Today’s Q&A – Bahamas Travel Advisory
Each day we'll feature a listener question submitted through one of these methods.
Email: Brian Mudd@iheartmedia.com
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Today's entry: Brian, can you explain the travel warning to the Bahamas? I'm considering a multi-stop cruise, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea. What happened to those two women is terrifying!
Conclusion: Two mothers from Kentucky who came to Freeport's Pirate Cove during a Carnival cruise had undoubtedly one of the most gruesome experiences Americans have heard of in years. . Not since the murder of an American in the Dominican Republic in 2019 has an event provoked such a strong reaction in the travel industry. drugging and rape Of the two women. If you're an experienced traveler, you'll know that many destinations have tightened travel warnings in recent years. Unfortunately, that's the reality. Ashley and I have been together for the past 10 years, about 7 years ago when our vacation in Greece was canceled due to safety concerns, and another time when the security guard didn't want us to leave a resort in Cabo without protection. I experienced this myself over the years. That's just the world we live in. But here's the problem. Are we really paying attention to the information available, or are we just booking a vacation because it seems like a good time?
As a result of the incident, Carnival and Royal Caribbean are now advising passengers to “remain on board” at the ports of Grand Bahama and Nassau. Regarding your question, here's my advice when traveling outside of the US these days. Please review the Department of State's recommendations and make an informed decision.
Most people don't know that well over 200 countries around the world have travel advisories in place. The State Department is excellent.. This includes popular destinations like Jamaica, which is currently under a Level 3 alert advising people to “reconsider travel”. Most Americans think they are safe if an American travel company takes them. Actually not at all. He has two important things to remember. As an American, you have the freedom to make your own decisions about travel, and the companies that take you on trips are motivated by making money by doing so. As a free market capitalist, that's not a bad thing. However, it is wise to be aware, personally informed, and accountable, rather than relying on third parties with their own agendas. There are four levels of travel advisories.
- be careful
- Be careful about increasing your exercise level
- rethink travel
- don't travel
As for the Bahamas, it was on January 26, prior to the recent sexual assault of a mother of two, that the State Department raised the advisory alert for the Bahamas to Level 2. Recommendations say:
- Be extra careful in the Bahamas. crime.
- Country overview: The majority of crime occurs on New Providence Island (Nassau) and Grand Bahama Island (Freeport). In Nassau, vigilance was increased in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street), where gang violence has resulted in high homicide rates that primarily affect local residents. Violent crimes such as robbery, armed robbery, and sexual assault occur in both tourist and non-tourist destinations. Be careful when staying in a short-term vacation rental without a private security company.
If you decide to travel to the Bahamas:
I reported it. Now you can make a more informed decision. However, on a personal note, there are some trips I was unable to take due to travel advisories. Some of it is things we've both always wanted to do but don't feel safe doing. Visits to Egypt, which consistently maintains a Level 3 advisory from the State Department. In my book, vacations aren't really fun if you're worried about whether what you're doing or where you're going is safe.
