CAMILLAS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Many central New Yorkers will be avoiding the cold weather next week for a February vacation and instead traveling somewhere much warmer than here.
This Caribbean country happens to be a hotspot at this time of year.
According to AAA Western and Central New York, popular destinations for Western New Yorkers and Central New Yorkers from February 17th to February 25th are Caribbean cruises, Orlando, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Aruba. , Jamaica, Sydney and Australia cruise. , Madrid and Cancun, Mexico. However, the government says travel to certain parts of the Caribbean is far from ideal at this time.
The U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for multiple locations, including Jamaica, the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Travel advisories have also been issued in parts of Europe, including France, Italy and the United Kingdom.
“Here in the Northeast, everyone wants to go anywhere warm this time of year,” said Deanna Taylor, AAA's senior travel advisor for Western and Central New York.
One of those warm regions is Jamaica. This tropical island ranks #5 locally as a top destination. Despite a travel warning issued last month, several people from central New York plan to head to New York next week for the February holidays, Taylor said.
Taylor said she probably only received one or two phone calls when the travel advisory was first issued, but the travel advisory didn't deter her.
It also does not deter the U.S. Department of State from reissuing a Level 3 travel warning based on crime and medical services. The government has warned travelers of a high number of violent crimes, including armed robbery and murder.
The advisory also said sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.
“All-inclusive resorts are also very popular when it comes to vacation travel in Jamaica, which raises some concerns,” Taylor said.
So what precautions should you take if you're heading to a tropical island or other destination on the travel advisory list? Governments should research the country they're traveling to and take into account the local laws, security environment, and culture. I am telling you to get to know yourself well. Also, find out what medical health services are covered abroad in case you encounter a medical emergency.
“No matter where you travel, common sense is very important. That's why you don't want to wander into unfamiliar territory alone.” We have to,” Taylor said.
Taylor said no customers have canceled trips to Jamaica so far, but there have been cancellations in some parts of Europe.
