Looking for the safest Caribbean islands? These are the safest islands (for families, couples, and solo travelers) and the best places to stay in each one!

Due to the beautiful weather, laid-back ocean vibes, and great activities, the Caribbean is a region that I find myself returning to time and time again. However, not all Caribbean islands are created equal in terms of safety, and it definitely pays to know the particular risks of each island and take precautions.

That said, no matter where you travel in the Caribbean, common sense security practices will go a long way in making sure you stay safe.

Remember to plan your trip around hurricane season, be cautious when flashing around valuables, don’t leave your personal items unattended, stay near well-lit and populated areas at night, purchase travel insurance (we use Visitors Coverage), and know the local emergency numbers to call in case of any issues.

Chances are, you’ll have a great time in the Caribbean if you stay aware of the possible dangers. After traveling extensively in this part of the world, we’ve gathered this list to help you choose the safest islands to visit!

Safest Caribbean Islands In 2022

Aruba

Located outside the hurricane belt just off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is an extremely safe destination that pretty much guarantees excellent weather no matter when you visit.

Getting around Aruba is simple in that the island is compact and modern. Plus, between the beaches, adventure activities, and cultural experiences you won’t run out of things to do!

In regards to safety, use common sense in Aruba and don’t leave your belongings unattended or flash around valuables. Other than that, be sure to stock up on sunscreen, as those UV rays are pretty intense.

If you want to learn more about Caribbean marine life, this private snorkel tour will get you out on and underneath the water to explore more of this island! And if you don’t want to rent your own car to explore on land, this half-day tour will allow you to see all of the best sites in one day.

 
Where to Stay in Aruba
For a luxury stay in Aruba, I highly recommend the Renaissance Aruba Resort, while if you’re looking for something more affordable check out Talk of the Town Beach Hotel.

Read more: 10 Best Things To Do In Aruba

Turks & Caicos

Technically located in the Atlantic, the Turks & Caicos islands are still considered to be a part of the Caribbean.

In terms of both overall crime and crime against tourists, Turks & Caicos ranks as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Made up of an archipelago of 40 islands, you can expect a wide range of activities on Turks & Caicos including whale watching, kiteboarding, snorkeling, sailing, having a barbecue, and checking out the local history.

It’s important to note that the majority of people reside on the main island of Providenciales, and as such most of the crime does happen there, although it’s still very safe. South Caicos, North and Middle Caicos, and Salt Cay report very little crime against tourists.

Also, be aware that Turks & Caicos doesn’t have any widespread public transportation, so take caution when getting around. Although there are taxis, always be sure to confirm the price of the ride before you get in the vehicle as the drivers might try to hike up the fare once you get to your destination.

In addition to the taxis, you’ll also spot minibuses, or “jitney’s”, although they’re mostly for local workers and are best avoided. I find the easiest way to get around is by renting a car.

 
Where to Stay in Turks & Caicos
Point Grace Resort & Spa is a beautiful luxury accommodation that won’t disappoint, while La Vista Azul Resort is a great mid-budget location in Turtle Bay.

Read more: 10 Best Things To Do In Turks and Caicos (Providenciales) and Tips For Planning An Unforgettable Honeymoon In Turks & Caicos

Cayman Islands

Located in the western Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands are made up of Grand Cayman (the largest, main island), Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, and has everything from luxury villas to secluded beaches.

You’ll find relaxing resorts and awesome scuba diving On Grand Cayman, great fishing on Cayman Brac, and diverse wildlife such as Iguanas and Red-footed Boobies on Little Cayman.

While crime against tourists in the Cayman Islands is rare, watch out for large cruise-ship crowds, as they’re rather busy and pickpocketing can happen. Additionally, if you plan on spending time in the water, watch out for Scorpionfish and Jellyfish, which will give a painful sting if you touch them and tend to disguise themselves quite well.

