercise caution.
Medical Care
The medical care in Jamaica is nowhere on the same level as the one found in the US. Medical care is poor and if you develop a serious illness when on a holiday, you need to travel back to the US for proper medical attention. Ensure you buy a travel insurance policy that covers medical evacuation before traveling to Jamaica.
Jamaica is an amazing place worth visiting. The island has loads of lovely things to do and beautiful places to see. Following these tips will help ensure your stay is memorable and safe.