High school graduates looking for good trip

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Sep 24th, 1998, 03:54 PM

Lisa Taylor

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High school graduates looking for good trip

My son and his friends are looking for a trip in Jamaica right after high school graduation in June of 1999. They are on a budget, but want some white sands and a party environment that any 18 year old would be looking for. They hear Jamaica is a great place for this. Can anyone suggest a place to stay (town in Jamaica, contact or otherwise) We would appreciate any information at all. Thanks!!!

Oct 2nd, 1998, 12:26 PM

Andrea

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Negril, Jamaica is the place. There are many places to stay in Negril that are not costly. The party atmosphere is good and the beaches can't be beat. Go to Negril.com and look at their "Where to stay" section for a listing of properties in Negril.

Oct 2nd, 1998, 07:14 PM

Bob Morton

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Make sure your young sons go to Jamaica with caution, if they want to party. It can be dangerous outside of a resort grounds, especially at night for teens who are looking for a party time. Bob Morton

Oct 2nd, 1998, 07:33 PM

Bob Morton

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Lisa: Here's some more info on Jamaica, for you and your teen to peruse before going down there. This is from others on the chat line. Good luck, bob Morton uthor: Holly Beren ([email protected]) Date: 8/07/1998, 9:52 pm EDT Message: TO ALL US CITIZENS ----- DO NOT GO TO JAMAICA!! I WAS RIPPED OFF, MUGGED, AND BEATEN. I WILL NEVER RETURN TO THAT FILTHY, LAWLESS ISLAND AGAIN. DO YOURSELVES A FAVOR AND NEVER GO THERE. Author: Oren Jackson ([email protected]) Date: 8/07/1998, 9:55 pm EDT Message: Me and my wife was experienced the same horrible type of treatment. My wife was harassed many times while on the island. I will agreee with what you write because it is the truth. They need to have more police presence on Jamaica. Author: Michel ([email protected]) Date: 8/09/1998, 3:40 pm EDT Message: Should one judge an entire country on one personal incident? If I was to travel to a U.S. city and had a bad experience, should I judge the entire American population? I don't think so! My wife and I have travelled in Jamaica, and have had a wonderful time. Author: cyndy ([email protected]) Date: 8/10/1998, 7:25 am EDT Message: That's why there are so many wonderful all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica - if you just stay there and enjoy the great food, service, beaches and activities you won't have a problem. People who wander Jamaica on their own, visiting the local bars, restaurants, and streets, either are uninformed about the possible problems or choose to disregard the warnings. The resorts are fabulous with no problems, so don't judge a beautiful island with so much to offer buy one irresponsible disregard of all the advice given here and elsewhere. Author: Leslie ([email protected]) Date: 8/10/1998, 8:37 am EDT Message: Cyndy, I totally agree with you that the all inclusives are 'no problem'. Certainly, if what a person is seeking in a vacation is pampering and R&R, the a/i is a great way to go. However, the safest, most genuine experiences I have had in Jamaica have been among Jamaican friends and other locals in their town, outside of the tourist areas. For me, to stay put in a compound behind a huge fence is not to have experienced Jamaica. The locals know where is safe. As for "Jamaica Sucks"; it's very unfair to judge a whole country by one negative experience. I was robbed in Florida. I don't condemn the USA and I continue to vacation in Florida as well. Crime can happen anywhere. Author: les ([email protected]) Date: 8/10/1998, 8:45 am EDT Message: If the only way to experience safety on Jamaica is to sit inside a resort and be afraid to visit and experience a bit of local culture...then I say BOOO Jamaica. It looks like such a wonderfully beautiful island, it is too bad that these problems seem very much the norm on Jamaica as oppposed to other islands. I agree that crime can hit you anywhere, but my idea of a holiday is not camping out and hiding from local culture...I'll sit on a beach here in Canada if that is the case! Its too bad, and I am very weary about visiting Jamaica (we were planning maybe for Jan.)