US State Department Issues New Travel Advisory For Popular Caribbean Island

The U.S. State Department raised the chance stage for a singular Caribbean island that has been rising in reputation these days. The replace particularly provides a “crime” threat indicator and refreshes the advisory abstract.

The advisory is not a strict “don’t go” warning, however there are some things the State Department needs vacationers to concentrate on that we’ll dig into extra under.

But first, I’ll add some private context right here, as a result of I’ve acquired a reasonably distinctive relationship with this specific vacation spot: I’ve lived on the island twice—six months at a time, every time.

View over the beach of Grande Anse, Grenada, Windward Islands, West Indies, Caribbean, Central America

We even just lately highlighted this island for security, so the advisory comes as a little bit of a shock.

As a 2-time resident of The Isle of Spice, seeing a safety replace for Grenada cross my information desk made me suppose again to after we known as the island dwelling.

First, we lived proper on Morne Rouge Beach (aka BBC Beach), and later in L’Anse aux Épines, close to Spice Affair (the BEST Indian restaurant on planet earth, you may’t change my thoughts) and the brewery (West Indies Beer Company).

In my expertise, Grenada felt fairly secure day-to-day, and I by no means personally bumped into something that made me really feel at risk. I’d take this new Level 2 designation with a grain of salt.

That stated, journey advisories exist for a purpose, and it’s sensible to take them severely, with out turning them right into a horror film trailer.

Managing Editor Tyler Fox with his Golden Retiever on BBC beach in Grenada on a walk — *Me and my canine, Nala, used to stroll this seashore each single morning. I miss dwelling in Grenada and extremely suggest trying out BBC Beach*

What The New Advisory Actually Says

Grenada is now thought-about a Level 2 vacation spot, and the advisory’s core message is easy: train elevated warning as a result of crime.

In the up to date abstract, the State Department notes that violent crime can happen wherever in Grenada, and cites incidents affecting American residents, together with armed theft, assault, housebreaking, and extra.

It additionally notes that, in some circumstances, Americans have been killed, and that police response occasions could also be slower than what vacationers anticipate within the U.S.

Those are heavy traces to learn—particularly about a spot many individuals affiliate with calm seashores, rainforest hikes, and world-class scuba diving (it is the place we realized to dive and nonetheless my favourite place on earth for it!)

But it’s additionally vital to recollect: the State Department’s advisories are usually written for most readability and warning, and so they’re not the identical factor as a “this is happening to every traveler” assertion.

Tyler and Liz Fox in Grenada with Golden Retriever on Morne Rouge Beach — *Still dreaming about this seashore, and sure, we have been mainly the one folks on the island with a Golden.*

What Level 2 Means For Your Trip

Level 2 doesn’t imply you must cancel. It means you must journey like you will have widespread sense—and never “vacation brain.”

If you’re the kind of traveler who already:

doesn’t flash money,
retains valuables locked up,
avoids lonely streets late at evening,
and doesn’t get wildly intoxicated in unfamiliar locations…

…then you definitely’re already dwelling in “Level 2 mode,” whether or not you’re within the Caribbean, Europe, or your individual hometown.

If you desire a fast solution to test advisory ranges for wherever you’re contemplating (or to check Grenada with close by islands), you should utilize our Travel Advisory Checker tool.

Front porch overlooking BBC beach in Grenada with Tyler Fox reading kindle book — *Still cannot imagine this was my porch view for a time…*

Practical Safety Tips (That Don’t Ruin The Vibe)

The State Department’s recommendation is refreshingly particular, and it aligns with what I’d suggest for Grenada anyway:

Don’t bodily resist in a theft try.
Use warning at evening when strolling or driving (bear in mind it is on the left right here!).
Keep a low profile and keep conscious of your environment.
Don’t open your resort/residence door until who it’s.

Just a few “real life” add-ons from me:

Stick to well-reviewed transportation. If you’re utilizing taxis, ask your resort to name one, or use a trusted native contact when potential. Uber would not exist right here, however I’ve heard good issues about Haylup (by no means used it myself as I rented a automobile after I lived there).
Be further conscious in busy arrival zones. Cruise passengers particularly can stand out as “fresh off the ship,” which might entice opportunists wherever on the planet. Keep telephones and wallets secured, particularly in crowded areas. I did not spend a ton of time on the town (the place cruises will drop you), however I can positively see how just a few thousand folks pouring in might deliver out opportunists.
Remember that Grenada’s seashores are public. This is among the issues I genuinely love concerning the island—it feels open and actual, not gated-off. But it additionally means you shouldn’t assume “because I’m at a resort beach, I’m automatically in a bubble.” Be aware along with your belongings in case you’re posted up on the sand.

Why Grenada Still Belongs On Your Shortlist

Here’s the half I don’t wish to get misplaced: Grenada is gorgeous—and it’s nonetheless probably the most underrated Caribbean getaways on the market. I completely cherished my time there and would go to once more in a heartbeat.

You’ve acquired:

unbelievable diving (together with the well-known underwater sculpture park). We all the time dove with Dive Grenada and had a unbelievable expertise each time. (Over 50 dives).
lush inside hikes and waterfalls
pleasant communities
and seashores which can be legitimately postcard-level

I’ve stated it earlier than, however I’ll say it once more: BBC Beach (Morne Rouge) is my private favourite. It’s the type of seashore that makes you overlook what day it’s—in a great way. And in case you prefer to snorkel, enter the seashore on the fitting and swim out the the purpose, you will discover coral, sponges, and loads of marine life (the reel under is from the realm).

And simply a few weeks in the past, we even highlighted Grenada as a top pick in our coverage of Caribbean travel—so this advisory replace doesn’t erase what makes the island particular.

It merely means try to be sensible about how you progress when you’re there.

Two Smart “Do This Before You Go” Moves

Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). It’s free, and it helps the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.

Consider travel insurance—particularly in case your journey contains non-refundable stays, diving excursions, or multi-stop flights. (Even a easy delayed-baggage state of affairs can get costly quick.)

Tyler Fox

Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years studying, writing, and obsessing over journey (whereas taking journeys as usually as potential in fact!), he goals to offer readers the very best and most balanced expertise potential when exploring the location.

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