Anyone been to Jamaica?

[Josh]

I'm thinking about taking a trip to Jamaica in the coming months, maybe even wait 'till winter. Just wondering how it is out there. A lot of people tell me that it's dangerous to go out there because of the locals who will rob/kill you without thinking twice. I'm not really worried about that, unless it really is extreme like that...but any thoughts/opinions on Jamaica would be appreciated

 

[ScoobMaster]

We went to Ocho Rios on our honeymoon back in 1995. We had a WONDERFUL time at an all-inclusive resort called "The Enchanted Garden" (Sadly, I think it is closed now). It didn't seem any more dangerous than any other tourist area back then - just use common sense and don't go adventuring "off the beaten path" or accept rides from "unofficial" taxis

(Editted for spelling 'cause my fingers work faster than my brain!)

 

[thirdlegstump]

ya mon!

 

[GasX]

I was very disappointed. I would go to Belize over Jamaica any day.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: Josh
I'm thinking about taking a trip to Jamaica in the coming months

Why?

Anyway, it seems like a prety safe place from what I saw of it in Cool Runnings. Then again, it looks like a pretty scary place from what I saw in Marked For Death. I think it really depends on whether you're an overwight ex-bobsledder or an ex-rogue police officer.

 

[aphex]

Been there 2-3 times... I liked it there, the people were all friendly everywhere we went...

Shopping through the open markets though, i dont think i've ever been offered drugs that many times in my life. In a 20 minute span, we had about 7-8 drug dealers ask us if we wanted anything, they usually just leave ya alone once you refuse.

Another word of advice, DO NOT GO SHOPPING in the village outside the Dunn's River Falls. Most places we shopped were fine, but this place was annoying. The merchants there would ask you to hold something, or stick it in your pocket, then want you to pay for it. ANYTHING you picked up or touched, they wanted you to pay for... More of a hassle than a good bargain there...

 

[NFS4]

Yes, Carnival cruise. It was OK, but I've been on better vacations here in the states. The merchants are awfully overbearing

 

[Josh]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Josh
I'm thinking about taking a trip to Jamaica in the coming months

Why?

Anyway, it seems like a prety safe place from what I saw of it in Cool Runnings. Then again, it looks like a pretty scary place from what I saw in Marked For Death. I think it really depends on whether you're an overwight ex-bobsledder or an ex-rogue police officer.

Why you ask? Because I want to expand my mind with views of different countries I really just want to visit a lot of places in my life, and I've been to a lot of places already. Jamaica is a country I'd just like to visit and I'm wondering if it is a good tourist location.

The merchants are awfully overbearing

Everyone seems to say that. I think I can handle 'em, it'll be just like chinatown

 

[Qwest]

haha, so true about the merchants.
before you can say "no thanks", they are carving your name into something.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: Josh

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Josh
I'm thinking about taking a trip to Jamaica in the coming months

Why?

Anyway, it seems like a prety safe place from what I saw of it in Cool Runnings. Then again, it looks like a pretty scary place from what I saw in Marked For Death. I think it really depends on whether you're an overwight ex-bobsledder or an ex-rogue police officer.

Why you ask? Because I want to expand my mind with views of different countries I really just want to visit a lot of places in my life, and I've been to a lot of places already. Jamaica is a country I'd just like to visit and I'm wondering if it is a good tourist location.

In that case, I'd skip Jamaica. If all you're going to do in a country is stick to the tourist locations because of safety concerns, then you're experience will basically be the same as going to hawaii.....clean sheets, fresh water, smiling faces, continental breakfast, yadda.

I'd pick a country you can really branch out in and soak up.

 

[Josh]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Josh

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Josh
I'm thinking about taking a trip to Jamaica in the coming months

Why?

Anyway, it seems like a prety safe place from what I saw of it in Cool Runnings. Then again, it looks like a pretty scary place from what I saw in Marked For Death. I think it really depends on whether you're an overwight ex-bobsledder or an ex-rogue police officer.

Why you ask? Because I want to expand my mind with views of different countries I really just want to visit a lot of places in my life, and I've been to a lot of places already. Jamaica is a country I'd just like to visit and I'm wondering if it is a good tourist location.

In that case, I'd skip Jamaica. If all you're going to do in a country is stick to the tourist locations because of safety concerns, then you're experience will basically be the same as going to hawaii.....clean sheets, fresh water, smiling faces, continental breakfast, yadda.

I'd pick a country you can really branch out in and soak up.

That's the thing, I don't want to stay in the tourist locations and have to see the same damned pools, hotels, resorts, etc as other countries. I was planning on exploring a little, but not going too deep within the city where I know it would be unsafe. I was just trying to find out if areas outside the major tourist locations are unsafe.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Josh

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Josh

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Josh
I'm thinking about taking a trip to Jamaica in the coming months

Why?

Anyway, it seems like a prety safe place from what I saw of it in Cool Runnings. Then again, it looks like a pretty scary place from what I saw in Marked For Death. I think it really depends on whether you're an overwight ex-bobsledder or an ex-rogue police officer.

Why you ask? Because I want to expand my mind with views of different countries I really just want to visit a lot of places in my life, and I've been to a lot of places already. Jamaica is a country I'd just like to visit and I'm wondering if it is a good tourist location.

In that case, I'd skip Jamaica. If all you're going to do in a country is stick to the tourist locations because of safety concerns, then you're experience will basically be the same as going to hawaii.....clean sheets, fresh water, smiling faces, continental breakfast, yadda.