 
Where to Stay in the Cayman Islands
For a luxury stay on Grand Cayman, the Kimpton Seafire Resort is highly rated, while Sunshine Suites Resort is great for a mid-range stay.

St. Maarten

A beautiful Caribbean Island governed by both the French and the Dutch, St. Maarten is a luxurious destination where you’ll find excellent shopping, nightlife, beaches, lagoons, and mountains. While it may be a very small island, what it lacks in land mass it makes up for in beauty and activities.

St. Maarten is also a very safe island to visit, with crimes against tourists relatively low. Nevertheless, passport theft, petty theft, and car break-ins have been reported, so be sure to keep your eye on your valuables, lock up what you’re not using in a safe, and don’t leave anything of value in cars.

 
Where to Stay in St. Maarten
Princess Port de Plaisance is a gorgeous luxury resort in Philipsburg, while Sea View Beach Hotel or Alicia’s Inn are great if you’re traveling on a budget.

Barbados

A Caribbean cultural mecca, Barbados has incredible food, history, music, great surf, and lush nature. Whether you’re into discovering the UNESCO-affiliated capital of Bridgetown, lounging on the beaches, or dancing the night away, Barbados has a scene for you. Plus, the people here are notoriously friendly.

While violent crimes against tourists are rare, have your guard up against petty theft, especially when in crowded areas, and if you want to enjoy some nightlife, plan on going with a group to avoid potential theft.

 
Where to Stay in Barbados
Accra Beach Hotel is a beautiful high-end accommodation option in Bridgetown, and All Seasons Resort is a great mid-range option. 

St. Lucia

No matter how many times I visit St. Lucia, it never fails to wow me. Not only does the island have a picture-perfect coastline, it’s filled with lush nature and mountains that tower over the sea. When in St. Lucia, I recommend visiting Pigeon Island National Park, Castries Market, Tet Paul Nature Trail, and the luxurious Sulfur Springs.

In terms of safety measures to take on St. Lucia, try to avoid walking alone in isolated areas or at night, take taxi precautions, and if you rent a car, don’t go offroading unless you have a 4×4 as roads tend to be narrow and rough at times.

Also be aware that wearing camouflage in St. Lucia is banned, as it’s thought of as imitating military personnel.

 
Where to Stay in St. Lucia
The Landings Resort & Spa, Ti Kaye Resort & Spa, and Anse Chastanet Resort are all beautiful luxury properties. For something more mid-budget, check out Coco Palm.

Read more: St. Lucia Travel Guide & Packing Tips

Anguilla

One of the most idyllic, laid-back islands in the Caribbean, Anguilla is about 12 miles north of St. Maarten and is mostly a luxury destination where water-sports reign.

Expect a lot of snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottomed kayaking, water-skiing, and sailing on your visit. The island is also known for its live music – whether you’re into reggae or something a little softer, you’ll find a nightlife spot.

Due to the high standards and precautions taken by locals, crime against tourists is very low. On your trip to Anguilla, your biggest concerns will be to not travel there during hurricane season and to confirm the price with taxi drivers before you get in the car, as there is no public transportation.

 
Where to Stay in Anguilla
Zemi Beach Resort & Spa is a top-rated luxury option in Anguilla, while Carimar Beach Club is great for mid-budgets.

Martinique

A beautiful, natural island that’s part of the Lesser Antilles, Martinique is a heavily French-influenced destination with azure waters, palm trees, and rugged volcanic regions. However, while the island is definitely known for its beauty, it also has amazing cultural experiences and dining.

When in Martinique, hike to Mount Pelee, a volcano that will give you awesome views of the ocean, scuba dive at Diamond Rock, and laze around on Les Salines beach.

Fun fact, in 2016 Martinique was designated the safest destination in the Caribbean by the Caribbean Tourism Quality Index. Yet, while Martinique is fairly safe, be sure to exercise normal precautions. Also, as a note to keep in the back of your mind, it’s best not to be alone in areas such as Fort-de-France after dark, as muggings have happened in the past.

