what kind of security precautions measures should one adopt when travel on holiday in Caribbean countries?

I am referring to Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Martins islands etc.

Tourists are prime targets for criminals of all types.

What suggestions do you have for potential traveler?

I lived four years in the Caribbean - including 2 in Jamaica - and the precautions are the same you'd take anywhere else. Don't wear flashy jewelry or clothes, don't go into dicey areas, secure valuables like your wallet, passport, camera. Avoid being a livemouth jerk. Be careful of taking free or paid-for rides - only go with taxis and buses recommended by your hotel.

The same sort of precautions I now take while living outside of NY city, or when travelling in the U.S. or Europe. Tourists are prime targets for criminals everywhere, not just in the Caribbean.

I agree with tomfaranda. Treat the Caribbean as NYC and you'll be ok.

The one thing that locals in most Caribbean countries (probably the rest of the world) dislike is the cruise shippers and the first thing they do is walk into a busy road, stop and take a picture of the ship they just came off... I'm amazed that there isn't more accidents because of this. If you present yourself as you would in your hometown you'll have a good time.

If your heading my way give me a shout!

Haha. Kris that's a good point. Hope Grnad Cayman is treating you well - Cristmas on a Caribbean Island is always cool

Its not bad, but Christmas here isn't celebrated like it is in North America. You don't realize its Christmas time till 4 days before xmas!!!!

This time of the season there's always cold beer and watching the juniors (hockey) at the beach.

Have a look at the Stay Safe sections on http://wikitravel.org/en/Main_Page for your destination within the Caribbean. The advice seems excellent and details the scams and confidence tricks, which are much more likely than actually being a victim of crime.

Overall the main advice would be to give a firm 'no thank you', if offered drugs of any sort and keep an eye on your alcohol consumption esp the full strength Rum available in Barbados i.e Mount Gay.

Of course if you are super stressed about being a victim of crime then perhaps the Faroe Islands, Rural Norway, Iceland or the Western Isles of Scotland etc may be a better bet for a vacation.


Hmm, I've never heard about that one, the only pirates I've heard about in these waters was the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow and his film crew.

Your probably safer in those places than walking around any of the major US cities. There are places around Miami that are far worse. That said most of the precautions that work here are prudent there.

Don't flash money or expensive items. Remember that many of those island are poorer than most of the USA. An I-phone might not be anything special here but it might be considered special enough to draw unwanted attention there.

Try to blend with the natives. Jeans, or shorts, and a tee shirt are the uniform of choice in most locations.

Stay aware of your surroundings. Don't walk around with I-Pod earplugs in. Make eye contact and stay engaged. If something doesn't feel right leave. Don't drink, smoke, so much that your vulnerable. If you want to drink do it in areas with established security and people who are paid to take care of tourists.

An alternative to tourist areas is to establish friendships with the locals. This takes time, many trips and months, and effort but having a good friend in the local population is often better than all the high dollar security anyone could buy. Locals know what areas, and people, are safe to be around. They also know where the best food, drinks, entertainment, fishing, are. And are generally the best way to mesh with the local environment and authorities.

I agree with Art. I've been to several of the lesser antilles, mainly Antigua, and befriending the locals is the best choice.
Once they know where you fit in to their framework, you will have a much better time. Respect them as equals, and more than likely they will open up and show you the spots the locals go, and warn you where not to go. Travelling with the locals is the safest approach, of course. Don't jump out of your seat when the driver blows their horn and waves to everyone. I think it's the Antiguan Greeting..two beeps..

Am_Fear_Liath_More: I have known several charter boat captains and owners in the lesser antilles, some for 20 years. There is piracy and kidnapping occurring down there. It's not publicized like the piracy in the waters of the mid to far east, but it does exist.
From what I understand the heyday was during the 1980's when boats were used to move drugs into the US. Apparently Mexico is carrying that buden now, as boat thefts have dropped. Of course, hanging a few people didn't hurt either. And it's easier to hijack a running boat in the ocean than to sneak into a marina, find the hidden kill-swiches for the fuel pumps, start the boat and get out of dodge before the locals decide to feed the thieves to the props.

Don't wonder off.
Stay in groups.
If you are female stay with males.