GREENSBORO, N.C. — Spring break is less than two months away for many Triad students. New warnings have been issued for two popular destinations.
U.S. leaders have strengthened travel warnings for Jamaica and the Bahamas. It happens when people are already planning their trip.
WFMY News 2's Nixon Norman learned what to do after speaking with a woman and two travel agents who are currently in the Bahamas for vacation.
Citing increased crime, the State Department on Friday issued a Level 2 travel advisory for travelers to the country. That means visitors to the Bahamas are being asked to be “extremely cautious.”
The government is warning anyone heading to Nassau to be wary of the “over-the-hill” area, which it says has seen an increase in murders due to gang violence, mainly among locals.
According to the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas, there have been 18 murders since the start of 2024.
He also said robberies, armed robberies and sexual assaults occur both in areas created for tourists and those that are not. People should be careful when staying in short-term rental properties without private security.
The Level 2 advisory issued for the Bahamas is just above Level 1 to “take normal precautions.” Level 3 is “consider traveling” and level 4 is “cancel travel.”
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Holly Suppe is currently in the Bahamas, visiting Freeport and Nassau. She said she learned of the travel advisory the day before she was to leave on her vacation with her family.
“It was a little bit scary, but mostly we were just being cautious,” Sappe said.
Once at her destination, she began asking locals and cruise ship employees about the recommendations. “The locals weren't phased at all and didn't even know about it. By the time we got to the excursion, I talked to people and I was totally fine,” Suppe said. Ta.
But what exactly is a travel advisory?
Ginny Maurer, senior travel expert at Cruise Planners, said, “The U.S. government is just investigating every place in the world and issuing exactly what advisories and things to watch out for. They range from Level 1 to Caution. There are a wide range of things to do.'' It's level 5. ”
The Bahamas is currently under a Level 2 advisory, and Shane Lawrence, co-owner and travel agent at Imagine Travel Vacations, said these advisories take the entire country into consideration.
As long as you stay close to a resort, you should be fine, Lawrence said, adding: “If you're a tourist and you're in the wrong place, where you obviously shouldn't be, you can be at risk.'' may be exposed to.” Although targeted, as with any resort, they want their tourists to be safe and happy. ”
It is also important to keep a copy of your passport with you at home, avoid taking taxis, and avoid physical resistance if you are robbed.
As for Jamaica, the country is at level 3.
The U.S. State Department also advises never answering the door at a hotel or rental property unless you know who is who.
RELATED: Jamaican resort faces 'historic' sexual assault problem
