Need to Escape Xmas: help me dodge my crazy family and cold this year
Sep 5th, 2012, 08:06 PM
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Need to Escape Xmas: help me dodge my crazy family and cold this year
Newbie to FodorsForums so sorry if this is a broken record....single traveler ISO kid-freeish sunny, safe destination. Also, for singles, are all-inclusives the way to go or no? Thank you in advance, and cheers!
Sep 6th, 2012, 01:51 AM
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Welcome to Fodors!
We need more info from you if we are going to be helpful.
Where are you coming from?
Direct flights, or are you willing to take all day, or more, to get somewhere remote?
What's your budget? In dollars, and does that include airfare?
When are you travelling, and how many days?
Are you looking for a beach to hang out on, or activites? Shopping? Historical sights?
Anywhere you have in mind? Anywhere you don't want to go to, and why?
AI is not necessarily the best choice, depending on where you go, whether you plan on staying on one resort, eating all your meals there, doing lots of drinking, or if you want to eat at lots of different places or aren't a big drinker.
Let us know, so we can help more!
We need more info from you if we are going to be helpful.
Where are you coming from?
Direct flights, or are you willing to take all day, or more, to get somewhere remote?
What's your budget? In dollars, and does that include airfare?
When are you travelling, and how many days?
Are you looking for a beach to hang out on, or activites? Shopping? Historical sights?
Anywhere you have in mind? Anywhere you don't want to go to, and why?
AI is not necessarily the best choice, depending on where you go, whether you plan on staying on one resort, eating all your meals there, doing lots of drinking, or if you want to eat at lots of different places or aren't a big drinker.
Let us know, so we can help more!
Sep 6th, 2012, 06:33 AM
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Thanks for the reply txgirl!
Coming from PDX, OR.
Have off b/t Dec 21-31: goal is sun & beach/hiking/shopping/historical/botonical gardens and someplace not to familyish/couple-y
Last year did Puerto Rico (loved it) & yr before Hawaii
I'm not a big drinker and vegetarian which makes me think AI not the best deal.
Have passport & credit cards & sunscreen, need help on where to from you experts! Thanks a mill!
Coming from PDX, OR.
Have off b/t Dec 21-31: goal is sun & beach/hiking/shopping/historical/botonical gardens and someplace not to familyish/couple-y
Last year did Puerto Rico (loved it) & yr before Hawaii
I'm not a big drinker and vegetarian which makes me think AI not the best deal.
Have passport & credit cards & sunscreen, need help on where to from you experts! Thanks a mill!
Sep 6th, 2012, 07:34 AM
#4
I love Negril myself, and that's what I'd recommend if Jamaica is where you want to go.
But from Portland Oregon, why not go to Mexico? I'm in Seattle and Puerto Vallarta is my go-to place. A lot easier and cheaper to get to (and once you're there) than the Caribbean from the west coast.
But from Portland Oregon, why not go to Mexico? I'm in Seattle and Puerto Vallarta is my go-to place. A lot easier and cheaper to get to (and once you're there) than the Caribbean from the west coast.
Sep 6th, 2012, 07:36 AM
#5
Oh, and I travel alone quite often (PV, Cabo, Waikiki, Negril) and have never stayed at an AI resort. I prefer just a regular local-style hotel. Everyone's different, but for me that's just more comfortable, I like to be indepdendent. Plus I'm a budget traveler and I have never found a package deal that would be cheaper than what I can put together on my own.
Sep 6th, 2012, 07:55 AM
#6
The best website for Negril is www.negrilonestop.com There's an interactive map there so you can just click thru and look at all the hotel and resort options. Negril is divided into the beautiful 7-mile beach & "the Cliffs" to the west end of town.
On the beach look at Coco La Palm, Idle Awhile, Charla Inn, White Sands (depending your price range). On the Cliffs check out Le Mirage, Catcha Falling Star, Tensing Pen.
On the beach look at Coco La Palm, Idle Awhile, Charla Inn, White Sands (depending your price range). On the Cliffs check out Le Mirage, Catcha Falling Star, Tensing Pen.
