ST. LOUIS – The U.S. State Department is warning travelers about the high crime rate in the Bahamas. The agency raised its travel advisory level, urging Americans to use increased caution when visiting the island nation.
“Typically, people see it and reach out quickly. I think in this case, I’ve not seen any change in patterns,” Christina Royer, Sky High Travel in St. Louis, said.
In fact, Royer says her customers are booking trips to several destinations under travel warnings.
“A lot of people are going to Mexico. The Caribbean. Anywhere. St. Lucia. Bahamas. Jamaica. We’ve gone in the last year from a booking window, which is the date of booking to travel of 21 days, we’re pushing that out to months now,” she said. “So, people are planning ahead and booking in advance.”
Royer says the trend is due to better availability and prices combined with greater demand. But what’s happening in the Bahamas is troubling. The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas says 18 murders have happened in January alone, primarily through gang violence.
Murders are happening in both daylight and nighttime, and authorities warn Americans to be extra-vigilant, especially in eastern New Providence Island.
“Anywhere that you go, know your surroundings. Be aware. Know the areas to go and not to go. Know the culture. Just be advised, period,” Royer said. “If you can’t relax in a destination you’ve already booked without this knowledge, there’s avenues to change that.”
Royer says Sky High Travel is bundling insurance with its travel packages, giving customers a resource should their plans change. It’s why they say using a trusted travel advisor can save you time, worry, and frustration.
“As professionals, we have contacts everywhere,” Royer said. “We’re booking with trusted suppliers. We’re booking with locals. We have numbers that we can call and help you.”
