hmmmm, I wouldn't call Negril a "must see". It's a town, not really an 'attraction'. And quite a distance from Montego Bay. Sorry I've absolutely no experience with AI's or with MoBay to help your daughter. You might want to start a new post? as this one is kinda lost with the safety discussion.

Rafting on the Martha Brae River, though touristy, can be fun, and it's very laid-back. I like Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, which has hummingbirds that will perch on your finger. There are a lot more activities in the Ocho Rios area, but that's about 90 minutes away from MoBay.

Well, better safe than sorry. I have recently had friends that went and said they would never go back because of safety issues. Of course this is just MO. Sorry, I thought we were aloud to give those here.

Last time posting on this site!

If they drop prices like Mexico did last May with the Swine FLu scare, I would definalty book for December. Until then, back to Mexico we go. :)

Anguillagirl~ I'm sorry why you can't understand why quoting an experience from over 20 years ago (when *nothing bad* actually happened to you) is not current information or helpful to people reading here.

Hi
I'm actually living in Kingston - I moved here for work a few months ago. I was in Kingston during the civil unrest. It was confined to particular areas and it did effect us in so far as we couldn't really go out after dark. But things are back to normal here more or less . You just have to be alert like anywhere in the world. If you are going to Mobay or Negril etc you are not going to be in anyway disrupted because of the unrest. Jamaica is a beautiful country and the majority of its people are great fun and lovely - like anywhere it has its fair share of baddies!

Also I'd suggest Treasure Beach and Port Antonio as places to visit - they have lovely villas and hotels but are less touristy than Mobay or Negril if you are looking for something a bit different.

We have been back for one week and had no issues whatsoever. We stayed in Negril, went off resort frequently and there was no difference between this stay and many, many previous ones since the 70s.

kfusto, Thanks for the post. I'm headed to Negril next month. Can't wait.

suze... i know you'll enjoy your trip to negril. if you're there on a saturday night be sure to check out the $15 buffett (with entertainment) at the seastar. it's an easy walk from where you're staying. or they will pick you up if needed.also LTU Pub is a very good place and i think you may enjoy alices restaraunt too. it was crazy, we still laugh about it.Selinas for the sunday brunch too. if you haven't already looked at negril.com, it has alot of very good info for you. the boardies there will help you out. i printed a list of thing to do and places to eat(by marko)and he really had some great ideas. have a great time, i know you will!!!

pwj155~ Hey thanks. No I haven't looked at that website, but definitely will. Much appreciated. I'm especially interested in having a few restaurants picks that are very near to Mirage/Tensing Pen. So when I find my self solo I can easily grab a meal nearby. I already started by little Negril 'notebook' (i use a 3x5" spiral each trip i take) for recommended places and activities. THANKS, suze

LTU just had a management change so not sure if things are different now. We were quite disappointed in our last 3 visits to Rockhouse restaurant after years of dining there. But we did enjoy Pushcart.

suze, have a great trip!

I just returned from Jamaica yesterday, went June 10th-14th and felt perfectly safe the entire time. We stayed at the Sandals Whitehouse and its about 1 1/2 hours away from montego bay airport. We felt safe and didn't see anything out of the ordinary going on. Jamaica is beautiful and would def recommend going now, just stay away from Kingston and you'll be fine.

Thanks for the updates and good wishes. I'll definitely check in and report on my trip to Negril when I return, mid-July.

OK I'm back. Since I read above I promised to check in, I will :-)
I had a *fabulous* trip (July 8-18) in Negril on the Cliffs. Back to the original question I found Jamaica to be welcoming but a wild & wooly place. "dorothy you aren't in kansas anymore" i kept thinking the first few days. and I was careful about (avoided) wandering around alone after dark.

it's a bit rough around the edges and i did feel the need to be sligtly more cautious than in Mexico (PV or Cabo) or Hawaii (Waikiki) my other most usual tropical haunts.

BUT Negril is amazing!!! the people, the beauty of the landscape, the whole vibe. totally unique. Both Tensing Pen and Mirage worked out great for me and my group. Restaraunts I went to, and liked (in this order) are: Ras Rody's, Sips & Bites, Ivan's at Catcha, Canoe, Sharks, Alices, LTU Pub. The banana bread from a beach vendor and the vegetable patties at Out of Town bakery both highly recommended for breakfast!