...but I've read soooo many bad postings now, that I feel if we go...we are ignoring all the warning signs. Author: Leslie ([email protected]) Date: 8/10/1998, 12:38 pm EDT Message: Les, I too had heard all the warnings prior to visiting Jamaica and was unsure. My husband and I have traveled somewhat in the Caribbean and like to explore new places. One visit to Jamaica and we were hooked. It certainly is not for everyone, and if you're very nervous about it, you should go somewhere else, but we found most Jamaicans to be the friendliest and most hospitable people we've met anywhere. Also, we found that for us, Jamaica didn't have the water problems, etc. that is associated with Mexico and some other Caribbean islands. I've visited 7 times and have never felt ill due to eating a different diet. My advice is to always be cautious, as you would be at home. If you think you're not going to like it, you won't. We were pleasantly surprised and have made some very good friends there. Author: Crystal ([email protected]) Date: 8/10/1998, 1:02 pm EDT Message: Wherever you travel, you must do your fullest research on your destination. I am a single female, and went alone to Jamaica. At first it was a little frightening, because it was my first time out of the states. Then, once there, and staying in an all-inclusive I felt safe and comfortable. Jamaica is a beautiful place to vacation. As a honeymoon or with the entire family. Author: Gwen ([email protected]) Date: 8/10/1998, 1:40 pm EDT Message: I am very sorry to hear about your experience and certainly am not trying to make light of it. Going on a vacation anywhere and being robbed must be horrifying. However, there was recently a murder trial in Florida where a yound Canadian was shot in the head for $2. Should we warn people to never go to the US again? Is it a lawless country as well. Jamaica is a third world country with crime. The majority of people are very warm friendly and great to talk to. Do not judge an entire country on one horrible incident. if we all start to do this we might as well just stay home in our backyards. Author: Negril Jill ([email protected]) Date: 8/10/1998, 3:32 pm EDT Message: I am sorry you had a problem in Jamaica. But it is unfair to tar an entire island because you had an unfortunate incident. If you had been robbed and beaten in St. Thomas, which is a U.S. possession, would you be posting that no one should go? Jamaica has some serious problems with poverty, no question. The advent of the fortress-like all-inclusives has exacerbated this, as much as it's increased tourism, because the benefits of these hotels only go to the few. In Jamaica, you have to be prepared to deal with a country and a culture. It's not a theme park where "Manuel" the obsequious waiter is there waiting to refill your drink. You DO have to deal with the local residents differently than in other places. I know what happened to the original poster is a terrible thing. But when crime happens elsewhere in the Caribbean, it scares no one. But in Jamaica, the damage lasts years. Why? Author: Jane ([email protected]) Date: 8/11/1998, 1:53 pm EDT Message: We went to Jamaica about 7 years ago. One time was too much. We will never go back. Our hotel was continually robbed, while people were sleeping mind you! Our friends were some of them. It took them 2 days out of their vacation to get things straight with the police! Where was the security? How do they get in there anyway? something is not right. We did not feel safe for one minute there. People were held up at knife point across the street from our hotel. The beggers are unreal. Any time we tried to venture outside the hotel, we had people following us side by side harrassing and harrassing. You can't be safe walking around Jamaica at all. That is not a vacation if you must stay cooped up in one spot. Jamaica needs some serious revamping in every area possible to get the tourists back again. I would go to Cancun anyday over Jamaica and a lot of the Carribean islands. Author: Chris Collinson ([email protected]) Date: 8/11/1998, 3:35 pm EDT Message: To Gwen who writes "we might as well stay...in our backyards"; that is how I would feel in the Super-inclusives, which according to many here, are the only "safe" places in Jamaica. No thanks, don't want to pay thousands to go to a fortressed amusement park. Author: raeona ([email protected]) Date: 8/12/1998, 10:29 pm EDT Message: For those of you who decide to go to Jamaica; think twice before booking on Air Jamaica. Unbelievable! THE worst airline experience we have ever had. In the space of a few days, here are some lst hand experiences: Bumped off a flight out of Chicago. The Jamaica-Chicago flight last Saturday left at least four hours late. I don't know what the over-booking situation was, but I can guess. The next nite, our flight was A.)first annouced that it would be delayed for by four hours. B&gt

