Jamacia/Dominican Republic???
 

Me and my boyfriend can only travel in Feb. and we were thinking about either the Grand Lido Braco in Jamcia or somewhere top notch in the Dominican Republic. Anyone have any suggestions? We want somewhere to relax but that has nightlife if we want to take advantage of it. We also want an All Inclusive that doesn't serve us buffet food and bottom shelf liquor.

Dee,<BR><BR>Jamaica... It's safer, and more fun that the Dominican. Go to Negril. The 7 mile beach is world famous. Don't waste your time (or money) in Montego Bay. There are some great all inclusives in Negril. In my opinion, the farther toward Bloody Bay you are, the better (as far as location goes)....<BR><BR>Have Fun<BR>Eric

Check out the Club Miguel Angel within the Occidental Flamenco Bavaro in Punta Cana. "Concierge" level of accomodations and service fully contained within the larger resort. Private restaurant, pool, & bar with premium liquors among other great amenities and access to everything in the main resort. If you book it at the same time as your trip it is a minimal additional charge (approx $110 pp for 10 nights). If you try to upgrade after arrival it was around $600-$700!

Eric, Jamaica is extremely unsafe, especially compared to the Dominican Republic!! The DR is extremely safe, particularly the Punta Cana area. I'm not sure where you get your stats from but Jamaica has an extremely BAD reputation for safety. You can't leave your resort compound without being threatened and the government consulate families placed there receive "hardship" allowance due to the extremely unsafe nature of the island. You WILL be safe within the resort compound but that's it!!!

Jane, shut the hell up...you don't know know what you're talking about. No island or country is extremely safe as you state about Punta Cana, DR. You wanna bitch at other people for their misguided facts, well yours are misguided too babes.

Dominican more safe than Jamcaica ? Please... I've been to both, and can say that my vote would be for Jamaica. Try Negril, Treasure Bay, or the Port Antonio area. Believe me, you will always feel safe. The people are great, and there is much more natural beauty in Jamaica then in Dominican. There is really no comparison beetween the two.<BR><BR>Roberta

OK, so if you want more proof of just how bad and crime ridden Jamaica is, go to this government website and read the precautions:<BR>http://travel.state.gov/jamaica.html<BR>I have a relative who is a doctor and travels to Jamaica yearly to give free medical attention to the natives. He travels around in an armed guard bus which is clearly marked as a humanitarian vehicle providing free medical. The natives largely leave them alone because they badly want them to return but he sees dead bodies along the roadsides everywhere he goes and he WOULD NOT EVER TAKE HIS FAMILY THERE!!! If you think that violent crime doesn't exist in Jamaica and that the tourists aren't bothered....YOU ARE WRONG. Our friends were golfing in a barbed wire fenced golf course when they were held up at gunpoint by three men who climbed over the fence somehow and took everything they had....IN A SUPPOSEDLY PROTECTED COMPOUND. Go to Jamaica in your ignorance and I sincerely hope you have a good and worry free vacation but I highly doubt it!!!

Some people seem to think that the crime rate found in the city of Kingston is found throughout the country of Jamaica. This is simply not true. <BR><BR>Kind of reminds me of the difference between living in downtown NYC, and living in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State - no comparison. (Or perhaps similar to comparing DR to Haitti)...<BR><BR>I've been to Jamaica numerous times. Here's is my advice - stay out of the cities - go to the country... This (by the way) is also my advice when visiting any foreign land. Not only will you enjoy it more, you will be safer, and will get a chance to truly mingle with the people who live there. Visiting the lesser populated part of any island also helps to insure that your money will go to the (often poor) people who live there (instead of a foreign owned corporation).<BR><BR>After years of travel, I have only experienced crime once (knock on wood). This was in downtown Vancouver, Canada. Our car was broken into and our camping gear was stolen - during broad daylight. I have felt far more threatened in numerous US cities than I ever felt, in all my trips to Jamaica...<BR><BR>Eric

Hey Eric , DR and Haitti are 2 different countries sharing 1 island , but they are still 2 entirely different countries ,different languages , cultures...Perhaps you meant Punta Cana and Santo Domingo ? I've have been to both -Jamaica (twice) DR (5 times)Didn't experience anything bad at either places, except for those peoples who followed us around in Jamaica ( Negril, Mo bay, Ochos Rios) trying to sell us marijuana...but that's all .

Sorry to say but I wouldn't go back to either. You get pestered beyond belief in Jamacia as soon as you leave your hotel. "Braid your hair...buy smoke (and they dont mean cigarettes)" AQ man ran after my wife for taking a photo that he happened to be in wanting money. We wanted to see some culture in Jamacia but EVERYWHERE was, "spread the wealth". We travel about 5-6 times per year and have been to many places and would not go back to Jamacia or DR. You get it from the "locals" everywhere but Jamacia and DR seemed excessive. Jamacia coffee is excellent and the Sandals at Mont Bay was super, but again, we needed to stay at Sandals to get peace! Even coming into the Jamacian customs they were rude. My last name is obviously of Polish decent and looking at my US Passport, the woman kept insisting that I was from Poland (my family came over 7 gens ago! lol). The resorts indeed have nightlife but there are lots of other places that are better for your money.