I'd pick a country you can really branch out in and soak up.

That's the thing, I don't want to stay in the tourist locations and have to see the same damned pools, hotels, resorts, etc as other countries. I was planning on exploring a little, but not going too deep within the city where I know it would be unsafe. I was just trying to find out if areas outside the major tourist locations are unsafe.

Jamiaca is not a place I would want to visit. Check out the U.S./British Virgin Islands or St. Maarten if you are looking for a better feel.

 

[Lola]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Josh

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: Josh
I'm thinking about taking a trip to Jamaica in the coming months

Why?

Anyway, it seems like a prety safe place from what I saw of it in Cool Runnings. Then again, it looks like a pretty scary place from what I saw in Marked For Death. I think it really depends on whether you're an overwight ex-bobsledder or an ex-rogue police officer.

Why you ask? Because I want to expand my mind with views of different countries I really just want to visit a lot of places in my life, and I've been to a lot of places already. Jamaica is a country I'd just like to visit and I'm wondering if it is a good tourist location.

In that case, I'd skip Jamaica. If all you're going to do in a country is stick to the tourist locations because of safety concerns, then you're experience will basically be the same as going to hawaii.....clean sheets, fresh water, smiling faces, continental breakfast, yadda.

I'd pick a country you can really branch out in and soak up.

I was not aware Hawaii broke off on into its own country.

The caribbean and Hawaii are not all the same.

 

[brxndxn]

"Hey mon, you want an 8-ball, mon?"


My dad and I took a cab.. it was after a cab driver asked if we wanted any drugs and then he offered us a cab ride.. so we didn't take his cab. We got in another cab.. and after the ride, the cab driver offered us drugs. heh Jamaica is great.

 

[trmiv]

Stayed at Sunset Beach Resort in Montego Bay last year for our honeymoon. It was awesome, I love Jamaica. All inclusive is the way to go. You can stay the resort the entire time, or venture out as you wish. I can't wait to go back.

 

[rudder]

Originally posted by: Josh
Just wondering how it is out there. A lot of people tell me that it's dangerous to go out there because of the locals who will rob/kill you without thinking twice.

Haven't been there in a few years, but when I was there I was told to just stay near the resort areas and you would be fine. All bets were off if you decided to get adventerous and tour the island on your own.

Its a third world country despite pretty beaches and nice resorts. You will always have desperate people in those situations.

 

[GasX]

Based on my experience, if you want to enjoy Jamaica, go to a good all-inclusive resort and stay there. Of course, if this is what you will do, why not go somewhere where leaving the resort is a safe and interesting option. As I said earlier, Belize is the big winner - ask ANYONE who has been there. Another EASY choice is the Bahamas - just be sure to go to the out islands and stay away from Nassau. Aruba has perfect weather, awesome scuba diving and a raging nightlife - as long as you don't leave anything valuable in the rent-a-car you will be fine. Other good choices: BVI, St Lucia, Antigua...

 

[DivideBYZero]

Beer can.

 

[sjetexas]

Went to Ochos Rios and Negril for my honeymoon....all inclusive resorts (Couples Resorts....AWESOME). It was an awesome experience....great beaches, great resort, etc. However we pretty much stayed on the resort. They had everything we wanted...food, drink, beaches, pools, guided tours, etc.

I don't know if I would wander Kingston or even Montego Bay alone....I've read that the dangerous parts are really only certain areas of the city (like any US city if you think about it). However, you will be offered pot about every 2 seconds no matter where you go.

 

[Brutuskend]

Dis guy

 

[labgeek]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Anyway, it seems like a prety safe place from what I saw of it in Cool Runnings. Then again, it looks like a pretty scary place from what I saw in Marked For Death. I think it really depends on whether you're an overwight ex-bobsledder or an ex-rogue police officer.

I like Jamaica just fine. I had a good time there. Others in my party absolutely hated it. A couple of tips: treat the people like people (may be hard for some ATOT participants), and don't take a taxi that doesn't have the official sticker on it. No telling where you'll wind up, and you probably won't have any money if you do...

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
Beer can.

And eggs.

 

[cheezmunky]

I have been there five times and it can be a great vacation or a very dangerous one. My advice is to lodge in a resort, don't go to small towns unless you are with a local you can trust, and when going to larger cities (montego bay and ocho rios), stay at the tourist attractions (don't go wandering off into the shanties and get yourself robbed and/or killed). Also, stay away from kingston; I have heard more than my share of bad stories about that city. And as far as the small merchants are concerned, if you aren't interested tell them no and walk off, if you are interested bargain bargain bargain. Trying to get you to buy their crafts and pay as much as they can get is how they make their living and they will try everything possible to get as much as they can.

 

[platinumike]

yes. I have alot of family in jamaica, and they say it has gotten 10x as worse as it was when i visited back in '98. I remember my aunt telling me, that since the new year. There have been an avg of 3 murders a day. which is a helluva lot for a small island

 

[Josh]

Hmmm..thanks for the all the responses, it seems that Jamaica is pretty bad outside of the resort areas. I guess it'll be time to decide where I want to go on vacation and wherever all my friends decide is where we are going to wind up going. I'll try and convince them to my best to go to Jamaica, but if not Belize, Aruba and those other exotic locations sound amazing Thanks guys, :beer: