As I'm sitting here on my flight to Panama, I couldn't feel safer where I'm about to explore.
But there are a couple of other powerhouse Caribbean getaways that have long been some of Americans' most sought-after paradises for entirely different reasons — with the exception of glorious beaches.
Unfortunately, the U.S. Embassy has put a damper on travelers' plans. Not to sound too punny, but it's not the majestic ruins of one country set to ruin an epic vacation, it's a government-implemented State of Emergency (SOE).
As for the other, it's no real surprise. Though it appears the rubber has met the road as this isn't even close to the first go-around for the Embassy to issue an eye-catching security alert.
Yet this time it's even more concerning as you may not have access to basic amenities, unless your hotel of choice runs on generators.
Even then, it's iffy.
But enough of the appetizer…
Let's get to the “meat and taters”, as my stepdad says.
The U.S. Embassy has issued 2 travel security alerts for popular Caribbean beach destinations:
Government Declares 30-Day State Of Emergency In Belize 🇧🇿
How honest do we wanna be today?
Should I let my intrusive thoughts run wild?
Well, I haven't exactly been shy that Belize was not the best experience for me on my one and only visit…
This is my shocked face (😑) that an uptick in crime has triggered a State of Emergency.
But hey, I'm not claiming to be Nostradamus, or even Miss Cleo. I'm just saying given my own personal experience, I've never felt more out of place anywhere else.
Not even at my ex's family get-togethers, but I'll save those stories for another day…
That said, I've never stepped foot in Belize City — the main destination highlighted in the latest alert.
These are the following areas to avoid due to “a recent increase in crime”:
- Ladyville Village
- Burrell Boom Village
- Fresh Pound Community
- Buttercup Estates
- Bermudian Landing Village
- Lemonal Village
- Isabella Bank
- Rancho Dolores Village
- Double Head Cabbage Village
Here's the thing about Belize City: it's rarely any tourists' go-to spot.
Unless you're bankrolling and chartering a seaplane — and if that's the case, let's be friends — in all likelihood, your gateway into Belize to venture off to actual worthwhile beach havens like Caye Caulker and Placencia are typically reached via Belize City, home to the country's main airport.
As part of the 30-day SOE, the Embassy reminds visitors the government may detain anyone deemed to be a nuisance to the public, so it's best to avoid any large gatherings.
Additionally, travelers are advised to follow these steps to remain safe:
- Follow guidelines of local authorities; in case of emergency, call 911.
- Keep up with the Government of Belize Press Office Facebook and website pages.
- Contact the Belize Government Press Office at info@pressoffice.gov.bz or +501-822-0759 regarding the State of Emergency.
- Check local media for updates.
- Read the State Department’s Belize Travel Advisory .
- Inform friends and family of your location at all times.
Travelers are currently scoring Belize with 70/100 on our Safety Index tool:
Topics such as these are the perfect time to remind you to double-check Travel Alerts and Entry Requirements before your trip.
Dark Times In Cuba
There may be no more timeless destination on Earth than Cuba, with its classic cars smogging its storied roadways and crumbled, yet colorfully charming cityscape of Havana.
But as I said earlier, the rubber is meeting the road for its timeless allure. Cuba's infrastructure has long needed an upgrade.
As such, locals and tourists alike are feeling the pain — and it doesn't like the kind of travel memories you hope to make.
Those classic cars I just mentioned? Well, they're certainly not Teslas.
They guzzle fuel, which Cuba is failing to deliver for a myriad of reasons.
The Embassy used the word “unstable” to describe not only Cuba's fuel shortage in their security alert, but its power grid in general.
Power outages are becoming unpredictable with some scheduled and others coming out of nowhere.
The lack of electricity has caused major problems with water supply, lighting, refrigeration, and communications.
Ah, “refrigeration”
That brings back unwanted memories as Cuba was the only country I've been insanely sick from food poisoning.
Word to the wise — be careful what you eat right now.
Unlike Belize, there's no timeframe for this crisis. But frustration has spilled into protests where violent attacks have been reported.
Additionally, travelers are advised to follow these steps to remain safe:
- Avoid crowds whenever possible
- Conserve fuel, water, food and mobile phone charge. Be prepared for unpredictable disruption.
- Remain aware of heavy police presence as well as traffic detours and transit interruptions.
- Check local media for updates.
- Review daily updates from UNE (Unión Eléctrica) and follow UNE’s social media profiles.
- Keep in touch with family and friends.
- Pack a portable battery banks for emergency phone power.
- Bring flashlights and spare batteries.
- Stock up on nonperishable food and refreshments.
- Preparing for alternative methods of meeting your medical needs if they require power.
Travelers are currently scoring Belize with 72/100 on our Safety Index tool:
