Curt

Even thought most of the crime is in the general Kingston area, it really seems to be getting out of control of the government. Year to date there have been 600 murders already, not to mention the high rates of other crimes.

Have these numbers made any of you reconsider your trip(s) to any of the resorts? Just curious.

MIM04

You will find both sides on this site. I will not go there because I know of terrible things that have happened to personal friends. Both in the city and at resorts.

Again, there are many many people who go there with no problems, but I personally will not.

cdt

These threads tend to draw responses from staunch defenders of Jamaica, and those who won't go near the place.

I'm more of a middle-of-the-roader on this issue.

We have been to Jamaica before and we're leaning toward it for our next trip. We have also visited several other islands, including some with a "safe" reputation (Provo, Aruba) and some where crime rates are a concern(St. Thomas, St. Croix).

In considering destinations we weigh lots of factors: beaches, scenery, snorkeling, safety, cost, ease of access, etc. etc. The safety issue is one of Jamaica's negatives, in our minds, but not overpowering enough to keep us away if the "positives" make it a good choice due to our vacation schedule, budget, etc.

Even though the resort areas are certainly safer than Kingston, we will be more careful about certain things in Jamaica than we might be elsewhere - for instance, we won't rent a car and go exploring the countryside on our own.

I must admit that if I ever became a crime victim myself, or witnessed a violent crime while vacationing, I might weigh the pros and cons differently.

faithie

Definitely made me think twice , I became a nervous wreck and was terrified to take my kids ...... Until I found Fodors and sites like it . We had done first-off our "safety" research on about 3 different travel safety web-sites( U.S. , Canada , Britian )We Made the deduction that for tourists , the risk was about that of Mexico ( actually reads a bit safer ) As I started to tell people , I recieved what seemed to be the standard response , " You cant go there , you cant leave the resort , you will be robbed , knifed , macheted , and so on and so on ) As a mommy I flipped , started going crazy with research and as I dug deeper I started seeing that most of the people who sung her praises were from people who had actually "been" there . A great majority of the naysayers were people who's cousins uncles brother had been there ..... There seemed to be a trend , hmmmmm.....There is absolutely no doubt that Jamaica has a serious crime problem, but I suggest that everyone digs deep and weighs first-hand info. against second, third, hand info. P.S. We did go and loved it and felt safe .

maui

I've been thinking of going to Jamaica next year (maybe Negril?). The crime potential may make the decision. I'm looking at different accomodations. Are the big expensive resorts safer then renting a condo? Are there things that you should avoid doing? I'd like to go to Jamaica but do not want to experience the crime.

Thanks!

lizpereira

Just returned from Negril with a group of 60 women and 5 men....

No problems at all. Stayed mostly on the resort. A few people approached us to buy drugs, but quickly ignored them.

Some people are persistant about braiding your hair, or buying their trinkets, etc.

There is crime every where, use common sense, lock up your valuables, and be aware of your surroundings.

Knowing

There's no better place to wind down than in Jamaica. It's a great island that we fell in love with. Every night we curled up and listened to the waves. We used our heads about exploring the island on our own, but crime will never keep us away.

Diana

We did not go for many years for a couple of reasons - the less compelling one because of the safety issue.

We have traveled frequently to the Caribbean for years, but are big reggae fans and kept feeling like we had not experienced the "true" Caribbean since we had not been to Jamaica.

Last year, we went to Negril and Ocho Rios, and I'm so glad we did.

We had an amazing time, and the people were some of the friendliest we've met anywhere. What an incredible place with stunning scenery and interesting history.

We were careful not to venture out into the countryside by ourselves, and we kept a heads up when heading out to live music venues or dinner at night.

I agree that (as usual) the people who talk about the safety issue of JA have by and large never been there themselves.

The only tense moment for us was when my husband got out of the taxi on the way from the airport to the resort to go use the bathroom when we stopped to get gas. When he came out, no sign of the van (with me in it). The first gas pump was broken, and we had moved to another behind a pillar, and he couldn't see us. The look on his face until he saw me waving made me realize what a lucky woman I am. (Or maybe he was worried about the luggage...

I'd recommend JA to anyone with the proviso that they keep a heads up, do a lot of research before going, and travel with a guide when venturing out.
Yah mon!

tivertonhouse

Just returned from island and no problems, as usual. The crime rates Curt cites are local against local crimes, not tourist-centric. Unlike the DR and Puerto Rico, I've NEVER felt threatened on island -- in some 30 odd years.

liza

The crime rate in West Kingston (and scattered about other parts of JA) doesn't keep me away from Jamaica anymore than it would keep me from our own murder capital, New Orleans, or from visiting my family in Atlanta (#2 for murder in the US, I believe).

