My fiance and I are leaving for Jamaica on Nov. 24. We've always gone to Mexico - which we love. Is there much difference between the two vacation spots? I'm talking about crime, poverty, tourist treatment, etc... I'm getting nervous about trying some place new, especially after reading these discussion archives!

I think Jamaica has less tourist crime than Mexico does, at least the state dept advisotry sems to suggest that. Of course there are probably more tourists overall to Mexico since you can drive there. <BR> <BR>There is poverty (in both), you either find this a fascinating view of the country and its people or you get uncomfortable or you get scared. I'm the first type. In Jamaica everyone does speak English (in addition to patois which is a spoken, not written language), so that's helpful in terms of interacting with locals. <BR> <BR>In Jamaica salespeople can be aggressive/persistent (though as I recall this was true in Mexico as well) but if you are kind and firm when you say no - a smile helps - they'll generally leave you alone. Of course you may want to actually buy somehting, in that case JA is like Mexico - you BARGAIN for everything. <BR> <BR>Relax, use your common sense. We take our family to Jamaica every year, kids and all, and love it. We stay in little hotels or villas usually - are you staying in that type of place or an all-inclusive resort or what? Which town? <BR> <BR Liz

i just returned from jamaica (my first trip) and it was lovely. the people were very friendly - especially when you are friendly to them. we didn't feel save leaving the resort and getting adventurous. if you are worried, then just stick to the resorts like we did. people may ask you on the beach if you want your hair braided or if you want to buy pot, but just smile and say no thanks, and they will leave you alone. just be smart, as you would anywhere and you will enjoy your trip!

After spending one month a year in Mexico for years we finally took the big step and went to Negril. We liked it well enough to book for two more weeks in Feb. We also jotted down five pages of notes that would be usefull to the first timer. Just e-mail us if you would like a copy Dan and Ginny

we went to cancun and jamaica last year. you will always be bothered by sales people on the streets, but just say no thanks and you'll be fine. as far as crime's concern, i think if you stay in the tourist area where there are lots of people, you should be ok. We went to Negril in early december. it was too quiet, not alot of people. shopping is very quiet, beach is too calm. negril has a long 7 mile beach so walking is always nice. if you're in the negril area and you like seafood, be sure to try COSMO's . it's a local restaurant near Beaches resort. it's the best. enjoy your trip.

Jamaica is wonderful. Yes, there is a fair share of crime there and the vendors can be rather pushy to try to sell you stuff. But the people can also be some of the friendliest souls! <BR><BR>Just use basic street smarts as if going to any new city.

also a first timer - i get the idea mayfield falls should be my first pick for adventure. is this true? any other ideas

MAYFIELDS Falls a good choice for your 'first adventure'.Others:YS FALLS,before 9am; THE BLUE HOLE,Roaring River;BLACK RIVER (Charlie Swaby's croc watching cruises and the market on Sat);MILK RIVER BATH,GUT RIVER,Lil Ochie restaurant in ALLIGATOR POND. Some are best seen with a guide.

The people in Jamaica are so friendly,<BR>Wonderful people. We love it there and im sure you will also. Have fun!!!