 
Where to Stay in Martinique
Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa is a highly rated luxury option in Martinique, while Karibea La Valmenière Hotel is a great middle of the road property in Fort-de-France.

St. Barts

Only 18 miles off the shore of St. Maarten, St. Barts is a high-end destination known for its designer boutiques and picturesque beaches. On the island do some designer shopping, head to a beach club, laze around on beautiful Colombier Beach, head into the capital city of Gustavia, or try out some water sports.

While there are no specific precautions to take against violent crime or petty theft, exercise normal precautions in protecting yourself from any incidents. Honestly, besides potential one-off occurrences, the biggest things to look out for on St. Barts is protecting yourself from bug bites and the harsh rays of the tropical sun.

 
Where to Stay in St. Barts
Le Sereno and Hotel Christopher Saint Barth are beautiful luxury options in Gustavia.

Bonaire

While Bonaire is well-known for its sustainable tourism efforts and laid-back vibe, it’s also known for being a very safe island. The island is pristine and offers so many awesome activities such as caving, horseback riding, sailing, hiking, and of course, diving. In fact, Bonaire is world-renowned as being a top diving spot!

To keep yourself safe on Bonaire, be aware that break-ins and robberies have been reported, so always make sure to lock your doors and keep valuables safely stowed away.

Additionally, when you’re in the water beware of the fire coral and sea urchins as they’re super painful to step on and will put a damper on your trip.

 
Where to Stay in Bonaire
Ocean View Villas, Kas Hamaka, and Bridanda Apartments Bonaire are all great apartment options in Bonaire. If you’re looking for a great dive resort, then check out Courtyard by Marriott Bonaire Dive Resort.

Read more: Bonaire Travel Guide + Packing Tips

The Virgin Islands

A group of islands and islets separated in two subsets dubbed the U.S. and the British Virgin Islands. As the name implies, the U.S. Virgin Islands are territory of the United States and the British Virgin Islands are British territory.

These islands house some of the clearest and most beautiful beaches in the world on islands of all sizes. Each island has its own unique appeal and many are closely situated together to allow for easy island hopping.

The largest islands of the USVI are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas and they are all full of the most idealistic island scenery, resorts and exploration. The USVI is known to have a lively nightlife and an ‘Americanized’ family-friendly vibe.

Meanwhile the BVI’s four largest islands are Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. Keep in mind that visiting the BVI does require a passport! The BVI is a little quieter, less developed and can seem to have more of an ‘authentic’ island feel.

Both groups of islands are relatively safe and quiet. You will just want to use usual precautions when getting around such as not walking alone at night, and leave night driving to a taxi driver as roads are windy, dimly lit and cars drive on the left side of the road.

Grenada

Noted as the ‘Isle of Spice’, Grenada is an Island Country within the West Indies about 100 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela. Created by volcanic origin, here you will find a mixture of sprawling green landscape, deep valleys and waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters, and even fragrant herb and spice gardens most notably of cocoa, bananas, nutmeg and mace.

Grenada is generally safe to visit, but stick to using your common sense to not put yourself in a potentially bad situation. Secure and keep track of all your personal items, use licensed taxi services and stay alert at all times.

 
Where to Stay in Grenada
For budget options, we recommend Blue Horizons Garden Resort and La Sagesse Hotel. 

St. Kitts and Nevis

Creating a dual-island nation, St. Kitts and Nevis are two islands that offer both unique and shared experiences.

Being the larger island, St. Kitts is known for Mount Liamuiga Volcano, the highest point on the island offering endless hikes and exploration where you may even be able to see some green vervet monkeys.

Traveling over to the smaller island of Nevis, you will be greeted with picturesque beaches lined with palm trees, and all of the water and nature excursions you could imagine. The waters between the two islands are often known for the dive site, Booby High Shoals, a 40-ft dive site full of lobster, stingrays, turtles and even nurse sharks.

