Don't worry. Antigua is not Montego Bay.

I'm not going to say it's crime-free-----unfortunately. I would have said so 20 years ago, but this is no longer the case particularly in the Sandals area to which you are going. But the crime in Angigua is mostly petty-----i.e. don't do anything silly like leaving your wallet on the beach while you swim.

20 years ago I didn't lock my doors at all, but now I do. According to the Antiguan authorities, most crimes are committed by non-Antiguans, which has been a particular problem on the east side of the island near the Verandah resort where there has recently been some violent crime.

So just go and enjoy! Antigua is still one of the safest places in the Caribbean.

We were in this resort January 2008 and had an absolutley fabulous time, there was no sign of crime on the resort whatsoever. However, we did not leave the resort (didn't feel the need) apart from one trip into St. Johns shopping which was fine and we did feel safe.

In fact we loved it so much we are booked to return Jan 09, so when are you due to go, we may be there the same time!!

Both Thailand and Indonesia have problems with Muslim extremists, and are not considered particularly safe, so I am surprised you would feel happy to return to them! In comparison to both those places you are safer IMHO to holiday in Antigua.

I wouldn't worry, may not want to explore the island at night, but use common sense, and I'm sure you will have a great time. We are headed to sandals in January also.

I think Antigua is beautiful but, and I can't put my finger on it, I often felt a little uneasy away from the hotel. Antigua was my first Caribbean experience so I put it down to that but my husband felt the same way. However we have since been to Barbados three times and about to go again in October and I have never had the same uneasy feeling whilst there. I was due to go back to Antigua in January but have now changed my plans due to recent events, so we are going back, yet again, to Barbados. I will hopefully get to Antigua sometime in the future although my husband is not so keen! I know a lot of people feel quite at home whilst there so it is obviously a personal thing.

I have been to Antigua several times and have just booked to go agin in January. The island and people are fantastic and I will not let the recent events taint my view. These horrid events are mmore likely to happen to any of us here in the UK.

You will have a great time, get out of the resort and see the real island.

21 weeks time and I will be in Antigua!!

We stayed in Sandals last New Year. We were "upgraded" to the Med Village. What a dissapointment! High rise, with not a hint of caribbean about it! As for feeling safe outside of Sandals, there is nowhere immediatley outside , so I guess you mean a trip to another part of the island?

Go to Falmouth harbour, its beautiful, and you can sit at the harbours edge with the locals, or dine at "The Lat Lemming".

I,ve actually just cancelled our trip to Antigua. We normally go there before going on to Barbados. I feel much safer there. Yes, I,m sorry for the many lovely Antiguans who will suffer from the recent crime wave,but I personally do not want to worry or lay awake at night wondering if it was likely to happen to me and members of my family.

The Antiguan police have a lot of work to do before tourists will feel safe again.

I have been to both Barbados and Antigua recently (I was in Antigua July). I feel perfectly safe in both of them but far more comfortable in Antigua. You cannot compare Antigua with Jamaica there is absolutely no reason why you should not roam around and be perfectly safe. As with anywhere use common sense.

Thanks to you all for your information and advice. It is very true that crime is everywhere and I always take care. So I am off to enjoy!!!!!I am going to Antigua Sandals on the 2/1/09, and Barbados Almond Casuarina on 4/9/08. So I may see some of you there?

I'll be there in Feb 09 and I cant wait.