Then so seriously overbooked that many people were bounced and C) didn't leave for another hour and a half. A flight that originally was scheduled to get into Ohare at 9 p.m., set down at 2 a.m. And most of the airline counter personnel were a joke! Rude and unhelpful. Author: Lucy Parks ([email protected]) Date: 8/14/1998, 4:42 am EDT Message: What does the US State Department say about safety in Jamaica for tourists? Author: Azeem Nathoo ([email protected]) Date: 8/14/1998, 10:55 am EDT Message: Having read about the relative pros and cons of going to Jamaica, I am still interested to see the place and meet the people. Are there 'safe' areas to visit or does crime pervade every region of the country? Is there an inexpensive way to see the country while trying to avoid crime ridden areas? Author: Lae ([email protected]) Date: 8/17/1998, 8:42 am EDT Message: Which area of Jamaica is "the Safest" so to speak. I've read that the best area of Jamaica to go to-to avoid some of these major problems is Negril. Is this true or is Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay just as safe and fun? Author: wendy ([email protected]) Date: 8/19/1998, 12:23 am EDT Message: we've been to jamaica twice in the last 3 years and are going back to negril for thanksgiving. we never stayed at an all-inclusive (please-now that's adventurous) and never had any problems. the first year we even rented a car -spur of the moment and drove to negril w/no room reservations and never felt threatened once. of course you need to take the usual precautions like you do anywhere, but the people are for the most part great--and if you don't want any of what they're trying to sell you whether it be smoke or beads, just politely tell them no. people who stay in all-inclusives should just spend their vacations in disneyland!! Author: Lae ([email protected]) Date: 8/19/1998, 8:43 am EDT Message: All inclusives are not just for the unadverturous....there is a growing trend toward them, and it is not for the reasons you mention. I personally, when going on vacation, like to know the price up front, so I can allow $$ for extra excursions & adventures. Also:... I am a Canadian and our $ is the sh..'s right now-many Canadians cannot afford to go to an island and lose money on every $ we spend. By going all inclusive we aren't paying twice as much as Americans for each meal, drinks, etc. If we did this- it would cost us almost twice as much as americans to enjoy travel in many caribbean islands. Author: Martin ([email protected]) Date: 8/19/1998, 2:04 pm EDT Message: I agree. I don't stay at all-inclusives to "isoloate" myself from the local people or culture. There is something relaxing about being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want, without worrying about money or tipping. Granted, if you do everything "a la carte" your vacation may still cost you less than an all-inclusive. However, there is just something psychologically appealing about paying for everything up front. This may not work for everyone, but I don't think that those of us who enjoy it should be criticized. Author: ebgreen ([email protected]) Date: 8/19/1998, 2:33 pm EDT Message: I love the products and fruits of Jamaica -- unlike any other Caribbean island. I recommend staying at a house with a staff -- and just enjoy the beach. In the past I have driven around the island and gone shopping, etc. -- all was OK, but it is really the best place to just DO NOTHING!! Author: Gwen ([email protected]) Date: 8/26/1998, 10:16 pm EDT Message: To Chris Collinson - I don't recall mentioning anything about all inclusives in my post, nor do I endorse them. They are fine for some people and not fine for others. This debate is not about all inclusives but about comdemning a country for the actions of a violent few. Most Jamaicans, as in any country, are kind decent people who are happy to show you their country and talk to you if you make the effort to talk to them. I know many people who have travelled to Jamaica and not stayed at an all inclusive and had a wonderful time. I have also known people who have gone and hated it. It's not for everyone as I said before, condemning the whole country is not fair. Author: melody ([email protected]) Date: 8/28/1998, 8:07 pm EDT Message: I would never spend a dime of my money in Jamaica again! My husband and I ventured out of the compound @Sandals Negril. We went into a village to buy some gifts and were swarmed by the villagers who proceeded to put bracelets etc. on me and then demand money for them. When we wanted to leave, a villager was sitting on our motorcycle. I told my husband to give him an American dollar bill(worth 7 Jamaican dollars @ that time) and thank him for "watching" our bike. He said " No Mon, you give me two!!" If I had felt at all safe I would have told him to f#*@! OFF!, But we gave him the money because the "Friendly villagers had all gathered around in a hostile manner. Now, doesn't that sound like a good time??? When I travel now, its to places like Aruba, the BVI's, Key West, Hawaii and guess what?? No problems, no fear and very little worry! For your information, tourists abroad have been put "on alert" and advised NOT to go to Florida or to at least follow certain precautions. The rental car agencies changed their labeling of cars to PROTECT the tourists! I've heard nothing advising against travel to Jamaica or that they're doing anything to protect visitors!!- I think the positive experiences are the exception there and we only hear the negative ones from the people who SURVIVED their trip there. I am so sorry for Holly's experience, I'm glad she lived to tell about it. The people who read these warnings and stories and still go will not be getting much sympathy if they too fall victim. Who wants to have to "be careful" and not leave the compound and be alert on their vacation??? Author: Reenie ([email protected]) Date: 8/29/1998, 12:04 pm EDT Message: I am so truly sorry to hear the problems that some of you have had in Jamaica. My soon-to-be husband and I will be honeymooning at Sandals there, and I just first want to say that I don't think we are wimps. (well, maybe a little *smile*). But seriously, we chose Sandals because of the wonderful things we have heard about the resort, and to not have to reach into our pockets for anything is very appealing and after all the wedding planning where we are reaching into our pockets for EVERYTHING, it will be a welcome respite. But, I do heed the warnings posted on this line. I'm still hard-headed and I still intend to venture out for at least one day. I am a curious person, curious about others' way of life, their cultures, their food, their stories and folkore. I live in the Washington, DC area, where the shooting happened at the Capital - I don't like to hear people recommending avoiding DC because of some bad incidents. If people didn't come here, they would also miss out on a lot of good things. I think in everywhere you go, there are places to go for vacation or honeymoon, and there are places to go for a learning experience. I also just want to say that if something negative DOES happen to me, I don't think that I DESERVED it. No one deserves bad things to happen to them. But they happen, and just like if people came to DC and something bad happened to them, I would never, ever think that they *deserved* it. My two cents - or $3.00. *Reenie* Author: K Noel ([email protected]) Date: 9/29/1998, 6:44 am EDT Message: The way I look at it is: it's not so much that one "deserves" to get mugged, robbed, etc, but you must realize that you are taking a risk by vacationing in a place with a huge amount of crime. What I don't understand is: why take such a chance when there are so many beautiful, safe, peaceful places to visit? Author: Lee ([email protected]) Date: 10/01/1998, 3:39 pm EDT Message: I am a white male who lived in Jamaica when I was younger. We rented a farm house at Dover Farm, near Ocho Rios. Some of my best memories are of Jamaica. Imagine being the only white person in the area! I actually was treated well by the locals and don't remember a single incident where I was in danger. I wasn't a "tourist", however. Jamaica does not have the same type of government or legislation that we are used to. There is a lot of money made there, but much of it leaves the country. The people have a very low standard of living and wages paid by these giant resorts are ridiculously low. Other than the resorts, who by the way are built for visitors, the island is lacking in basic necessities. Many islanders don't have electricity or running water. Add to that the fact that drugs will bring in a significantly larger income, while many tourists expect to be treated like royalty and you can have some problems. The problems in Jamaica are not easy to solve. It is a very beautiful island, with great people, having in many cases, a difficult time. If you go there, do so with an open mind and be aware that problems exist. Be cautious about where and when you go while on the island. There is crime there just like anywhere else. If you go, have a good trip! Copyright © 1998 Fodor's Travel Online Inc. Our Privacy Policy