Most visits to this area are trouble-free, however, always use caution when traveling in areas you are not familiar with. Avoid walking/traveling alone, or at night and leave valuables at your accommodation. Stick to using licensed taxis and be aware of your surroundings.

 
Where to Stay in St. Kitts & Nevis
On Nevis, check out Golden Rock Nevis and on St. Kitts, the Royal St. Kitts Hotel. 

Antigua and Barbuda

An independent country comprised of two Islands, Antigua and Barbuda attract visitors for a variety of reasons. Most notably known for the reef-lined beaches, resorts and as a yachting hub, there are many other great allures to these destinations!

Fill your day with unique adventures like the historic Nelson’s Dockyard and Stingray City, schedule a helicopter tour, enjoy the wildlife or participate in a variety of watersports. For an added bonus, Antigua and Barbuda are the sunniest of the eastern Caribbean islands and offer low humidity year-round which can give you a lot more flexibility in your trip.

While traveling these islands, make sure to keep your belongings secure and close to you as pickpocketing and scamming tend to occur in areas with high tourism. Take time to research routes and areas you plan to visit and avoid less favorable areas.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a very popular tropical destination comprised of 16 major islands, 5,380 square miles of land and approximately 2,387 exposed reefs! It’s no wonder this is such a frequently visited piece of paradise when there is so much to see such as Captain Bill’s Blue Hole, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Surfers Beach and Dunmore Town.

When traveling to any popular tourist destination it is important to exercise common sense while venturing to highly trafficked areas and outside hotels.

Some of the safest islands in the Bahamas are; Exuma Islands, Cat Island, and Abacos Island while some areas to avoid may be Nassau’s Over the Hill area, Nassau’s Sand Trap area and Freeport in Grand Bahama.

Read more: How To Swim With Pigs In The Bahamas At Pig Beach

 
Where to Stay in The Bahamas
On Staniel Cay, I stayed at EMBRACE Resort and loved this small resort with so much to offer. Use our promo code TRAVEL21 when booking at EMBRACE Resort to get a 5% discount off your stay!
 

Caribbean Packing Essentials

Sun Protection: I don’t recommend heading to the tropics without a sun hat (or baseball cap), a pair of quality sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen.

Water Gear: I never go to the Caribbean without a swimsuit, quick-drying towel, rash guard, snorkel set, and a cover-up. Also, because of the stinging fish and urchin hazards, you’ll want a pair of rubber-soled water shoes.

Bug Protection: Bug spray, and light long-sleeved clothes for the evenings are musts in the Caribbean.

Pin it!

The post The Safest Caribbean Islands In 2022 (And Where to Stay!) appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

Buying gifts for the travelers in your life can often be tricky. Most travelers I know don’t like a lot of things to clutter their house . Small, useful items are key for anyone looking to buy gifts for the travelers in their lives.

Here are the 26 best travel gift ideas — including the best gifts for tech savvy travelers, outdoor adventurers, photographers and more!

Traveler Gift Guide: Top Ten Gift Ideas for Adventurers

Best Travel Gifts Under $50

Travel Neck Pillow

Whether you’re traveling by plane, train or car, a travel neck pillow can provide some added comfort to make the journey more enjoyable. this travel pillow is made from memory foam and is ergonomically designed to comfort all the right curves in your neck and spine.

Packing Cubes

We can all end the debate on the best way to pack a suitcase by getting these packing cubes. Not only do these cubes help with clothing organization, but you can also use a single cube as a carry on, and it keeps all your belongings compact to help eliminate the zipping-up-your-suitcase drama.

Toiletry Bottles

Reusable toiletry bottles are a great convenience and money saver while traveling. These have 3-layer leak-proof protection and are TSA approved. These specific bottles feature a wide opening which is great for cleaning them out and storing them until your next trip.

