Kristin

Have heard/read lots of negative re: crime in Jamaica. In spite of the negative press, we're going to Jamaica anyway, but what are your recommendations as to the "safest" cities in Jamaica? We're leaning towards Negril. Please advise. Thx!

cara

Jamaica is a really beautiful island. We stayed at Mo Bay Sandals and had a great time.It's just not a place to go walking around outside the resort at night.We never left the resort beacause we didn't feel like we needed to there was so much to do. I've heard Negril is even more beautiful,but we just didn't want to ride in a bus for 1 1/2hrs.I plan to go to Negril or Dunn's river next but first we're going to Antigua in 2weeks.

C.Clark

Hi Kristin, I loved Jamaica, and what ever you do don't stay inside a resort because you'll miss meeting the wonderful people of Jamaica. My personal favorite is Port Antonio. It is so beautiful it takes your breathe away. For favorite restaurant I'd have to say Ocho Rios. Try Evita's for I think some of the best Italian food you'll eat. We also liked Montego Bay and Negril. They all have something different to offer,and the people are wonderful. We went out at night and never had a problem. We also broke down in the mountains at night and never had a problem, everybody stopped and offered help. So go and have a good time!!!! <BR>

Scott

Too bad you made a final decision. There are many other islands you could go to where you wouldn't have to worry at all. After you scale the barbed wire wall of your resort make sure to stay in a large group! Or change your mind and dont worry??????

Kim

Please dont listen to Scott. We have been to Jamaica and never had a problem. We stayed at Sandals Negril last Feb and we went to town and to MoBay and O.Rios and never had anybody bother us. <BR>I really dont think you have a thing to worry about.The people in Jamaica are wonderful people dont let anybody tell you any different. We will be going back there again soon. The country is very poor but the people there do the best they can with what they have.They dont take it for granted like us Americans. Dont let anybody discourage you from going that would be a great disappointment for you. <BR>Jamaica is a beautiful place to vacation!!!!! Despite the negative garbage you here. And if it was that bad would so many of us return so often? <BR> <BR>

DAVE

Yes, by all means, don't go by hearsay. We went to O.Rios and had a grand time. We went into the city at night and hit some of the clubs. We walked around and never had any problems. We went horseback riding into the montains, which I highly recommend. We walked the beaches at night,visited the fishing piers, etc., and were very pleased with t he reception where ever we went!!We are going to Negril next year and don't have any doubts!!We are leaving on a cruise in one week, otherwise we would probably be back in Jamaica this year!! ENJOY!!!

Scott

We went to Negril for the first time in Sept '93. We also saw all the negative stories in this forum. Our worries were for nothing, as the people are very nice. We can't wait to return. We stayed at the Poincianna.

JanGail

We stayed in Negril, Jamaica a <BR>couple of years ago and really had <BR>a good time--- would return there <BR>in an instant! Also have visited <BR>Ocho Rios and Montego Bay thru <BR>cruises--- Negril by far is much <BR>nicer, and the hustling is not as bad <BR>in Negril --- just say a firm polite NO <BR>and they will go on their way. The <BR> Seven Mile Beach there is great!!! <BR> Also,Air Jamaica recently is now offering shuttle flights to Negril from Sangster Airport in Montego Bay. A much better alternative than the bus----take advantage of that if you can! I believe the airfare for the shuttle is $50 - 75 pp. <BR>JanGail <BR>

mike

Kristin: <BR> <BR>I too am going to Jamaica for the first time this spring. We've chosen a Negril resort, yet fully intend to "go beyond the barbed wire". I've been to a lot of places, though I'm certainly not a "world traveler" and I've found that a smile and a good attitude works wonders. Many people invite trouble by thinking the world revolves around them and expecting others to have the same standards. Those folks need to lighten up and leave thier obnoxious attitude back home.

Jerry in ATL

I've been to Negril 3 times in the last 2 years and absolutely LOVE it. Our local consumer guru, Clark Howard occasionally warns travelers about Jamaica and can't admit when he's dead wrong! - The "crime wave" that has people scared is entirely confined to Kingston, and drug & gang related. <BR>I walk the beach in Negril at night without worries. Of course, I take my common sense with me when I travel. In Dec. of 98, just before I arrived, and American tourist was killed on the beach, right by where I stay. He'd been walking around flashing big bucks, his jewelry and his Rolex. I'm sad for his family, but c'mon! <BR>There are plenty of very reasonable places to stay outside the boring all-inclusives. Yes, you'll have to say "no" a few times outside the A/I's but it's worth it. My last afternoon on the beach, a boy walked by with a box of cooked lobsters and limes. I had a great lunch for about $5US. <BR>If your going down in early July, we'll be having an informal gathering of poster to the Negril Message Board which, along with places to stay, etc. is at: <BR>http://www.negril.com <BR> <BR>Irie!

Janet Lutz

<BR>I have traveled to Jamaica 6x by myself and have never encountered any problems!!!!! I can't get enough of the beautiful people - some of the nicest you will ever meet!!! Just like anywhere you travel use common sense!!! Just do not stayed locked up in a resort - the countryside in Jamaica is just as breath taking as the ocean!!!! I have traveled all over the island and I prefer to stay in Negril and venture out from there!!!! Just make sure you meet the Jamaican people - you will come home with a whole new outlook on life!!! Just go enjoy yourself and leave your worries at the airport - you'll see it's no problem mon'!!!!! Have an AWESOME trip!!! I will be there again March 21st-31st!!!! <BR>

Kristin

Thank you all SO much!! I can not WAIT to go!! We will not be staying at an all-inclusive, and we intend to have a great time!!! Thanks again for all of your responses.

Kim

Hi, If you dont mind me asking where did you decide to stay?

Kristin

Negril.

Doug

Kristin, <BR>I've been to Jamaica twice in the last <BR>few years and have had very good luck w/ <BR>staying at villa's in Discovery Bay. You <BR>definately have to know how to say NO to <BR>the locals, but once you make your point <BR>you'll discover, no hassle. They can be <BR>the gentlest folk on earth. Just show a <BR>little respect and you'll get it back ten fold.

tamara

I think it is very sad that so many people are scared to go to Jamaica. It is like any place in the world, even America has scary places, poverty, drugs, gangs plenty of places I would be scared to walk the street at night. Jamaica is beautiful and so are the people, but if yiu act 'stuck up' and look like you are so disdained because they are black and have a different way of life they will know. Don't stay in the all-inclusive hotels as that only breeds problems. Explore Jamaica it is a wonderful place

Diana

We went to Jamaica for the first time last July and rented a villa in the Runaway Bay area, this summer we are renting a villa at Half Moon Resort. We went out among the locals, shopping horseback riding and dining. I absolutely loved, as I mentioned we are booked to go back this summer, need I say more?

Kristin

OK, call me ignorant---but when accessing info on Negril, I often read the word,"Irie". Can someone educate me??? Thanks.

Diane

"Irie" is sort of a greeting wishing you a laid-back, so fine, feel good. life-is-easy-and-so-grand time, or saying that's how you feel

Donalda

<BR>Isn't it funny how one always hears the negative things about a tour destination? I'm glad so many have set the record straight about Jamaica. We have been travelling anually to Jamaica(mostly MO Bay) for a holiday for 25 years.Never once have we had a problem.We have walked the streets,ate the food,drank the water,and rode the local buses.We've stayed in condos, hotels, all inclusives,and efficiency units.Jamaica is safe.Like any other country,including our own, you stay away from the areas where trouble may lurk,and the tour rep. in Jamaica will fill you in at a briefing.Jamaica is a beautiful country filled with loving,friendly people.Go and enjoy it ! <BR> <BR>