Antigua and Barbuda are a picturesque twin-island state that is full of natural beauty and enriched by quality higher education especially in the field of medicine. Apart from being an excellent holiday destination, this region is home to some of the best medical universities in the region. 

Amongst the two, Antigua is the larger island and is treated with more importance internationally as it has all the medical universities as well as the major tourist attractions. The island is known as a cultural gateway to the nation and the Caribbean region. 

Although the place is generally considered to be safe, there are some safety precautions that can ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay there. 

Crime and Safety

Antigua is mostly a safe place, as all popular tourist places are. The island has a much lower crime rate compared to other Caribbean islands, according to multiple surveys. But it is not completely free of crime. Minor crimes such as snatching, pickpocketing, and so on often tend to occur in some of the crowded places such as the capital St. John’s. 

There are 2 major types of crimes that are common in Antigua:

1. Petty Crimes: The main target for this type of crimes are tourists. They are often targeted for their valuables around crowded places and isolated beach areas.
2. Scams: Tourists are often subject to scams by unofficial tour guides and local vendors.

You can avoid these crimes by maintaining the following precautions:

1. Keep your valuables well hidden in a safe place, and make sure to keep your luggage locked when traveling.
2. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.
3. Always use licensed taxis and renowned transport services when traveling.
4. Always choose your accommodations and residences by going through a good number of reliable reviews first.

Medical and Health Safety

Since Antigua is the home to so many medical institutes, it goes without saying that the place provides some of the region’s best healthcare facilities. 

The only problem with availing these medical facilities is that they can be pretty expensive. 

It’s advisable for travelers to have a travel insurance that covers medical expenses just to be safe. These are the types of illnesses or maladies that you may encounter while visiting Antigua:

1. Mosquito-borne Diseases: Some mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya are a matter of concern, especially during monsoon. Using proper mosquito repellent especially at night can prevent these diseases.
2. Dehydration Due to Exposure to Excessive Sunlight: The sun can be intense in the Caribbean. Using proper sunscreen and staying hydrated will help cope with this issue.
3. Health And Hygiene: The food and water of Antigua is generally safe. But those with a sensitive stomach are advised to drink only bottled water.

Natural Disasters and Safety

The Caribbean weather is excellent except for a certain time of the year. To know when it’s safe to travel to Antigua, you need to keep an eye out for:

1. Hurricanes: Hurricanes and thunderstorms are quite common during monsoon. To avoid these disasters, you can travel there during the dry season (April to December).
2. Bad Weather: Bad weather conditions can occur anywhere in the world, and Antigua is no exception. It’s advisable to keep an eye on the weather report from reliable sources.
3. Emergency Shelter: Have an emergency shelter at the ready, just in case you need to rush there away from extreme weather conditions.

Beach and Water Safety

Although Antigua’s beaches are extremely safe, the importance of basic water safety can never be not emphasized.

• You may face strong currents in some of the beaches. Only swim in areas that are marked safe.
• Jellyfish and urchins may pose some risk if you’re walking on the beach. Wearing water shoes can ensure your safety from them.
• If you want to go boating or do water sports, only rely on trusted tour guides and always wear life jackets while doing so.

Important Emergency Contacts:

Here are some important emergency hotlines to note down:

• Police: 911 or 999
• Fire: 911
• Ambulance: 911

Apart from all this, having an insurance that covers everything from medical emergencies to theft can save you from any kind of trouble no matter whichever part of the world you travel to.