World Map Wall Art

This World Map Wall Art makes a great feature piece in any traveler’s home. Laying on vintage wood, but with a modern finish, it could compliment nearly any décor. This piece comes in four sizes and three colors to fit a variety of rooms within your home.

Passport Holder

This lightweight, two pocket passport holder won’t take up any extra room but will help you store your important travel documents together for easy access. The passport holder is soft and waterproof and even has a clear pocket that can be used to hold your vaccination card.

Travel Moisturizing Kit

Small products are great for traveling, and this gift set includes a few great hydration products that many of us easily forget to pack. There are a few different options depending on what your favorite types of products are, but no matter which you choose, they’re perfect to have on hand to throw into your suitcase on your way out the door.

Pocket Umbrella

I can’t tell you how many times we have had to buy an umbrella on a trip (we now have a drawer full of umbrellas). This Pocket Umbrella is small, compact, and lightweight, so we leave it in our luggage at all times, to avoid forgetting it!

Digital Luggage Scale

Ever gotten to the airline check-in desk to find that your bag is over the limit by just a few pounds? The EatSmart Digital Luggage Scale offers a comfortable grip for easy hauling of large and heavy bags — and it comes with a built-in scale to measure the load accurately. Never be stuck rearranging your baggage last-minute due to airport overweight fees again.

LifeProof iPhone Case

The LifeProof iPhone Case is on my wish list for this year, even though we have a great underwater camera (see below). The well-traveled technomad of today knows that a phone isn’t just a device to make calls on anymore—it’s a lifeline, a library, a GPS, and an emergency resource they can’t afford to lose.

The LifeProof iPhone case protects your phone not just from bumps and bruises, but even from being submerged in over 6 feet of water.

Travel Adapter

Nothing is more frustrating than going to plug in your phone or laptop and realizing you have an incompatible plug. The Satechi Travel-Router/Adapter solves the problem by providing international converter plugs for over 150 countries in one convenient device. It also provides an AC power port and USB port for charging phones and other electronics.

Best Gifts For Travel Photographers

Waterproof Backpack

I always regret when I don’t bring this waterproof backpack on my trips — especially when traveling to a tropical destination or any other place where rain is unpredictable. This backpack keeps your equipment safe and dry with plenty of space to spare. It’s also been ergonomically designed to support the weight without hurting your shoulders and back. 

Underwater Camera

A traditional camera doesn’t always fit every situation, but a GoPro gives you a lot of unique options. They’re small, waterproof, and produce great images!

This GoPro can take 5K Ultra HD videos and 20MP photos and it even has a front display and rear a touch screen! Though this camera is small, it is powerful in both battery and the work it does. It is equipped with hyper-smooth 3.0 for in-camera leveling.

Drone

For aerial footage and photographs, a drone is the perfect gift. Both of these drones are small, easily portable, and have between 30–34-minute flight time.

The DJI Mini SE is now lighter than ever which allows it to stay in the air for longer than similar drones. It supports 12MP aerial photos and can capture videos in 2.7K HD. This drone also features upgraded wind resistance and ensures ultra-smooth footage.

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is just as small and lightweight, but offers more elevated features. This model supports 48MP photos and captures videos in 4K as well as offers a wide range of intelligent features such as FocusTrack, true vertical shooting and many more. The tri-directional obstacle sensing helps keep the drone safe while out of your line of sight.

Gorillapod Flexible Tripod

Every experienced traveler knows that natural photo opportunities don’t always wait for you to set up your equipment. The GorillaPod SLR-Zoom Flexible Tripod’s easily arranged tripod legs allows it to quickly and reliably balance itself on any surface for that perfect shot.

Canon Compact Camera

It is not always possible to bring a full camera set-up with you on every trip. Having a smaller, yet high quality, camera for these instances can make sure you’re able to get a great shot no matter the situation. This Canon PowerShot Digital Camera has a lot of features in a small package. Though small, this camera has built in Wi-Fi, an LCD screen, offers high resolution images, and the ability to shoot in RAW mode.

