My wife and I were planning on going to the Caymans in March. Now another couple may come with us and we have different considerations. While we still want nice beaches (like the Caymans), nice restaurants and crime under control (no Jamaica), we also want more a nightlife/nightclub atmosphere also. While my wife and I have finally succumb to our 20 something (my wife) and 30 something (me) status, if we are with these other couples, we will enjoy nightlife as well. I hear the caymans do not have the nightlife. <BR>

Hi Jeff, we've been to eighteen of the islands in the caribbean including Jamaica and I gotta tell we love Jamaica. We never stay at an all inclusive, we go everywhere the people are and we never had a problem. We even went to Kingston, broke down in the mountains and still never had a problem except a little paranoia at first. We're from Canada and we'd already booked our flight before we started to hear alot about the crime there, what alot of crap.Never once were we hasseled at open markets, All I can say is that the people of Jamacia were wonderful and we had the best time, we'd go back in a heart beat. <BR>

If your looking for discos and casinos in the Caymans, then no, you wont' find it. Yes the Caymans, can be lacking for nightlife, but I understand there are a couple of nightclubs, I think they are called Sharky's and The Planet. <BR> <BR>There are lots of places that have pirate and/or caribbean nights (i.e.: the Hyatt or the Marriot) that have caribbean bands playing into the evening. <BR> <BR>If you also want just a very nice dinner out in a nice restaurant with a few cocktails, then the Caymans have it. <BR> <BR>I too, have been to Jamaica (only once) and have never experienced crime. Of course you know it can be a little higher than other islands but you just use common sense as you would in any country. <BR> <BR>I really don't know very much about other islands - I hear St. Maarten/St. Martin and good night life with lots of casinos. Same with Bahamas. But I would vote for Grand Cayman. If you do go to Cayman stay on 7 mile beach - that's the hub of activity on the island. <BR> <BR>Lori

I've been 17 times to Jamaica. I know the island from one corner to another.A dozen times or so have been without incident. I can actually say that the other times I had incidents that would scare any tourist. I find the 95% of the people to be very nice, but the people that are bad are really bad. Sounds like home? Anyway for first timers I totally diagree, it should be in an all inclusive. Period...

Aruba and St Martin would be perfect

My husband and I along with another couple went to Negril, Jamaica 3 years ago and had a GREAT time! We had been to Ocho Rios before that and definitely preferred Negril. No one hassled us to buy anything and we saw no evidence of crime. (in Ocho they pester you alot!) In Negril, the restaurants we great and there's always music and dancing going on at various places along the beach.

Regarding Grand Caymen, we loved the diving and snorkeling. Lots to do including dancing, shopping, eating, etc. Beautiful water. Regarding Jamica, we enjoyed it, stayed at Holiday Inn and had the best entertainment ever. Not a place to go out at night. Our friends did have a bad incident in Jamica. Cozumel was nice, great water parks, neat little town to go into at night. Lot's to do. I don't really care for all inclusive but in Jamica we did eat at the Holiday Inn every night. Aruba was also very pretty, went to many years ago that I really need to go back. Cancun was also fun, depending where you stay. Nassau was pretty. Also, there are places in the keys that can be a good time and good snorkeling.

JEFF - JAMAICA IS NOT DANGEROUS---IT'S WONDERFUL!! BEEN TO NEGRIL TWICE AND WILL GO AGAIN. AVOID THE "AMERICANIZED" ALL-INCLUSIVES AND EXPERIENCE TRUE ISLAND FLAIR BY STAYING AT A SMALLER RESORT AND TRYING DIFFERENT RESTAURANTS EACH DAY. NEGRIL BEACH IS THE BEST, AS YOU CAN WALK EVERYWHERE (ON THE BEACH) FOR DINNER, DANCING, ETC. IT'S VERY CASUAL AND A GREAT PLACE FOR 20 & 30 SOMETHING CROWD. I'VE BEEN TO MANY OTHER ISLANDS, AND FIND THE JAMAICAN PEOPLE TO BE SOME OF THE FRIENDLIEST. THE NEGRIL TREEHOUSE IS A GREAT RESORT, RATED AS "ONE OF THE BEST BUYS IN THE CARRIBEAN" BY CARRIBEAN TRAVEL & LIFE MAGAZINE. BE SURE TO GO TO XTABI RESORT FOR DINNER ON THE CLIFF SIDE OF THE ISLAND. VERY ROMANTIC! GOOD LUCK!

Ive done the all-inclusives in Jamaica twice - and had a great time (no crime worries, although we didnt venture too far) <BR>I've also sampled other islands, but <BR>St Martin gets my vote....French side (Grand Case) has lots of restaurants and bars....the Dutch side has the casinos and (later) nightlife. The whole island is scenic, easy to drive around with a rented car. You can explore different beaches that way, too. I prefer the French side overall....but if nightlife is your primary concern, the Dutch side might be better. Be forwarned that this is where the cruise ships dock, so Philipsburg can be crowded during the day.