I have been fortunate to travel many places. I have also been fortunate to be acquainted with very wealthy people. I have not been anywhere that I enjoy better than Jamaica. I have never seen anyplace more beautiful. <BR>A friend of mine was recently in Negril dining with one of the directors of Sandal's Resorts. When he asked her where they should go for their next vacation she frankly told him that she has been EVERYWHERE and the only beach in the world she had seen finer than those in Jamaica was in Turks and Caicos. She said for overall package Jamaica was her favorite. <BR>Please, no more talk of Jamaica being a dump. It's just not so. I have been in urban settings in Washington DC, Chicago, and St. Louis that were much worse off than the most poverse Jamiacan village.

THANK YOU I AGREE WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I totally agree--Jamaica is not a dump. Yes people approached us on the beach to buy a little bit of everything, but we never felt threatened, and we only had to say no once. From everything I had read on this board, I was a bit concerned-----but the whole time we were in Jamaica my husband and I kept asking each other what exactly people were complaining about!!! The beaches and water (in Negril) were beautiful, the temps were great (March) and I have seen MUCH worse poverty & hopelessness in Chicago and NYC (and I LOVE those 2 cities!!) The Jamaican people were lovely---I'll go back.

I went to Jamaica last year and stayed in Negril; it was great. If you have never traveled before it may be a culture shock. I don't think it really matters if you stay at an all-inclusive property or not - regarding you will be propositioned starting at the airport and at the property your staying at. I actually stayed at an all-inclusive resort. It was such a great experience to be able to stay within their culture. I know when I returned home from my trip I had such a different attitude - a good one. In June I plan on returning to Jamaica but staying in the Ochio Rios area. I can hardly wait. If anyone has suggestions for that area that would be great!

I have to agree also. We went to Jamaica last summer for the first time and absolutely loved it!! So much so, we are returning the end of June. It is truly a beautiful island, although like anywhere I have ever been, there is poverty and some really depressed areas. I mean come on, you can see worse here in the U.S. I found the people to be gracious, even the hagglers, because I, unlike some others I saw when we were there, know how to treat everyone with respect and dignity. I understand completely that for most of the people, their evening meal might depend on how much they sell that day. I think you will find the majority of people who have been, find it a great place to take a vacation. I know I do!