I agree with most of the above posers except the rude guy. Wouldnt go back to the Dominican Republic (very dirty) or Jamacia due to the locals harassing you constantly. It is very pretty but I too dont want to be hassled on my vacation of the year.

Harvey, if you don't like the DR or Jamaica, where would you go back to (sincerely)...<BR>

Just for the record, I've been to Jamaica and didn't see any dead bodies on the roadside. And we traveled alot of their roads.

"Can't leave the hotel grounds " What ? I've been to Jamaica numerous times, and always wander the beaches. I try to get out and see the local towns and villages. No crime -never saw any. I don't know (or care) about Jamaica's "Reputation" (or what it says in some brochure for government workers) it's far safer than so many (scared of their own shadow) tourists believe. But that's OK, all the more Jamaica for me...<BR><BR>

Jane,<BR><BR>I checked out the link you suggested (http://travel.state.gov/jamaica.html). <BR>Not really very surprising (or very alarming). Who goes to Kingston ? Most tourists fly into Montego Bay, and never go near Kingston. Again, just because a country has a bad "REPUTATION" doesn't mean it's really all true. I can think of numerous examples (right here in the USA) of equally dangerous areas (i.e. in major cities). Don't believe everything you read...

Jane,<BR><BR>I was unaware that there were two countries named Jamaica.Your doctor friend must have traveled to the lesser known one.I think the origial poster was asking about the Jamaica that is an island in the Caribbean a little south of Cuba.Where there are no dead bodies laying around.Jane,how many times have you been to this Jamaica?I am always amazed by people who seem to know all about a destination that they have never been to.If you have ever been there you would not be expounding this BS.Now if you were to go around this Jamaica calling people natives you probably would not be well received.The Jamaican people dislike this term.And prefer to be called,belive it or not,Jamaicans.Just one more sign of your ignorance.<BR><BR>Dee,<BR><BR>Some people resent being ask by Jamaicans to buy different things.I think alot of times these people are not firm enough with their response.If your answer is no.Then make it a firm no.Don't say things like not now or maybe tomorrow.They will remember you and ask you later or tomorrow.Now,having said all that.I always take the opportunity of being approach to strike up a conversation and get to know the person.I maybe buying or not.One of my favorite things is to go to the craft market in Negril and visit with the vendors.I always buy a few things.But mostly just talk with the people.One word of caution is to hone you negotiating and no saying skills before going to the market.The vendors can be a little aggresive at the market.But a firm no still works.Besides thay are all just trying to feed their families.<BR><BR>

<BR>Dee,<BR>I bet you never thought a simple request for a recommendation between Jam and DR would end up with such back and forth sniping from the various factions as has happened here.<BR>I've said this about a dozen times so far on this board: Jamacia is a safe place if you take the same precautions you would in New York City. There is crushing poverty in Jamaica (as is there in DomRep) and the presence of tourists with money can become a temptation to someone wondering where to find the money to feed the kids.<BR>But, I am unaware, save for one instance, of anyone reporting on this board that they were the recipient of any violence or the victim of any crime.<BR>What we do see regularly are tales of someone who knew someone, or a relative who saw something, or, "They kept coming after me trying to get me to buy....." or "They were rude and arrogant...."<BR>In all the times of been to Ja, I've never experienced any of those things. I have interacted with assertive sales people who struck me as perfect candidates for used car salesmen in the US. They were dogged in their pursuit of a sale. But when I said 'No, thank you, I'm not interested,' attention quickly shifted to another possible sales prospect and away from me.<BR> When I worked in Kingston, admitedly the heart of all the violence problems, I never saw or experienced anything like some other posters have said they heard of. I will admit, I made it a point not to wander around at night in Kingston. But that's common sense.<BR>There is crime in Jamaica. To deny that would be foolish. And there is violence. But it is almost exclusively by Jamaicans on Jamaicans. And for a very bad period earlier this year, it was Jamaicans against the police. A problem that has seemed to settle itself out when the police finally realized that criticism of their tactics and actions was not an attack on their position of trust in the community.<BR>As BudNip says above, I don't know what Jamaica young Jane's Doctor relative went to, but there are not dead bodies lying along the roadsides in the Jamaica I go to.<BR>I think your Grand Lido Braco plan sounds absolutely perfect. Go, enjoy.

I wouldn't go back to either. I'm not arguing political ideations but I like to walk around without being hassled in shopping areas. Tips...tips...money...<BR>

I have never been to the Dominican Republic but actually would like to visit sometime. I have been to Jamacia Ocho Rios. I agree it is dangerous and you most defintly need to be aware of your surroundings. <BR><BR>When I went it was on a cruise ship twice. The 1st time a Jamacian followed us to town--he was "friendly" but would not leave us. Then he said when we got to town he would protect us. We told him we would be OK he still wouldn't leave after leaving town with him at our side he then insisted we give him money for being our tour guide.<BR><BR>Then another time I was there 2 cab drivers pulled out guns on eachother because they both wanted us to take their cab and thought the other was stealing their business.<BR><BR>Believe it or not I still enjoyed myself and would go back.

