We're going to Couples-Negril in July. Can't wait!! My question is: Is the bus ride from Montego Bay to Negril really that bad?? <BR> <BR>I don't mind the 1 3/4 hours that I hear it will take and I can handle a few bumps in the road. However, if it is a very winding road, I will probably get carsick and may want to opt to fly. <BR>

Kate, <BR> <BR>Just got back from Beaches Negril. Didn't opt to take the bus ride and was glad we didn't because we heard from a number of people that it was bad all the way around, long, hot, bumpy, etc. we opted to fly and it was well worth the money...I definitely recommend it. However, don't be surprised at what they call the "negril airport", which was just a landing strip and a small one room building, basically. and also my advice if you do fly is to not check your luggage all the way through to Negril. You have to go through customs in Montego Bay anyway. Our travel agent made the mistake of checking us all the way through to Negril and my husband didn't get his luggage until the day before we left!! You'll have a good time. Have fun!! p.s. I'm sure July will be REALLY hot and humid down there, because May was almost unbearable.

Well we stayed at Sandals Negril last Feb and I said it was a bus ride from hell. Next time we will definately fly in.

IMO everyone should take the bus to Negril one time. You get the opportunity to see some of Jamaica. Btw its more bumpy than winding. Take the plane back. Try to leave the resort at least once too. Its hard to do at Couples tho. One can get very lazy there.

Kate: We went to Montego Bay in April and decided to take a day trip to Negril. There and back in one day!! What a trip. The ride there in the daylight was an adventure, bumpy, slow, unbelieveable sights, but coming back at night was absolutely unbelieveabe. Kids playing on the side of the road, people standing on the road, (no lights to see them), traffic with just horns as signals, etc. However, we are so glad we did it. We saw the culture, the towns, the schools, and a beautiful sight of Montego Bay at night. Our bus driver and tour guide were both very friendly, and he was an expert driver. Our tour guide was lots of fun and stayed with us the whole day. If you don't the 1 3/4 hour ride, do it. Then you won't miss the island culture, like you will do if you just stay at your resort. Jamaica is a fascinating island. We'll go back! <BR>

Kate: <BR> <BR>I think you should cancel your trip and just stay here in the US. You may as well if you dont want to see the country you are going to be in. If your just gonna sit on a beach, drink, eat and play in the water there is plenty of that at a beach near you and you could save the enviroment by not chippin in for the jet fuel. I have been to Jamaica three times and the place can be great if you respect the people and there culture and there country. Prising is kool but the rest of the responders should stay home too.

Patty: <BR>Thank you for your response. I would like to see some of the country and this might be a good chance. I will try the bus trip -- at least one way. <BR> <BR>No Respect: <BR>You have a valid point about getting out and seeing the country and meeting people. But sheesh... I really think that you are quick to jump to conclusions. At no point did I say that I didn't want to leave the resort. As a matter of fact, I chose Couples because they offer several off-site trips. I was only concerned about getting carsick if the road was very winding. I don't think that's a reason to stay home, though! <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Two years ago we took the bus to and from Negril (from Mo-bay). The ride was nice and the country side was beautiful. I would take the bus again!!

That bus ride was absolutely awful! We took it on our way to Grand Lido Negril and were in need of a strong drink by the time we arrived. Spend the extra money to take the plane...we did on the way back to Montego Bay and it was soooo worth it!

Don't take the tourist bus - if you feel sick there you are with a dozen other people! <BR> <BR>We always get picked up for the ride (email me for details on our driver if you like) and we LOVE the ride. Now that the road to Negril is under construction, we've had the opportunity to go the "other" way, through the mountains and along the south coast. Now we do the coast one way and the mountains the other way, they're both so beautiful. <BR> <BR>Our driver meets us at the airport with a full cooler and we stop as we like along the way (we are the only passengers). It's my favorite "getting into Jamaica" part of the trip, believe it or not. <BR> <BR>But it's bumpy and there are potholes and goats and whatnot - a driver who's sensitive to your feelings about going too fast and such is a great find. <BR> <BR Liz

If motion sickness is a huge consideration, you might want to consider flying. Or Dramamine. <BR> <BR>If it's your first trip, I'd recommend taking the bus THERE, to see a bit of the country, and flying BACK to MoBay. <BR> <BR>I recommend TimAir (http://www.timair.net). <BR> <BR>Couples Negril is great.

My husband and I went to couples Negril in April. I was nervous about the bus ride being that I get car sick also. Our ride was not really as bad as everyone says it is. We had a great man who drove the bus, and we happened to be the only ones on it. The windows where open and there was a beautiful breeze. Yes the ride had LOTS of curves and sometimes it looks like you are gonna crash, but they honk the horns to let the othe know they are coming. There where some lovely people outside the window who where trying to sell us some stuff if you know what I mean. We saw lots of animals, pigs, and alot of cows. The ride took about alittle under 2 hrs. But I would have to say, it was not bad at all. If this will tell you anything about the ride, we got married on Sat, had 2 1/2 hrs sleep that night, had to be up at 4:45 to be at the airport for a 8:00 flight, was tired and did not get "bus" sick. Hope this info helps.By the way, at the pool bar make sure you get a Glen special. I did not know what was in it, but who cares. Also get an Almond Joy (drink) O.K. I could go on and on! Let me know if you need any other info!

Thanks again, everyone, for all of the information on the bus trip and Couples! Liz: I have noted your driver's name and may use him for a side trip once we get to Negril. Two days from now I'll be on my way! Have packed dramamine and plan to take the bus!

I didn't say who our driver was in this thread - did I mention him elsewhere? Must be getting old <BR> <BR>Anyway, it's Lee Weinstock, http://www.jamlee.com/ <BR> <BR Liz

To Liz: <BR>Yup.. On Jamaicans.Com. I am also getting a little confused about where I read what and who wrote it. Good thing that I'm leaving soon... been spending waaay too much time on these boards! <BR> <BR>Thanks again!