Category Archives: North America

Destinations, Editor's Picks, North America, South America

Are we safe? Caribbean dangers.

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How often did you hear an opinion that Caribbean islands resemble paradise for every person? Did you notice that most visitors regarded this part of the world as the most precious, fragile and astonishing piece of a virgin nature.

In addition to these positive feedbacks some disturbing moods ahave been recently noticed in the tourist community. With the big amount of murders and other smaller crimes, a very important question is asked by more and more tourists: “Can we feel safe on Caribbean islands?” Indeed, today certain doubts concerning safe vacations in the Caribbean arise.

caribbean island

Violent crimes prevail in the Caribbean, still they usually observed only in cities, without affecting popular places for tourist like beaches and hotels. Nevertheless, tourists often become victims of such crimes as car stealing and pickpocketing. These crimes are rather widespread all over the world that is they will hardly scare travelers. Simple precautionary measures can keep us from these dangers. It’s better not to travel alone, especially at nights. A wise traveler should leave high-priced rings, necklaces, watches and bracelets at home. And of course it’s advised not to let other people see valuable things.

One of the possible factors indicating the high level of crimes is the poverty rate. For instance, the British Virginia and Barbados are the most prosperous islands among Caribbean islands. The well-trained staff providing security and closed communities are the min guarantees of our safety. But it will be unfair to say that only these two islands can be called safe from dangers. Experienced travelers will not be satisfied with popular routs. Cold mind and caution will keep us from troubles while exploring other islands.

To show the general picture of the risk level for tourists visiting Caribbean islands, the following list was made.

These are the islands with high criminal rate:

1. Jamaica

The Government of Jamaica claims that the criminal rate has recently decreased, nevertheless this Caribbean island is considered to be the most dangerous. Still, it doesn’t mean that tourists take serious risk coming to Jamaica as the violent crimes usually concern local people and rarely occur in the hotspots for visitors. The level of poverty is rather high, drugs spreading and the availability of weapons. To keep yourself from serious troubles you are advised not to spend a lot of time in the capital of Jamaica and other big cities where crimes rate is high. In case you can’t avoid visiting Kingston, general precautions will help you to keep safe during this journey.

2. Saint Kitts and Nevis

The crimes on Saint Kitts and Nevis island mainly occur among the local population. High crime rates are caused by poverty. 20 murders per 50,000 people is a very high index for such a small island. However the Government reports that most of the tourist journeys to the island have been safe. And again, travelers simply have to be careful and take care of their belongings in order to have a successful trip.

3. Trinidad and Tobago

Showing high index of crime, this island poses the threat of smaller crimes such as petty larceny and pick pocketing. But the U.S Department of State ensures tourists that they have nothing to fear as tourists are not in the risk zone of serious crimes. Heinous crimes are connected with spread of weapons and drug usage. It’s better for the travelers not ot visit Sea Lots, Laventille and Cocorite.

4. Bahamas

The Bahamas is a very popular place for people looking for warm beaches and wonderful rest. That is why it is very important for adventurers to keep common sense and be careful with their belongings, as the rate of stealing is very high on this island. Grand Bahama and New Province are the most dangerous regions as local people are mainly live here.

5.Puerto Rico

The majority of crimes taken place in Puerto Rico are connected with drug traffic. Big cities are the most dangerous areas for tourists. But Puerto Rico will become a good destination for any traveler who knows how not to get involved in any affairs connected with drugs. Besides, if the traveler stays in the places reserved for tourists, his life will not be in danger. Although the crime rate on Caribbean islands is rather high, cautious tourist has nothing to be afraid of. Caribbean islands will become a paradise for you under only one simple condition: you should take a good care of yourself!

Destinations, Editor's Picks, North America

Highlights of British Columbia

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Highlights of British Columbia.
British Columbia is Canada’s south-western province bordering the Pacific Ocean and Alaska. There are vibrant cities, towering mountain peaks, blue ocean waters dotted with islands, and sun-baked desert. You can hike coastline or mountain trails, go whale or bear watching, visit award-winning wineries and relax at great resorts. Here are some suggestions:

Vancouver
This world-class city takes full advantage of its water-side location, has some good urban attractions, plenty of green space and many recreation opportunities in the mountains 20 minutes north of downtown. Visit Granville Island’s covered Public Market, a smorgasbord of culinary delights. Walk the 8.8km Stanley Park seawall, take a leisurely horse-drawn cart ride through the lush forest or relax at the ever-busy, family-friendly Second Beach on the park’s western side.
Gastown, one of the oldest areas in the city, is a place to stroll down cobbled streets, explore its historic buildings and courtyards and enjoy its unique shopping, nightlife, and attractions.  Don’t miss the statue of “Gassy Jack” and the wonderful steam clock that announces the quarter hours with a whistle chime.

 

Capilano Suspension Bridge
The first Capilano suspension bridge (www.capbridge.com/‎) was built at this North Vancouver location in1889. The present challenging bridge stretches 137m across and 70m above the Capilano River and is extremely popular . The bridge is what has made the park famous but there are several other excellent attractions. A highlight is the opportunity to see, touch and learn about the temperate rainforest with its 1000 year old trees, from both ground and treetops levels.
The twenty-seven acre privately-owned park provides tranquillity, adventure, thrills, meals, souvenirs and an unforgettable experience all at the same time. Cliffwalk is the park’s newest attraction and here you are challenged by a cantilevered walkway clinging to the granite cliff high above Capilano Canyon. You will experience exhilaration or fear but are likely to have a sense of achievement on finishing.

