Wow, it sure looks like paradise here. Picture: A TripAdvisor traveller
WHEN planning a trip abroad, safety is a primary concern for many — especially with the terrorist attacks in Jakarta, Istanbul, and Paris making headlines of late.
But while many travellers avoid exotic locales perceived as dangerous, sometimes they overlook potential safety issues in other more well-known spots.
The following nine countries are popular tourist destinations for a reason, but their murder rates may surprise you — especially when compared to the Australian murder rate of 1.1 people per 100,000. The murder statistics below are the most recent available published by the World Health Organisation.
9. ST. LUCIA, CARIBBEAN
Murder rate: 15.3 people per 100,000.
Tourism popularity: 338,158 visitors in 2014.
Why people go: The unspoilt, exotic beauty, pristine beaches, and beautiful mountainous landscapes; luxury resorts such as Jade Mountain offer unparalleled views.
The US State Department says: “Crime, including armed robbery, does occur and is rising in St. Lucia. Violent crime, including gun violence and targeted homicides, is often connected to narcotics trafficking. Petty crime also occurs, with tourists being targeted often.”
8. MEXICO
Murder rate: 22 people per 100,000.
Tourism popularity: 25.8 million visitors in 2015.
Why people go: Beautiful beaches, ancient ruins (including Tulum National Park), natural wonders (such as El Vizcaíno biosphere reserve), stunning all-inclusive resorts, and rich local culture.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) says: “We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico because of high levels of violent crime and drug-related violence. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
“Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping occurs in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations and beach resorts, and the risks increase after dark. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is prevalent in tourist destinations, airports, hotels, bus stations and on public transport.
“There have been reports of sexual assault, extortion and robbery being committed by individuals presenting themselves as police officers, sometimes driving cars resembling police vehicles. Incidences of kidnapping are common and there have been allegations of complicity by police officers.”
7. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Murder rate: 25.4 people per 100,000.
Tourism popularity: 5.14 million visitors in 2014.
Why people go: Impressive luxury resorts, quality affordable resorts, gorgeous white-sand beaches (especially in Punta Cana), great weather, convenient flights, and largely warm and friendly locals.
DFAT says: “The crime rate in the Dominican Republic is high. Violent crime has occurred in popular tourist areas. Female travellers are particularly at risk. To minimise risks, you should remain vigilant in public areas and avoid public transport or walking or jogging alone, especially after dark. Victims have been injured when resisting perpetrators.
“Where possible, you should travel with other people. Using a reputable tour company or tour organiser may reduce risks associated with travel in remote areas.
“There have been incidents of roadside armed robberies involving foreigners travelling to and from the Las Americas International Airport. These robberies have targeted travellers in taxis and private vehicles, particularly at night. You should exercise particular caution when leaving the airport, use authorised airport taxis and avoid travel to and from the airport at night.”
Be cautious in the Dominican Republic. Picture: A TripAdvisor traveller
6. BAHAMAS
Murder rate: 32.1 people per 100,000.
Tourism popularity: 6.3 million visitors in 2014.
Why people go: Championship golf courses, flashy casinos, tasty conch and grouper dishes, terrific deep sea fishing, popular cruise ship hubs, familiar chain stores, and isolated beaches — depending where you go on the approximately 30 inhabited islands.
The US State Department says: “The criminal threat level for New Providence Island is rated as critical by the Department of State. New Providence Island has experienced a spike in crime that has adversely affected the travelling public, with a spate of violent criminal activity between 2009 and 2015.
“Armed robbery remains a major criminal threat ... The US Embassy has received multiple reports of tourists robbed at gunpoint or knifepoint in tourist locations in the downtown areas of Nassau, to include the cruise ship docks and the Cable Beach commerce areas; several of these incidents occurred during daylight hours.”
5. BRAZIL
Murder rate: 32.4 people per 100,000.
Tourism popularity: 5.8 million visitors in 2013.
Why people go: More than 7000kg of coastline, sprawling cosmopolitan cities, charming colonial towns, scantily clad sunbathers, world-renowned parties, 275 individual waterfalls at Iguazu Falls, and incredible flora and fauna in the Amazon.
