In article ,
Skip Elliott Bowman writes
>"Tom Withycombe" wrote in message
>news:XriLElA6bV7FFwHx@etml.demon.co.uk...
>> In article , Rita Daggett
>> writes
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> St. Lucia was not one of our favorite stops. It was in the midst of a
>>>> serious crime wave at the time... or so they told us... and we were
>>>> warned to be extremely careful. In view of that, it's probably not our
>>>> best choice even if the resort itself is quite fine.
>>>>
>>>> Chuck
>>>
>>>Been to St Lucia three times now and would not hesitate to go back - I
>>>dont
>>>think the 'crime' is any worse than anywhere else - just be careful!
>>>Antigua is supposed to have some of the best beaches but cant make a
>>>recommendation re a hotel. Other than the beaches, its not very scenic
>>>tho.
>>>
>>>
>> Sorry .... have to disagree a bit on ANU. The south western quarter of
>> Antigua is very beautiful indeed. English Harbour, Freemans Bay, Shirley
>> Heights etc. are extremely attractive both scenically and historically.
>>
>> But I _do_ agree with Rita and others on St. Lucia. I have visited on
>> several occasions and never seen/experienced any crime problem and the
>> scenery in the Southern half of the island - again especially the
>> south-west - is absolutely spectacular. I recently had the opportunity to
>> visit the new Jade Mountain part of Anse Chastanet. Absolutely amazing
>> ..... if this sounds like a commercial I apologise but take a look at the
>> website to get an impression - http://www.jademountainstlucia.com.
>>
>> TomW.
>> --
>> Tom Withycombe
>> Dorset/UK
>
>Tom is right. There is no more crime per se in the Caribbean than in NYC or
>San Francisco, the two most popular tourism destinations in America.
>
>I wrote a magazine article on crime while traveling, and it applies to the
>Caribbean as well. It isn't that there are more criminals there; it's that
>there are more crimes of opportunity.
>
>We see those palm tree-lined, white sand beaches, get drunk on tropical air
>as well as rum punch, and the calypso music is seductive. Plus we're far
>away from home in a land that resembles the paradise of our dreams. So we
>let our defenses down. Thieves see this and operate accordingly.
>
>If we use the same level of security on vacation as we do at home, there
>should be no problem:
>
>* Leave no valuables in sight even in a locked car
>
>* Leave expensive, flashy jewelry at home
>
>* Keep cash/credit cards/passport locked up in your room safe or in the
>hotel safe--take only what you need that day
>
>* Don't get drunk/stoned in unfamiliar areas around strangers
>
>* Don't accept drinks from strangers
>
>* Have the concierge or restaurant hostess call a cab for you
>
>That sort of thing. Make security second nature the same as at home and
>you'll have no more problem on vacation than at home.
>
>
It's sad that we have to be so security conscious.... we _should_ be
able to say "Thanks" and accept a drink from a stranger ( as a Scot that
appeals to me!) - but common sense and a bit of intelligence should take
care of all but the most unfortunate of situations. I have had the
pleasure of visiting the Caribbean as well as the US on many occasions.
I know it's no true comparison for all the obvious reasons but I can
honestly say that I have never, ever had the slightest problem in any
part of the Caribbean other than having a jack lifted from the back of
an open mini-moke on Bonaire (my fault and the rental company didn't
care or charge me).
OTOH I definitely _have_ had problems in Boston, Chicago (twice - and
it's still my favourite US city), NYC, at DFW and in Arizona. I don't
recommend my friends not to go to the US on vacation. I think it's a
great place to visit. I tell them to visit and enjoy that beautiful
country. But I also recommend that they to keep their eyes open and "use
the head". Skip has clearly laid out some sensible "rules" above.
Unfortunately they apply to an increasing number of countries these
days.
But don't be paranoid .... travel, be sensible and enjoy the experiences
which await you.
Tom W.
--
Tom Withycombe
Dorset/UK |