Canada issues travel advisories to the Caribbean, Mexico and vacation spots [Video]

If you’re looking to escape Ontario’s cold winter and trade the snow for warm, tropical sunshine, it’s a good idea to check the latest travel advisories before making plans.

The Government of Canada offers a Travel Advice and Advisories page, providing essential information to help travellers make safe decisions when visiting abroad.

Here are some of the countries with updated advisories:

Bahamas

Risks: High rates of crime, especially in Freeport and Nassau.

Reasons: Armed robberies, burglaries, purse snatchings, theft, fraud and sexual assaults are the most common crimes committed against travellers in Freeport and Nassau.

Robberies can also occur in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas, even during daylight hours. Crime increases during the holidays.

The advisory suggests travellers avoid the “over the hill” (south of Shirley Street) and Fish Fry (Arawak Cay) areas, especially at night. People should not walk alone, particularly at night, and always stay alert. If robbers threaten you, stay calm and don’t …