With the vacation season on the horizon, an increasing interest arises annually in visiting the island of St. Thomas. Visitors love to bask in the warmth of the sun while sipping drinks on one of the island’s stunning beaches. There are countless art galleries, tours, museums, eateries, cultural events and musical entertainment venues to enjoy.
While conflicting reports address the safety of visiting the island, one can take a few necessary precautions to assure a safe visit to what many characterize as one of the most enticing islands in the Caribbean.
Most of the official travel advisories rank it as a safe destination with low crime, for example, the Canadian Government states: “Take Normal Security Precautions”.
Learn where the safe locations are
An essential aspect of planning for a trip to St. Thomas entails making arrangements to limit travel to the safest areas while avoiding those areas with less safe reputations. For example, Red Hook and Sapphire Beaches are guarded around the clock and are considered safe.
Generally, the back streets of Christiansted and Frederiksted (on the Island St. Croix) should be avoided, especially after dark, as should the various public housing projects. More crimes are reported around those public housing projects near Charlotte Amalie proper and Christiansted.
Safety increases in all the heavily-trafficked areas that tourists frequent, so it is best to stay within those areas.
Public transportation
As long as travelers are diligent about keeping their belongings within reach, public transportation is generally safe on St. Thomas. Using it can be preferable to renting cars because of the poor road conditions in some areas.
Power in numbers
People who wish to partake in St. Thomas’ robust nightlife should do so with others. It is best to travel in pairs or larger groups, remain alert, and check with residents about the safest places.
Isolated areas of the island should be approached with caution. These areas include some of the more remote beaches or nature areas and informal parking lots frequented by divers.
While out, the safest routes are along the main streets and in areas that are brightly lit. Traveling by official taxi is the safest means of transportation during the evening hours, and walking is not advised.
Alcohol consumption should be undertaken responsibly, and one should not leave a drink unattended.
Observe local customs
When out and about in St. Thomas, observing local customs can help one remain safer and enrich the experience by assisting them to connect more closely with their specific destinations. In addition, locals are more apt to assist those tourists who are engaged with the residents and respect their immediate environments.
One should make a point of speaking to residents.
Health concerns
When visiting the island, St. Thomas tourists should watch for insect=borne illnesses, such as the Chikungunya virus and Dengue fever. Insect repellents can help deter infection, as can dressing in appropriate clothing, such as long pants and tops that have long sleeves.
An excellent way to protect oneself is to wear long-sleeved shirts, full-length pants, and close-toed shoes while visiting St. Thomas. In addition, medical attention should be sought immediately when a high fever or experiencing body aches during or after a visit.
Drinking water
Bottled water is readily available when visiting St. Thomas, but the drinking water that originates on the island is filtered rainwater and is considered safe to drink.
Hurricanes
The period between June and November marks the hurricane season. Therefore, travel should be avoided between July and the end of October, as these are the most likely time for storms to develop.
Women traveling alone
Women traveling alone virtually anywhere have an increased risk of danger, including in St. Thomas. Following the same safety protocols that one follows while traveling in any city increases the chances of a safer visit.
Enjoy the trip
St. Thomas can provide many fabulous experiences that can be enjoyed safely by diligent travelers. Just be sure to plan ahead.