Whistler
Whistler (http://www.whistler.com) booms in winter but at other times it is still a delight. The pedestrian village has won numerous design awards and Whistler has been regularly voted among the top destinations in North America by major ski magazines. The vibrant Village Stroll is a perfect place for people watching, shopping, dining or just kicking back. Grab a drink on an outdoor terrace and take in the glorious mountain scenery before indulging in a gourmet meal.
If you are into mountain biking there are plenty of opportunities for adventure. If not, take the Whistler Gondala ride to the top of Whistler Mountain then the amazing Peak to Peak journey between the top of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. You won’t be disappointed.

 

Highway 5
This is a 525 kilometre north-south road in the southern part of the province. South of Kamloops, it is a 186 km freeway. North of Kamloops the two-lane road follows the North Thompson River valley through the isolated forested hillsides and grasslands of the Thompson Plateau. This is a quiet, lightly populated region, with Clearwater the first significant settlement. This is the closest town to Wells Grey Provincial Park, with its stunning vistas of high mountains, deep canyons, volcanic cones, brooding old-growth forests and raging white-water rivers.
The highway continues north to the small settlement of Valemont. In winter this is the base for superb alpine snowmobiling with groomed trails and spectacular scenery. At other times there is white-water rafting, fishing or observing the wildlife in the Cranberry Marsh Sanctuary. The Mount Robson Provincial Park is 35 kilometres further north and a viewing point provides glorious views of Mount Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies.

Field, Golden, Glacier National Park
Highway 1 climbs Kicking Horse Pass, the point where the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Trans Canada Highway cross the continental divide between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Near the top is a viewpoint where you see the famous spiral loop on the railway. If you are lucky you are rewarded by a view of an enormous freight train crossing over itself. Field, an historic railway town with a dramatic river outlook, provides a reason to stop as does Golden, a tidy town just off the highway.
There are two national parks here; the Yoho National Park and the Glacier National Park. The country is spectacular and it is tempting to stop at every turn. At the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre you learn about the intrepid railroaders who built the railway through this wilderness and the avalanche scientists and others who keep this wintery pass open today. Further on, the Hemlock Grove Trail, an interpretive boardwalk through the world’s only non-coastal cedar-hemlock rainforest, and the Skunk Cabbage Trail, through a unique wetland, are both great places to stretch the legs.

Wine country
The Okanagan Valley (http://www.okanagan.com/) has lakes, world-class golf, mountain and wellness resorts, great beaches and trails, and outstanding mountain biking, and it is also Canada’s best wine country. Vernon and Penticton are significant towns and Kelowna is the largest city in BC’s interior. The area has something like 90 wineries, many of them clustered between Peachland and Osoyoos and it’s here that Oliver lays claim to being Canada’s wine capital.
Throughout the valley you pass through cherry and stone fruit orchards and are tempted to explore many of the wineries. Greta Ranch Winery is attractively set high above the lake. At Dirty Laundry Winery you pass under a washing line hung with underwear to get into the tasting room and restaurant. Poplar Grove Winery has a beautiful building high above Penticton and a great cabernet franc wine. There are spectacular mountain and lake views everywhere and plenty of accommodation and other facilities. No wonder this region attracts so many visitors.

 

Watermark Beach Resort
The splendid Waterfront Beach Resort (http://www.watermarkbeachresort.com/‎) has lake frontage in the main street of Osoyoos and the views from our huge balcony are stunning. This is Canada’s warmest lake and the area calls itself Canada’s only desert but for many visitors it is simply paradise. The luxury resort has space, a lovely restaurant with an innovative menu, and excellent spa and massage facilities. The surrounding area has many wineries and several attractions including a desert boardwalk, a huge model railway and the spectacular Desert Cultural Centre which has a museum and an interesting walk with First Nations guides.

 

West Coast Railway Heritage Museum
Located in Squamish, this impressive outdoor museum (http://www.wcra.org/‎) has interesting authentic railway equipment and the magnificent Royal Hudson steam locomotive restored to its full beauty and housed in a huge hall. There are many items to climb over and there is an opportunity to learn how Canada’s mail was processed on rails. The park has 90 pieces of heritage railway rolling stock; the oldest are the business car British Columbia (1890) and a rare Canadian Pacific Colonist sleeping car (1905).
There are several buildings making up the park centre including Brightbill Heritage House and the Squamish Station, designed in 1915 but not built until 2000. This is one for the whole family and if you are a railway buff you will be in heaven.
Words: Len Rutledge
Pictures: Phensri Rutledge

The author.
Len Rutledge (www.LenRutledge.com) is an author and travel writer who has written thousands of newspaper and magazine articles and over 25 travel guide books. He currents writes the e-book Experience Guide series available from Amazon and has written the popular Bangkok Bargain Shopping app for Android and Apple devices.