ChiSue

Joe -- I see in today's paper than Hyundai is coming out with a new car they are going to call the "Kona". (Guess they liked that better than the "Joe".) LOL

cmstraf

Well, this post had a very surprise ending. Realizing that my soon to be married goddaughter must have considered a number of destinations, I asked her to brainstorm with me about where to go.

She came up with Jamaica Inn in Jamaica, not much farther than Hawaii but also not as convenient. The resort is beautiful, we've never been to the Caribbean, so I made reservations for 7 days, booked the flight tonight with miles...and we'll see. Since I've read about violent crime. We have 27 hours to decide.

TJM_70

We have been to Caribbean, and prefer (and bought) in Hawaii. Full time home is in Pennsylvania so Jamaica is much closer but to us, many more positives to Hawaii. Not to say the Caribbean isn't beautiful (it is) but...Hawaii is...Hawaii. Good luck with your choice.

suze

Jamaica is a beautiful island. But it could not possibly be more different than Hawaii! I can't think is any similarities besides they are all islands. And the local/native people couldn't be more different either.

I don't think the "violent crime" is against tourists generally speaking. It's local to local if you read the details. You're going to Ocho Rios not Kingston or out in the back country.

cmstraf

Part of the appeal for me when my goddaughter suggested it is that I've never been to the Caribbean, probably won't go back, and I like the idea of spending my 70th birthday somewhere we've never been. The hotel/resort looks gorgeous. I'm glad you said it's beautiful and curious in what way it's different from Hawaii. I know nothing of its history, will need to learn even though there's a decent chance we won't do too much besides swim, snorkel, nap and read.

So far our very best island experience was La Tahaa in French Polynesia. But Hawaii has a certain something--we always go back.

TJM_70

To me, the poverty of the locals in Caribbean nations and the fact that I have to turn a blind eye to this in order to properly enjoy the all you can eat buffet at the all inclusive resort was a turn off.

Are there plenty of poor people in Hawaii? Yep...but most not nearly as poor as found in Mexico or Caribbean. For whatever reason, that aspect bugs me a lot.

The argument is made that the tourism trickle down effect helps them, but corrupt governments often keep that from happening. There's a think veneer. It just puts a damper on my ability to enjoy the trip knowing I'm contributing to that.

Plus, there's an advantage for us that Hawaii, while different than the mainland, is still in the US.

But, these are just to me. There is nothing at all wrong with going to the Caribbean...merely my opinion.

ChiSue

We've enjoyed Caribbean islands and Caribbean cruises. Jamaica never appealed to us enough to stay on it. We've stayed St. Thomas/St. John. We enjoyed Barbados (not in the hurricane belt). I think St. Lucia is up and coming. I'm not sure which islands are still 'in recovery' from storms this summer.

The Caribbean is much closer to us than Hawaii. We choose Hawaii, which is a State with good health and safety, and a higher standard of living. Many Caribbean islands are mired in poverty.

Would Bermuda have any appeal for you?

suze

<curious in what way it's different from Hawaii. I know nothing of its history>

You hit the nail on the head. For one thing, there is a HUGE difference in the history. The other is the racial mix. Another is the attitude towards tourists. Another is language and local culture. Music. Dance. You name it, it's just completely different!

That said, IF you are flying into Montego Bay, taking a shuttle or taxi to Ocho Rios, and staying only on your resort property... you might not see the difference at all.

suze

You might want to start a new thread with a more accurate title, and over on the Caribbean branch?

Since this trip is no longer about Hawaii or Mexico either one

cmstraf

Thanks for the suggestion. I just wanted to share the surprise ending. I'll be studying Jamaican history and culture and hope to see something more of the country besides the resort property.

suze

Oh OK. If you don't need any help with the Jamaica trip then no, no need for a new thread.

cmstraf

I'll probably start a thread when the time comes more near and I have become a bit more knowledgable.

Songdoc

<hope to see something more of the country besides the resort property.>

Years ago, I led a conference in Jamaica's Blue Mountains. We were evacuated to Kingston when a hurricane approached.

Kingston was one of the most horrible places I have ever been (and I am widely traveled). Despite warnings, I walked a half-block from my hotel. The poverty was heart-wrenching: people with gaping, open sores pounding on my car windows, begging for money; emaciated dogs; and drug dealers who physically accosted me...

There is a reason why most tourists stay inside those resorts.

I now live on Kauai and feel 100% safe anywhere and at any time.

suze

I don't believe you have to "stay inside those resorts". But you don't have to go to Kingston either.

I have vacationed independently in Negril (just 3 times, but widely spaced apart in years) never a contained resort experience.

I/we rent a hotel room or cabin or something, freely eat out in small funky local restaurants, shop at the grocery store, use the route taxi system to get around. It's fine. Fun, safe enough, using a small amount of travel smarts.

But no, I am not wandering around urban areas of long-standing poverty and heart break.

ChiSue

You haven't seen the worst until you've toured Haiti. People who are skin and bones, which you notice, since they have no clothing.

TJM_70

What a ringing endorsement of Caribbean vacationing! Give me Hawaii any time, any day. Aloha.

cmstraf

What we are going to is a small 50 guest resort, Jamaica Inn,--not a mega all inclusive thing. We will ask for help from staff, who are universally described as lovely, about where is safe and where is not. Definitely not into horrible poverty and misery; it's the reason that we went trekking in Bhutan instead of India.

I still have nice hopes for my 70th birthday/retirement celebration, still am sorry that Kauai is off limits for us this time. These posts have rained on my naive parade, but I will shift further questions to the Caribbean forum.

Songdoc

<You haven't seen the worst until you've toured Haiti. People who are skin and bones, which you notice, since they have no clothing>

OMG.

My absolute worst Caribbean experience was when I walked on my own from the cruise ship in the Dominican Republic. I had people follow me, spit on me, and do what appeared to be Voodoo curses. (Hmmm...maybe that's why I have chicken feathers growing in my nose. hehehe)

Suze: I'm glad you've been able to find nice, safe places outside of resorts in Jamaica.

suze

<Suze: I'm glad you've been able to find nice, safe places outside of resorts in Jamaica.>

Negril. It is nothing like anything you described.