Haiti, a Destination Only for the Brave Ones

By Athena Yenko | July 31, 2014 10:29 AM EST
Haiti is swiftly becoming the favourite destination among the brave and more adventurous type of travellers.
The country had just opened its first tourism office after disasters and political unrest that plagued the country for years.
Haiti, for the meantime, is still "a place where only true travellers go; a place forthe brave and the curious," G Adventures description of the place reads. According to G Adventures' Australia and New Zealand boss, Belinda Ward, the very first small group touring in February is comprised primarily of many Australians and New Zealanders.
Ward said that Haiti has the most positivepeople who are working to move on from the tragedy that hit the country back in 2010. Haiti has world-class art and culture, real-time history and stunning beaches.
"All our suppliers are locally-based which means our travellers can return home knowing their money will stay in the country and they have been a force for good," Ward was quoted by the Telegraph as saying.
However, Australians are still being advised to observe all necessary precautions if they decided to traveller to Haiti.
The Australian government would want Aussies to reconsider their need for travel to Haiti because of unpredictable security situation and high levels of violent crime.
Those who are decided to travel the country should exercise extreme caution to avoid all demonstrations and protests as they may turn violent. It is highly advisable to monitor the local media for safety and security updates.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), there were reported cases of kidnappings and other violent crimes done to volunteers in the country.
DFAT is highly emphasising that there is an ongoing cholera outbreak in Haiti which has been active since 2010. The disease had claimed thousands of lives in the department of Sud Est and Port-au-Prince.
"We strongly advise Australians who are considering going to Haiti to undertake volunteer work to ensure they have made appropriate arrangements for placement prior to arrival in Haiti. Finding a placement with a charity in Haiti on arrival is usually not possible," DFAT said in a statement.
Furthermore, June to November is Haiti's hurricane season and landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services may occur.
Nonetheless, for those who want to brave the country, they will have the chance to enjoy a rugged place of waterfalls, secret caves, and mountains that scrape the sky, G Adventures described.
"It's a place of bold flavours, intoxicating music, mischievous gods, and colourful art; where the only thing stronger than the rum is the spirit of the people who live there."
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