traveling with a 7mth old

[bimpy23]

We are traveling to grand cayman, cozumel, costa maya, belize. We are planning to explore the ports on our own. My question is can we take her in a taxi without a car seat. I know it may not be the safest but I do not want to have to carry a car seat.

 

Thanks

[crusinmama06]

PLEASE be especially careful in Belize. It's not a very safe place to explore on your own. We were just discussing this on the RCCL board. And you can read the complete list of warnings here...

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1055.html

 

BELIZE

 

CRIME: Crime is a growing concern. The incidence of crime against tourists at resorts, on the roadways and river ways, including violent crimes such as armed robbery, shooting, stabbing, murder, and rape, is on the rise, with dramatic increases during holidays. Several victims who resisted when confronted by criminals have received serious personal injuries, including gunshot wounds. Although the majority of reported incidents are in Belize City, crime occurs in all districts including tourist spots such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia.

A recent spate of robberies has occurred on side roads in the western area of Belize. One woman was sexually assaulted and one man was wounded when a bandit, firing randomly, shot the tourist in the arm. Tourists contemplating visiting the western area of Belize, specifically the Mountain Pine Ridge area of the Caracol ruins, are advised to contact the resorts with which they have reservations and ask specific questions regarding security measures the resorts have put in place to ensure safety. The robberies continue despite a recent increase in the number of police and military units assigned to the area.

Sexual harassment and/or assault of females traveling alone or in small groups have occurred this past year. Several American travelers have been the victims of sexual assaults in recent years. One of these occurred after the victim accepted a lift from an acquaintance, while another occurred during an armed robbery at an isolated resort. One of these assaults has resulted in the death of the victim.

The Embassy recommends that visitors travel in groups and only in daylight hours, stay off the streets after dark, in urban and rural areas, and avoid wearing jewelry, or carrying valuable or expensive items. As a general rule, valuables should not be left unattended, including in hotel rooms and on the beach. Care should be taken when carrying high value items such as cameras, or when wearing expensive jewelry on the street. Women’s handbags should be zipped and held close to the body. Men should carry wallets in their front pants pocket. Large amounts of cash should always be handled discreetly.

If traveling by taxi, use only vehicles with green license plates, do not get in a taxi that is occupied by more than the driver, and do not let the driver pick up additional fares.

Travel on rural roads, especially at night, increases the risk of encountering criminal activities. Widespread narcotics and alien smuggling activities can make remote areas especially dangerous. Though there is no evidence that Americans in particular are targeted, criminals look for every opportunity to attack, so all travelers should be vigilant.

Rather than traveling alone, use a reputable tour organization. It is best to stay in groups, travel in a caravan consisting of two or more vehicles, and stay on the main roads. Ensure that someone not traveling with you is aware of your itinerary. Travelers should resist the temptation to stay in budget hotels, which are generally more susceptible to crime, and stay in the main tourist destinations. Do not explore back roads or isolated paths near tourist sites; and remember always to pay close attention to your surroundings.

Americans visiting the Belize-Guatemala border area should consider carefully their security situation and should travel only during daylight hours. Vehicles should be in good operating condition, adequately fueled, and carry communications equipment. Persons traveling into Guatemala from Belize should check the Consular Information Sheet for Guatemala and the U.S. Embassy web site at http://usembassy.state.gov/guatemala for the latest information about crime and security in Guatemala.

A lack of resources and training impedes the ability of the police to investigate crimes effectively and to apprehend serious offenders. As a result, a number of crimes against Americans in Belize remain unresolved. Nonetheless, victims of crime should report immediately to the police all incidents of assault, robbery, theft, or other crimes. Tourists may contact the Belizean tourist police unit as well as the main police office for assistance.

In addition to reporting crimes to local police, American citizens should report all criminal incidents to the U.S. Embassy in Belize City. The embassy staff can assist an American with finding appropriate medical care, contacting family members or friends, and having funds transferred, as well as in determining whether any assistance is available from the victim’s home state. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help explain the local criminal justice process and assist in finding an attorney if needed.

Drug use is common in some tourist areas. American citizens should avoid buying, selling, holding, or taking illegal drugs under any circumstances. Penalties for possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia are generally more severe than in the U.S. Although not common, there is evidence of the use of so-called date rape drugs, such as Ruhypnol.