To think the Caribbean isn’t that safe?

[Senderandme]

My DH and I want some winter sun over Xmas hols. We have a 4 year old. My DH wants to go somewhere ‘really hot’ so ha suggested the Caribbean but I can’t help but think I’d end of worrying about my child’s safety when I’m there. AIBU? Are there any places people have been before that they felt safe in and would recommend? TIA

I’ve been to the DR several times, never been advised not to leave the hotel. Don’t wear flashy jewellery and watches, yes, don’t go on the beach at night. I’ve been to a couple of places where it felt safer to stick to the main shopping street and not explore the back streets.
I’ve also been to Barbados several times and have to say one of the things I love about it is that it does feel safe and comfortable to explore. Partly because it’s so small- there’s basically one big road and one big bus route up and down the island, so you’d have to try quite hard to get lost- and partly because everyone speaks English. We did accidentally get in between a dealer and his contact at the fish fry once, but that could happen here. We just moved.

I’ve been to the Dom Rep and wandered about off resort with no issues. Having said that I’ve also been to Kenya and organised my own transport and trips out. It depends on your internal risk radar and how much you research the areas you want to visit. On resort you will be very safe and if you are only planning a hotel, swim and beach holiday will be perfectly fine in any of those destinations.

Yeah that’s nowhere near the Caribbean.

I'd avoid Turks and Caicos. My mum was held up at gunpoint there and robbed.

I didn’t feel very safe in Jamaica. You can try and look not flashy, but you’ve obviously got thousands of pounds to spend on a holiday - so are wealthy.

Have you not seen all the films about pirates????

Go to Saint Lucia it is very safe, the people and friendly and its an absolutely beautiful Island

My cousin lives in Jamaica and hates it, he said he feels scared all the time. He doesn't live in a tourist area though.

I worked in travel. Only one we would advise about would be Jamaica to stay in resort due to gangs etc. they're absolutely fine

@Lcb123
You'll be fine in a resort. We just had our honeymoon in Mauritius, was much cheaper and less jet lag. And very safe, we went out a lot on our own.
😂

What makes you think the entire Caribbean is unsafe?

This

It'll be unconscious bias unfortunately

I've been to Barbados and St. Lucia. I felt completely safe in both places. The people were amazingly nice and helpful.

There's quite a difference between BVI and Jamaica

Avoid Jamaica

I have a house in Cuba, it is very safe!

Went to Jamaica as a solo traveller 4 years ago - loved it. Came back safe and sound.

Parents lived out there for 8 years. Came back to the UK safe and sound.

Just got back from Dominica (not Dominican Republic). Absolutely fine.

Unfortunately, the Caribbean does have a bad rep but I remember when London was rife with knife crime a few years ago; I don't know whether that stopped many people coming over, fearing for their safety. There will always be 'good' and 'not so good' parts.

If you stay at the resorts and book excursions with reps at the hotel, you'll be good. That's what I did.

A friend goes to st Bart’s every year and it’s known for being safe.

I've been to Mexico, Cancun area with my kids. It felt very safe.

OP Cuba is safe and great with kids.

We went to Guadeloupe a couple of years ago, and other than the surprisingly high murder rate for British actors, it felt fine!

I've travelled to a lot of the islands and walked out of resort independently in all of them, including Jamaica! Like anywhere there are great areas and ones you wouldn't want to walk through alone - much like large towns all over the world. I'm back to Jamaica next year so can't be all bad. My favourite is Grenada 🇬🇩 If you want to be somewhere that feels 'safer everywhere then Barbados, Aruba, Bonaire, BVI and St Lucia fit the bill.
For really safe try a Caribbean cruise?

Grace Bay Turks & Caicos is very safe. I wouldn’t go to DR. Puerto Rico, Cayman (away from the cruise line port), Bahamas, Anguilla and st barts are good too.

Barbados is extremely safe. Im cabin crew.
Barbados feel free to roam anywhere with kids even at night, no need for all inclusive resort.

Antigua also safe but bot so much to do, so a resort is best.

Dominican and or jamaica, i wouldnt go. I dont feel safe & the resorts are like posh jail.

I don’t think I would take young kids to Jamaica or DR. I’ve been to Jamaica before and the locals warned me not to go anywhere by myself.

Barbados always felt safe to me, St Lucia too.