Sep 6th, 2012, 04:20 PM
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heya jennifer
im in the same situation as you, so im going to the following:
DEC 22 - JAN 12 :: San Juan, Puerto Rico - San Juan Park Hotel
JAN 12 - JAN 22 :: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Gran Bahia Principe Ambar Adults Only - All inclusive
come with
cheers
Peter
im in the same situation as you, so im going to the following:
DEC 22 - JAN 12 :: San Juan, Puerto Rico - San Juan Park Hotel
JAN 12 - JAN 22 :: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Gran Bahia Principe Ambar Adults Only - All inclusive
come with
cheers
Peter
Sep 7th, 2012, 08:06 AM
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Peter! I love love loved PV at Christmas....message me if you want tips of what to do. Went with a girlfriend, we're the zipline/snorkel/hike/tequila kind of travellers vs the spa type so hit me up if you want Vallarta tips!
Or...meet me Jamaica instead for Christmas adventures!
Cheers!
Jen
Or...meet me Jamaica instead for Christmas adventures!
Cheers!
Jen
Sep 7th, 2012, 09:08 AM
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Gah! Misread that--and I'm not even blonde, just coffee deprived this am 
.
Suze, thanks for the Negril tips--looking at the hotels you suggested....they look exactly like what I was looking for (less resorty-AI entrapment!) And where are you going from Seattle next trip? Was in your town 2 weeks ago and rode the new ferris wheel...cheers!
. Suze, thanks for the Negril tips--looking at the hotels you suggested....they look exactly like what I was looking for (less resorty-AI entrapment!) And where are you going from Seattle next trip? Was in your town 2 weeks ago and rode the new ferris wheel...cheers!
Sep 7th, 2012, 09:11 AM
#11
You're msot welcome, re Negril. Let me know if you want any more details. I was there for 10 days summer of 2010. 5 days I was solo, 5 days met up with a group of old friends.
Puerto Vallarta (hahaha - but seriously that is my next trip, 10 days in early Nov)
Puerto Vallarta (hahaha - but seriously that is my next trip, 10 days in early Nov)
Sep 7th, 2012, 10:15 AM
#13
I stayed at Le Mirage on the Cliffs, their sister hotel is Charela Inn (sorry spelled wrong above), my friends were all at Tensing Pen. While I loved the Cliffs myself, it's a bit more isolated, so going solo you might be more comfortable on the beach. Just depends. I don't know anything about "resorts" or any of the big chain type mega complexes, never go there, do that.
If you want to go back to PV I've got a lead on some great apartments there too.
If you want to go back to PV
I've got a lead on some great apartments there too.
Sep 11th, 2012, 04:11 PM
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lol re jamaica, been there done that, would highly recommend any hotel from the RIU chain, much much better quality of service and food than the other chain hotels in jamaica, also make sure to go to Rick's Bar and go for a few nice dives off the cliff there best time to go is during the sunset...
Make sure u take booked taxis from the desk and not the street, and agree on a price before you get into the taxi, ask other hotel guests for what they payed on aveage etc, and if you venture outside the hotel you will be constantly harassed by locals to make purchases of "non-prescribed medication" (just say you have enough politely and they should stop)
found jamaica slighly overrated, would go to cancun over jamaica, well going there in march next year for SB, cuba, cancun and miami
PS check my profile for my world tour, you are all welcome to join me feel free to send me an email
best time to go is during the sunset...Make sure u take booked taxis from the desk and not the street, and agree on a price before you get into the taxi, ask other hotel guests for what they payed on aveage etc, and if you venture outside the hotel you will be constantly harassed by locals to make purchases of "non-prescribed medication" (just say you have enough politely and they should stop)
found jamaica slighly overrated, would go to cancun over jamaica, well going there in march next year for SB, cuba, cancun and miami
PS check my profile for my world tour, you are all welcome to join me
feel free to send me an email
Sep 11th, 2012, 04:54 PM
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JenniferSuzanne,
I've stayed at Coco La Palm many times over the years, so if you need specific room type recs there, just let me know.
Disagree almost totally with post above. RIU in Negril is absolutely horrible. And Ricks is a tourist nightmare unless you really like huge tour buses, stoned crowds, overpriced drinks, and paying to see Jamaican teens dive off the cliffs. UGH.
Don't be afraid to interact with locals. A polite "no" will usually send away anyone who is trying to sell you something you don't want. Please keep in mind that many Jamaicans are struggling and out of work. Most of them are charming, wonderful people who couldn't be more welcoming to tourists.