Suzanne,<BR>I've found in many places like Jamaica, Bahamas, and even Mexico there's much more aggressive behavior toward cruise ship passengers than visitors staying on the island. I don't know if it's because they know you'll only be there one day so want to make sure you spend some money. But as visitors staying on the island, we've never experienced the same aggressive practices that are so commonly described by cruise passengers.

Could it also be that cruiseship passengers are fed such a line of BS, that they are expecing (and looking) for trouble. They are afraid of the islands, and are kept that way by the cruiselines. The cruise companys have to let you off on the islands, but can at least make sure you are a bit afriad, so you will do a cruise next year (and not a trip to the islands you have visited during your cruise).<BR><BR>Eric

WOW!!! Some of the comments on this site are scaring the hell out of me. <BR>5 of us are traveling to DR over the Xmas holidays.I'm not sure from all the comments that we'll be safe there.<BR>I'm thinking maybe we should have gone to the USA where the foods all good,there's no dead bodies, and no one ever hassles you. Happy Holidays

To Jane: You are obviously someone who has never been to Jamaica and is speaking entirely on the basis of what you have read or what you have been told - therefore you have no authority to speak and should really just shut your trap! You are ignorant and quite frankly, I am embarrassed for you.<BR><BR>To the original poster: if you want an all inclusive that does not serve buffet food and bottom shelf liquor (in Jamaica) I would suggest the Half Moon Bay Resort in Montego Bay - they offer different sorts of accomodation and meal plans - and its a beautiful resort complete with its own golf course, tennis and squash courts, several restuarants on property so you can dine around, a nice shopping plaza, a spa etc<BR><BR>Have never been to DR but have several friends who have been and they love it - beautiful culture and people. I am not aware that it has a reputation for being dangerous - none of my friends ever mentioned that particular concern.<BR><BR>Whaatever you do, go on and have a good time! And please do not take on those idiot that keep trying to steer you away from JA and its violence - I have been at least 6 times - and have never had a second thought about my safety. I freely visited all over and have some very fond memories of the place and its people.

Everybody raves about the Dominican Republic as compared to Jamaica. But have you ever been to Santo Domingo? This city is far dirtier than any I have seen in Jamaica with children begging in the streets.<BR><BR>To be fair, the majority of the people in both Jamaica and the DR are very friendly. The Domincans have not been exposed to as many tourists as the Jamaicans. I have not had any problems with Jamaicans because I try to treat them with dignity, like I do when I travel anywhere. I have spent time in Paris, which also has a reputation for rudeness. But I have not had any problems there because I was very respectful of the Parisians. I have seen American tourist be rude without being aware of it, and thus they get a rude response.<BR><BR>As far as the vendors, the most intense vendors in the Caribbean are at Royal Caribbean's Labadee private beach.<BR><BR>You also have to realize that these people are struggling to make a living. So I always bring a little money and buy some crafts and then I tell the other vendors &quot;I have no more money&quot;, which is true. Then they leave me alone.<BR><BR>

Bo's comments are right on the mark. I have not visited Jamaica yet. We will be there in November. I have traveled all over the Carribean and Europe and find that if you take the time to talk with people and treat them with respect, by looking them in the eye and responding negatively, if necessary, you will be treated fine. You must, of course use common sense when touring. You avoid dark alleys and places where there are not many people, just as you would in any city in the states. Enjoy and get to know the people. This will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Been to Jamaica. Lovely country. Danger? Only for fools. Like the others said, use standard precautions and all is well. Out of all the Caribbean, all the islands, Jamaicans are the most friendly of all.

Hi: we have just returned from our first trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. We have also been to Ochos Rios and Montego Bay Jamaica. Both are very beautiful countries, and I am sure that there are people in each country that you would not want to meet and places that you would not want to go. You could say that about almost any where in the world. However, for your vacation dollar I do not think you can do better than the Dominican Republic. The people are both friendly and polite and will take no for an answer. There is still a very Caribbean feel to the island. I felt less pestered in the DR than Jamaica and also more welcomed. Punta Cana is diffently a beach destination and in this regards is far superior to alot of Caribbean islands. The Secrets Excellence Punta Cana in Uvero Alto area is a top notch Adults only resort. We visited that area and it is a beautiful beach resort a bit secluded. It has 7 al a carte restaurants. The Iberostar was also on a nice stretch as was the Paridisus which has a casino, they are both 5 star resorts in Punta Cana. We stayed at Occidental Flamenco which was wonderful but maybe not as top notch as you are looking for and the nightlife was pretty laid back. We thought it was a far superior resort to Sandal Royal Caribbean or Sandals Montego Bay which are both showing wear. I will admit that I did enjoy more of my meals in Jamaica though.But again it was nearly twice as much. Hope this helps, Karen