I do keep my head about me when traveling solo, but we do rent our own car and explore and we do travel around the countryside and we do take our children along about every other trip and we haven't stayed in a gated resort since my first trip in the late 80's.

Curt

Lots of good responses. I also greatly enjoy Jamaica and have never felt unsafe there. Now, we have never been to Kingston and really see no need to go there, but would if given a chance. It would be a way to see a part of the country that can not be seen in the rural resort areas. Our preference is the Negril area and we have always had good times there. As others noted, the friendly people, the good food, the great beaches, they all add up to a great holiday.

Thanks to all for responding. I just felt bad for Jamaica when I saw all the stories about the increasing crime rates (see the jamaica observer web page for lots of detail - www.jamaicaobserver.com).

mm

Never the victim or observer of a crime during 9 trips totally about 25 weeks.

The only time I had trouble was with a meathead cab driver who I told to 'shut up'. He completely freaked, stopped the cab, started yelling to the world and cursing me: "This is MY country. YOU cannot tell ME to shut-up!"

He calmed down, I apologized, and we continued to our destination.

All of my visits have been to Negril and the outlying areas.

Go and have fun.

Irie, mon.


mm

ejcrowe

I made my first trip to Jamaica earlier this year and I was in no way deterred by the crime statistics, in the same way I'm not when traveling to New Orleans (I think Liza said the same thing). Does it make me more aware of myself and my surroundings when out walking around? Absolutely! But as a woman I always try to have a sense of my surroundings and pay attention, especially when by myself, no matter where I am.

I loved my all too short visit to the Treasure Beach area and if it weren't for some recent unexpected medical expenses we would already be planning our return trip for January 2006--we booked through JamaicaEscapes.com and stayed at Mar Blue Verandah and the experience was superb in just about every way.

allietoo

We found the beach, the resort, the food, the mountains and tropics memorable but our experience going in to Negril (the town) was very unpleasant.

MarionCK

Curt,

When I read your original post, I thought, oh no here we go again with a thread that has been discussed *ad nauseum* on this board. I chose not to take the bait.

Then I read your second post, timed at 1:29 PM and wondered what is your point here ?

We can all search the archives for more than enough of Jamaica pros/cons....must we do it again ?

As you said...I'm "just curious"...but why ?

Marion

jacketwatch

BTW according to a readers poll of Carib. travel and Life mag. Jamaica actually is up to 2nd from 4th last yr. as best overall destination. Yah mon. Hello Faith. Did ya think I'd stay out of this one? LOL! LOL!

brenandg

Well, I can say that it didn't stop us. We just booked for July 10th, Negril. Last time we were there was 1998, our first trip to the Caribbean. Did not have the advavtage of my computer at the time to research, so don't really feel like we experienced Negril Beach. We went to Ricks, horseback riding and "shopping" at the Craft area. I have to admit I really didn't care much for that. Too much hassling and it was a VERY hot day. I'm thinking that there will be enough locals selling their goods that "shopping" will not be necessary this time. Anyone know anything about The Office of Nature? It was recommended on another forum and I checked out their website. Looks like they have cheap jerk lobster. It is on Bloody Bay.

christiegr

I have not been to Jamaica yet..however, I plan on it oneday.When I do go..it will probably be to Treasure Beach or Negril or Port Antonio.I will use street smarts as I do anywhere I go.

It is too bad that alot of people will probably miss out on what could be a wonderful vacation because of the bad publicity that Jamaica gets.

My husband has had friends to have bad experiences in Jamaica and he is skeptical about going there.I will eventually talk him into it or will go with a friend.

I think that as previous posts states..if people would just think about that there are places in their own cities that are avoided because of crime..maybe they should use the same common sense when they go on vacation.If this was to happen in Jamaica..I think that it would change the negativesome about it as a destination.

I cannot wait to go there oneday.

Traveler863

Jamaica is a great place, the beauty of the island and local culture so much intact and prevalent. That said, its a great place to visit but it has its crime problems, like many highly populated places, a thing that is just something you deal with. As to whether there's safer places to go in the Caribbean that is without a doubt. It really boils down to what you are comfortable with and what you want out of your vacation. Most important is to enjoy. Happy travels to all.

CaribbeanSoul

I have been traveling to Jamaica since 1985 and never once have been threatened, or witnessed any violence against any other tourist in all of my trips. Jamaicans have a way of handling disputes between themselves that, unfortunately, leads to violence. But there is nothing like witnessing a "discussion" in patois between two Jamaican men! They are most definitely passionate and proud, despite the poverty that most live in. Part of the draw to the island are the Jamaican people. It is a magical, infectious island.