Saint Lucia is a very safe country that is welcoming to travelers. In fact, Saint Lucians are widely regarded for their friendly and hospitable nature. However, it’s best for every traveler to be mindful of their surroundings and learn how to enjoy their vacation safely.
In this blog, we’ll go over important safety precautions such as keeping your belongings safe, how to drink clean water, protecting yourself from theft and having a plan in case of medical emergencies.
Make copies of important documents like your passport and driver’s license, and leave them with someone at home
Give copies to your spouse, parents, and close friends
It’s important to have copies of your important documents like your passport and driver’s license in case something happens and you lose them. You can make copies and leave them with someone you trust, like a family member, so that they will be safe in case something happens to you. Another great place to store these documents is in a fireproof box or safety deposit box, which will protect them from any damage if there is a fire.
Make sure your passport is up-to-date and has at least six months of validity left
When travelling, it’s important to have a valid passport. This means that your passport should be up-to-date and have at least six months’ validity left. This way, if something happens and you need to leave the country quickly, you will be able to do so without any problems.
Consider buying travel insurance
Travel insurance is an important part of any travel plans. It can help cover medical costs, lost or stolen valuables, and trip cancellations. This can save you a lot of money in the long run if something happens while you’re away. Investing in a good travel insurance policy will help ensure that you get the most out of your trip, and can provide some much-needed peace of mind.
Be aware of your surroundings and who is around you
When you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to be aware of your surroundings. This means knowing who is around you and being careful with your belongings. If something feels strange or unsafe, trust your gut and leave the area.
Here are a few techniques to think about when you’re out and about:
Be mindful of distractions
Thieves will often use distractions to allow their partners to pickpocket from unsuspecting tourists. These events often occur in crowded public places. So just be aware of potential distractions happening around you and make your personal belongings inaccessible to others.
Identify exits
It’s always good practice to be aware of nearby exits in case you need to leave your location or venue in an emergency.
Drink only bottled water to avoid getting sick
Tap water in Saint Lucia is chlorinated and considered safe to drink. However, it’s best practice for travelers to drink bottled water anyways to avoid the possibility of ingesting bacteria or other microorganisms.
Bottled water is readily available throughout the country and usually costs $1 USD. This will help ensure you stay healthy and hydrated during your travels.
Consider carrying a mobile phone with you when traveling around St Lucia
Having a mobile phone with you while traveling can be invaluable in an emergency situation. Make sure your phone is charged and that you have access to international calling if needed. It’s also a good idea to keep local emergency contacts handy just in case.
Your current mobile phone provided may allow you to pay a $10-15 daily fee to use your existing data plan internationally, including Saint Lucia. Check with your provider to make sure this is possible and that Saint Lucia is included among the available countries.
Alternatively, you may also consider buying a local SIM card. This option requires a little bit more work but is usually more cost effective, which is great if you plan on staying in Saint Lucia for a prolonged period of time.
Avoid walking around alone at night – take a taxi or Uber instead
For your own safety, it’s best to avoid walking around alone at night in Saint Lucia. This is especially true if you are unfamiliar with the area or don’t know anyone who lives there. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and always try to travel with a group of people or a friend if possible. This will help keep you safe and secure throughout your travels.
Ubers, taxis, water taxis and rental cars are easily available and are all great options for traveling around the island. It takes approximately 2 hours to drive from the northernmost tip to the southernmost tip of the island. But you will often only be driving for between 10-30 minutes at a time.
Learn a few phrases in Creole so you can communicate with locals
Learning a few phrases in the local dialect of Creole is a great way to make connections with people in St Lucia. It shows respect for the country and its culture, and can help you communicate more effectively with locals. You can find many useful phrases online, or consider enrolling in an introductory course before your departure.
Book excursions through reputable companies to avoid being scammed
If you’re looking to book excursions or tours while in St Lucia, it’s important to only book through reputable companies. Check reviews online and research the company before making any payments or commitments. Avoid booking anything from a stranger on the street, no matter how good their sales pitch may be. This will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience during your travels.