Oct 6th, 1998, 08:57 AM

Don / Boston

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Hi: Think you should forget Jamaica and consider Cancun, Mexico. Tons of fun hotels, great beaches, reasonablly priced with some great deals available in June. Tons of fun, fun places to dance and Party !! A much safer environment by and large than Jamaica !! Email me if you need more info.

Oct 6th, 1998, 09:09 AM

Cheri

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I agree with Don. The last island in the Caribbean I would want my teenage children to go to would be Jamaica. Cancun would be safer and more fun. Funny thing about Jamaica, when we were there we couldn't figure out if at the resort we stayed at, they had us locked in or others locked out.

Oct 6th, 1998, 10:22 AM

Lynn

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Oh my!!! I have never seen such a chain of reaction to a posting before. I too, have friends that went, and said the same types of things, none of them would go back. But lets all remember, each to their own, life is a learning experience....As to the all-incusive thing, we are doing it for the first time in January, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.....I am looking forward to it.

Oct 7th, 1998, 07:17 AM

lynne

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I certainly agree with some of the above...Jamaica is the LAST place to send teenagers!! I've been to the Domincan Republic (Jack Tar Village) twice and both times I have really enjoyed it!! It is probably the safest I've felt in a resort....

Oct 7th, 1998, 06:36 PM

Lisa Taylor

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Lisa, I have a daughter graduating in 1999 also, I wouldn't let her go to Jamiaca, Puerto Rico, or several other islands. I have spent too much money on this child for all these years to have her end up in some trouble in the Caribbean. Have you considered Grand Cayman, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, or certain parts of the Bahamas? I think any of these places would be better for this proposed trip. How about Europe as an alternative to Jamaica? Ireland can be quite reasonable and crime free.

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