Best Travel Gifts For Outdoor Adventurers

Anti-Theft Travel Daypack

Whether your travels take you walking through a new city, hiking in the rainforest or camping in complete solitude, this anti-theft travel daypack is useful to any type of adventurer. The anti-theft design has securable exterior zippers as well as an interior zipper pocket and a RFID safe pocket. It is also fitted with padded, adjustable shoulder straps for complete comfort.

Insulated Travel Water Bottle

Water bottles are almost an accessory now, people carry them around with them all day every day. This 17 oz stainless steel water bottle is double wall insulated to keep your water cold (or warm) all day long. It is powder coated to keep it from fading and scratching and is built to fit into most cup holders.

Camping/Backpacking Cooking Set

For the camping enthusiast, this camping/backpacking cooking set has all the cookware you will need stored within one lightweight bag. These sets are non-toxic, heat quickly and able to be hung over an open fire allowing you to cook however you’d like. The heat resistant handles make it even easier to use these at a campsite.

Travel Hammock

From lounging for a few hours to sleeping outside, no matter what season, this travel hammock is easy to set up so you can spend more time enjoying it than reading directions. It comes in both single and double options and folds up to the size of an eggplant. These hammocks are machine washable and built to last a lifetime.

Headlamp

Know someone who spends time outside at night? This ultra-bright LED headlamp is 15 times brighter than standard LED technology and will provide more than enough light for your camping activities or an emergency. It is rechargeable and water resistant to withstand whatever elements you’re in. It even offers green and red LED modes for night vision.

Microfiber Towel

Great for a devoted camper or beach-goer, the Rainleaf microfiber towel is fast drying and super absorbent for a multitude of needs. It will absorb water up to 5 times its weight and will dry quickly to allow for repeat use. It is ultra-compact and light weight as to not take up much room in your luggage.

Bugsaway Clothing

Nobody likes being eaten alive by bugs, but the chemical reek of bug spray isn’t pleasant either. I have bought Deet that actually stings my skin every time I put it on, so any opportunity for me to avoid harsh chemicals is a plus.

Bugsaway clothing is designed to fit well, look great, and repel bugs at the same time. Forget about mosquitos, ticks, flies, ants, and other little hassles that could ruin an otherwise great adventure.

Best Gifts For Tech Savvy Travelers

Small Portable Charger

Portable chargers are great to have around, it doesn’t have to just be for traveling! This small, portable charger is compatible with a wide range of phones, Airpods and more. It is compact with a sleek look and is powerful enough to give a full charge to your phone.

Amazon Kindle

For someone who enjoys a good book on the plane, an Amazon Kindle is the perfect gift option.

They are small, lightweight, and have adjustable light to make it easier to read no matter the interior lighting conditions. It allows you to have endless amounts of books at your fingertips and can easily be stored away. It is also waterproof so you can feel free to take it with you for some beach reading.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Give your intrepid explorer the luxury of peace and quiet on the road. These Noise-Cancelling Headphones take up less space than comparable full-coverage headphones, yet offer the same level of noise reduction. They offer 22 hours of listening time and have a built-in microphone. 

Best Luggage Gifts

Luggage Set

Made of sturdy, lightweight material, Rockland’s 3-piece luggage set protects your belongings from the lumps, bumps, bangs, and drops suitcases can acquire over years of use.

The omni directional spinner wheels also make it easy to keep your agility when moving through a crowded terminal—and they come in really fun colors to boot. We have the grey set (Scott wasn’t down with the pink) and we use at least one of the bags on every trip.

Do you have any items to add to this Christmas traveler gift guide list?

The post Traveler Gift Guide: The 26 Best Travel Gift Ideas For Adventurers appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.

UK citizens have been removed from India’s eVisa system.

The post Q&A: I’m a British Citizen, why can’t I get an eVisa to travel from the UK to India? appeared first on The Travel Magazine.