DFAT says: “The incidence of violent crime, including muggings, armed robbery, home invasions, and sexual assault, is significant, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Recife, Salvador and other large cities. However, violence and crime, often involving firearms or other weapons, can occur anywhere and at any time in Brazil.
“Tourists are often targeted by criminals, especially directly prior to and during public festivals such as Carnival. You are advised to avoid wearing jewellery and expensive watches, or carrying valuable items. Dress down and carry minimal cash and credit cards, as victims are often targeted for perceived wealth or value of personal possessions.”
4. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Murder rate: 35.3 people per 100,000.
Tourism popularity: 434,000 visitors in 2013.
Why people go: Pleasant tropical weather and rare hurricanes, nice beaches, and less development and tourism than other Caribbean islands.
DFAT says: “The number of violent crimes remains high on both islands. Serious crimes against expatriates and tourists, including murder assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, armed robbery and home invasions have been reported. The inability of the authorities to catch and prosecute offenders also remains a concern.
“Visitors can be affected by gang and drug-related crime anywhere in Trinidad and Tobago. Avoid downtown Port of Spain at night as tourists have been robbed at gunpoint.
“Attacks, including the use of firearms, have occurred at popular tourist sites, hairdressing salons, licensed premises and in car parks of supermarkets, shopping malls and banks. Care should be taken when withdrawing money from ATMs, especially at night. Some areas to avoid in the Port of Spain area include Laventille, Morvant, Beetham, Sea Lots, Belmont, Cocorite, the interior of the Queens Park Savannah, Lady Young Road and scenic rest stops after dark.
“Robberies have occurred when travelling from Piarco Airport. There have been incidents of violent theft by gangs who follow cars travelling from the airport and attack their victims when they reach their destinations.”
Trinidad and Tobago is pretty.
3. SOUTH AFRICA
Murder rate: 35.7 people per 100,000.
Tourism popularity: 9.5 million visitors in 2013.
Why people go: Adventure travel experiences such as safaris and shark cage diving, diverse natural beauty, from Table Mountain to Cape Point to the The Blyde River Canyon, the ancient fossils in the Cradle of Humankind, and relatively affordable prices.
DFAT says: “Crime, including violent crime, is a serious issue in South Africa. Most types of crime are rising.
“Muggings, rape, robbery and other forms of theft, often involving weapons, are common. Murders and carjackings involving foreign tourists have also been reported. Travellers have been robbed and assaulted after having their food or drinks spiked. Criminals operate out of the airport in Johannesburg, following some overseas visitors to their accommodation and robbing them.
“Crime rates are significantly higher after dark in the centres of major cities and in township areas. The inner suburbs of Johannesburg (Berea and Hillbrow) and the beachfront in Durban are particularly prone to crime and you should avoid travelling to these areas.”
2. BELIZE
Murder rate: 44.7 people per 100,000.
Tourism popularity: 294,000 visitors in 2013.
Why people go: Lush rainforests, Mayan ruins, and its famous barrier reef, the second largest in the world after Australia’s, offering amazing snorkelling and scuba diving.
The US State Department says:“Although the majority of reported criminal incidents occur in Belize City, particularly southern Belize City, crime may occur anywhere including tourist destinations such as San Pedro Town (Ambergris Caye), Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Dangriga, Corozal, and Placencia.”
Beautiful Belize is troubled.Source:Getty Images
1. JAMAICA
Murder rate: 45.1 people per 100,000.
Tourism popularity: 3.5 million visitors in 2014.
Why people go: Stunning white-sand beaches, rugged cliffs, reggae, jerk chicken, great parties, warm locals, and great resorts in both the luxury and value categories
DFAT says: “Violent crime, including armed robbery, kidnapping and murder, occurs frequently in Jamaica. The most dangerous areas are Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego Bay.
“Gang violence along Mountain View Avenue has led to motorists being shot in the crossfire. Avoid using this route when travelling to Norman Manley International Airport. The risk of robbery when travelling to and from Norman Manley International Airport increases at night.”
This story originally appeared on Oyster.com.
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