LITTLE ROCK, AR — Spring break will be over in just over a month, and many of us will be heading out of town.
New travel alerts issued by the U.S. State Department for the Bahamas and Jamaica are causing concern and causing some families to reconsider or cancel their trips.
The U.S. State Department says the advisory is being put into effect because crime is on the rise in these countries.
“I don't want to put my children in any danger,” Miranda Kuykendall said. “When you go on vacation, you want to relax and have fun without worrying about anything. If you can't do that, there's no point in going.”
Kuykendall decided to cancel her family's spring break trip to the Bahamas after seeing the travel advisory reach Level 2, which means travelers need to take extra precautions.
“That was enough for me not to go,” Kuykendall said. “I don't want to take any risks.”
But that doesn't mean the fun is spoiled for Kuykendall and his family. They are still planning trips to other places.
“Look into it,” Kuykendall said. “Please be careful, especially if you are traveling with children. Of course you want to be safe.”
Many others are in a similar situation and are trying to consider their options.
Jamaica is also under a Level 3 travel advisory, meaning you should reconsider your plans to travel there.
“We got a call, too,” said Cindy Miner, owner of Small World Big Fun Travel Agency. “In March and April, we were getting a lot of calls from families who were planning trips. We're having those conversations.”
Miner said the agency helps customers plan trips to the Bahamas and Jamaica.
“I think the vast majority are waiting,” Miner said. “They're just waiting to see how they feel about it.”
Miner said people need to think about it and decide when they have to make the final payment or penalty date.
“If you say, 'I really feel like I need to change,' I'm willing to make that change,” Miner said. “So we have as many options as possible for other dates and locations.”
Miner said people should do what's best for their families.
“There's no need to have a knee-jerk reaction out of fear,” Minor says. “If you don't have to, you want to make that decision based on good judgment.” [and] Good information. ”