As for taxis, there is a really nice group of drivers directly across the street from Coco la Palm. In general, it is best to have your hotel make all transfer arrangements, since some cars don't carry the proper insurance. Some restaurants like ROCKHOUSE used to provide round trip transfers free. I don't know if they still do this year.
Lastly, ganga is part of the culture. Again, a polite "no" is usually enough.
I've stayed at Coco La Palm many times over the years, so if you need specific room type recs there, just let me know.
Disagree almost totally with post above. RIU in Negril is absolutely horrible. And Ricks is a tourist nightmare unless you really like huge tour buses, stoned crowds, overpriced drinks, and paying to see Jamaican teens dive off the cliffs. UGH.
Don't be afraid to interact with locals. A polite "no" will usually send away anyone who is trying to sell you something you don't want. Please keep in mind that many Jamaicans are struggling and out of work. Most of them are charming, wonderful people who couldn't be more welcoming to tourists.
As for taxis, there is a really nice group of drivers directly across the street from Coco la Palm. In general, it is best to have your hotel make all transfer arrangements, since some cars don't carry the proper insurance. Some restaurants like ROCKHOUSE used to provide round trip transfers free. I don't know if they still do this year.
Lastly, ganga is part of the culture. Again, a polite "no" is usually enough.
Sep 11th, 2012, 05:18 PM
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@Weedles, did you stay recently @ RIU Negril?
Do you have any vested interest in Coco La Palm?
other than Rick's what else is there to do outside a 'resort' in regril that is safe and free from heavy harassment? (and even remotely somewhat economical?) (sfa?)
cheers
Peter
Do you have any vested interest in Coco La Palm?
other than Rick's what else is there to do outside a 'resort' in regril that is safe and free from heavy harassment? (and even remotely somewhat economical?) (sfa?)
cheers
Peter
Sep 12th, 2012, 11:12 AM
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adelaidesurflifesavr,
We have been going to Negril for over 25 years. We know many of the properties pretty well just from spending so much time there, and visiting friends at various hotels.
No vested interest in COCO LA PALM. We like it because it's on a gorgeous section of beach, and very affordable.
There is plenty to do other than Rick's: Mayfield Falls, all kinds of water sports, fishing on the river, sunset cruises,and wonderful bars/restaurants on the cliffs, many of which are quite reasonable and good.
It seems that Negril is not your kind of place, which is fine. But in all our years of going there, we've never had a visit marred by "heavy harassment." And we do find it economical, compared to many other island destinations. To each his/her own!
We have been going to Negril for over 25 years. We know many of the properties pretty well just from spending so much time there, and visiting friends at various hotels.
No vested interest in COCO LA PALM. We like it because it's on a gorgeous section of beach, and very affordable.
There is plenty to do other than Rick's: Mayfield Falls, all kinds of water sports, fishing on the river, sunset cruises,and wonderful bars/restaurants on the cliffs, many of which are quite reasonable and good.
It seems that Negril is not your kind of place, which is fine. But in all our years of going there, we've never had a visit marred by "heavy harassment." And we do find it economical, compared to many other island destinations. To each his/her own!
Sep 12th, 2012, 12:27 PM
#19
<would go to cancun over jamaica>
Personally I would not follow the advice of someone with this point of view. Because that one sentence says it all. Comparing one man-made hotel strip development of beach resorts to an entire Caribbean island? Really???
I've never been either to a "resort" or to Rick's in Negril (though I've peaked in) because that's not my kind of place. But there's plenty to see and do all around. I've also not experienced "heavy harrassment". I've been in Negril 3 times 1975, 1982, 2010.
Personally I would not follow the advice of someone with this point of view. Because that one sentence says it all. Comparing one man-made hotel strip development of beach resorts to an entire Caribbean island? Really???
I've never been either to a "resort" or to Rick's in Negril (though I've peaked in) because that's not my kind of place. But there's plenty to see and do all around. I've also not experienced "heavy harrassment". I've been in Negril 3 times 1975, 1982, 2010.
Sep 12th, 2012, 08:43 PM
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@weedles, thanks for your reply, especially the part "been going to Negril for over 25 years"
@suze, 1st visit in 1975? (that was before i was even born
looks like jamaica caters for a 'niche market'
rofls (silently)
@suze, 1st visit in 1975? (that was before i was even born
looks like jamaica caters for a 'niche market'
rofls (silently)
