Has anyone ever vacationed in Jamaica?

rival.

looking to plan a week or two trip out there sometime in june/july, can anyone offer any insight?

mainly what areas to stay away from. i imagine some places can be pretty rough once the sun goes down.

pretext

It was a research trip, but Jamaica nonetheless. Avoid Kingston. I did fine there, but it's not really the place to be for relaxation. I liked being up in the mountains a lot, but it isn't easy to get up there and it helped that we knew people. I actually enjoyed both those parts of my trip more than the brief foray into Ocho Rios, which seemed run over with cruise ships. I'm not much of a tourist though.

Looking back, this probably wasn't helpful to you at all.

Corso

I was there about 18 years ago. Stayed at the Seawind; relatively affordable for nine nights. To answer your question directly; if you are a non-seasoned traveler places to avoid would be Kingston as mentioned. However no place in this world is really safe so use code of the street and be aware of your surrondings and you will be fine. For good times try Ricks Cafe in Negril; preferably rent a motor bike and ride the coast to Negril and stop at some of the local pubs along the way. They drive on the left side of the road. One Love.

nfanel

i was there, but it was ten years ago. went to negril and i never really felt unsafe, other than the trip from the airport to the resort - an hour and a half of crazy turns at 100mph with animals in the road and a less than sober driver!

the advice i was given was to stick to the red license plate cabs if you leave the resort and i'd stick to that.

ToadJode

I have never been, but some good friends just told me that if you go to Jamaica, you want to stay in Negril.

It's such an easy trip from South Florida, I should probably make it down there some time soon! I've always wanted to go.

mfc2006

we considered it for our honeymoon last year. when we told people that we were considering it, the horror stories came next. it seemed like everyone had a story---it was crazy. it was 3rd or 4th on our list anyway, so we passed.

it looks absolutely beautiful & we'd love to make it there someday. we ended up going to Costa Rica instead.

iluvcats

mfc2006 wrote:

we considered it for our honeymoon last year. when we told people that we were considering it, the horror stories came next. it seemed like everyone had a story---it was crazy. it was 3rd or 4th on our list anyway, so we passed.

it looks absolutely beautiful & we'd love to make it there someday. we ended up going to Costa Rica instead.

so, did you sing to your wife during your wedding ceremony?

mfc2006

iluvcats wrote:

mfc2006 wrote:

we considered it for our honeymoon last year. when we told people that we were considering it, the horror stories came next. it seemed like everyone had a story---it was crazy. it was 3rd or 4th on our list anyway, so we passed.

it looks absolutely beautiful & we'd love to make it there someday. we ended up going to Costa Rica instead.

so, did you sing to your wife during your wedding ceremony?

no way...i was super nervous!

we did have a show at a local place in Houston for friends & family 2 days before our wedding, though. we each did a few songs & had a great time.

Champagne Breakfast

Jamaica Rules!
I've been there 3 times and will be there a 4th time with my wife the first week of May. We can't wait. I've been to both Negril and Ocho Rios. Actually got engaged there. Are you going with a partner?? If so I'd highly recommend the Couples resorts. A little pricey but got good deals going on now. Its all inclusive and the most relaxing enjoyable place I have been. There are 4 different couples resorts to pick from. I will say if you are looking for a big party/spring break/ mingle crowd then don't go to couples. Its a place obviously for "couples" only. The only other thing is we were told Jamaica rain season starts May/June. But its not supposed to be bad. Carribean rain, like an hour here and there then its gone. It didn't stop us from going in May.

rival.

Champagne Breakfast wrote:

Jamaica Rules!
I've been there 3 times and will be there a 4th time with my wife the first week of May. We can't wait. I've been to both Negril and Ocho Rios. Actually got engaged there. Are you going with a partner?? If so I'd highly recommend the Couples resorts. A little pricey but got good deals going on now. Its all inclusive and the most relaxing enjoyable place I have been. There are 4 different couples resorts to pick from. I will say if you are looking for a big party/spring break/ mingle crowd then don't go to couples. Its a place obviously for "couples" only. The only other thing is we were told Jamaica rain season starts May/June. But its not supposed to be bad. Carribean rain, like an hour here and there then its gone. It didn't stop us from going in May.

nice, thanks for the advice! i'd be going w/ my girlfriend. it's a tough call... we like the couple exclusiveness, but do like going out at night for the mingling/partying scene. i am going to do some research on the couple resorts, that could be perfect. all inclusive package seems like the way to go.

Champagne Breakfast

singularity wrote:

Champagne Breakfast wrote:

Jamaica Rules!
I've been there 3 times and will be there a 4th time with my wife the first week of May. We can't wait. I've been to both Negril and Ocho Rios. Actually got engaged there. Are you going with a partner?? If so I'd highly recommend the Couples resorts. A little pricey but got good deals going on now. Its all inclusive and the most relaxing enjoyable place I have been. There are 4 different couples resorts to pick from. I will say if you are looking for a big party/spring break/ mingle crowd then don't go to couples. Its a place obviously for "couples" only. The only other thing is we were told Jamaica rain season starts May/June. But its not supposed to be bad. Carribean rain, like an hour here and there then its gone. It didn't stop us from going in May.

nice, thanks for the advice! i'd be going w/ my girlfriend. it's a tough call... we like the couple exclusiveness, but do like going out at night for the mingling/partying scene. i am going to do some research on the couple resorts, that could be perfect. all inclusive package seems like the way to go.

also,....the negril locations are closer to some night life spots. Specifically Rick's Cafe which is right on the cliffs. So you'd get the best of both worlds. THe only thing is Rick's is obviously not included in your all inclusive deal so you'd for once have to spend cash while there. However all the bars and entertainment areas on the actual resorts stay open til a decent hour and are covered under the all inclusive. They can be fun night life. Especially the piano bars. But again,....not a spring break type deal at all. A little older crowd.

blackredyellow

We went to Ocho Rios a couple of years ago on our honeymoon (Sandals Dunns River). We had a blast... the resort was outstanding. I have nothing but great things to say about the trip.

Besides the "sanctioned" excursions, we never really went off the resort besides going to some of the crappy tourist shops in Ocho Rios.

I'm not sure if I'd be all that comfortable going out alone though...

pretext

blackredyellow wrote:

We went to Ocho Rios a couple of years ago on our honeymoon (Sandals Dunns River). We had a blast... the resort was outstanding. I have nothing but great things to say about the trip.

Dunns River is where they have the waterfalls, right? I climbed up one. Great fun.

Indian Summer

I went three years ago. And I'm going for the second time in 2 weeks!!! Can't wait. I'm staying at Couples Negril again.

Basically, if you want a bad ass beautiful beach, go to Negril. If you want adventure / hiking and you don't mind a slightly rockier beach, then go to Ochos Rios.

If you're going with your spouse, you simply cannot beat the Couples resorts. They are better than Sandals, and slightly cheaper.

And lastly, be sure and try the local herb, it's top notch!

Indian Summer

U end up booking anything yet? I'm sitting here listening to some Damien Marley dreaming of my upcoming vacation!