Planning Vacation - Looking For Advice

[RiotActTK]

Hi, everyone.

I've been dreaming of visiting Jamaica since I was 10 years. After over 12 years, life has slowed down enough that I'm finally able to go.

I was looking for suggestions about a) where to stay and b), since I want to experience the "real" Jamaica (perhaps not necessarily a good thing), I'd like advice on transportation and how to best get around the entire island?

In terms of where to stay, privacy and being located near (or preferably on) a stretch of beach are the most important factors. I was looking at the Portalnd parish in particular. I had my eye on the Wilks Bay villa ( http://www.wilksbay.com ) and some of the Long Bay cottages such as Coconut Isle ( http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p201692 ) and Seascape ( http://www.perfectplaces.com/vacation-rentals/30270.htm ). However I have heard that Long Bay is very dangerous.

I'm also worried about crime, for obvious reasons. For many years I was under the impression that most crime (or at least serious crime) took place in Kingston/Spanish Town area and rarely involved tourists. There was a time that I used to read the Gleaner on a semi-daily basis and that seemd to confirm my opinion of the island. However, after reading this article, I am now having serious doubts about even bothering to go.

http://www.jamaicancaves.org/jamaica-crime.htm

I had always naively built Jamaica and the Jamaican people up in my mind as being relatively kind, hard-working people who are outgoing and friendly. Not to mention my fascination with the culture and my long-time love of Reggae and early Ska music. Perhaps my bubble is finally being burst.

Anyone have any advice? Thanks in advance.

[Magician]

Re: Planning Vacation - Looking For Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RiotActTK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">However, after reading this article, I am now having serious doubts about even bothering to go.

http://www.jamaicancaves.org/jamaica-crime.htm

I had always naively built Jamaica and the Jamaican people up in my mind as being relatively kind, hard-working people who are outgoing and friendly. Not to mention my fascination with the culture and my long-time love of Reggae and early Ska music. Perhaps my bubble is finally being burst.

Anyone have any advice? Thanks in advance. </div></div>

Every country has it's share of problems, and Jamaica's biggest problem is homicide. The 2009 statistics just released are not pretty, but as with all statistics, one has to put them in context.

Half of the 2009 homicides were gang/drug related. Unlike in places like Johannesburg, where random people are carjacked and gunned down regularly, the majority of murderers in Jamaica know their victims, and are a result of disagreements, business deals gone bad and drug and arms trade. Very rarely does one hear of an random person being killed. This does not justify the killings, however it makes the chance of you being shot while on holiday in Jamaica negligible.

The author of the article suggesting that one is likely to catch a stray bullet in Jamaica is ridiculous. The harassment that the author speaks of is not as widespread as he makes it sound. While people resembling tourists will be approached in the tourists areas, one will be ignored elsewhere.

The image in you mind of Jamaican people is correct. Like everywhere else, there are a few bad apples that tarnish that image. However, you have to get your information from diverse sources to the get an accurate picture.

Or better yet (as the Jamaica Tourism Board tells us)
once you go, you know.

[Seveen]

Re: Planning Vacation - Looking For Advice

welcome!

read some of the trip reports here - they are complete with pictures and in some cases videos

http://www.jamaicans.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&amp;Board=22&amp;page=1

they may give you an idea of the kinds of things that folks do on vacation and what areas they visit

stay around we'll answer more of your questions after you catch up on your reading

i have been going to jamaica since the '70's and have not encountered any violence toward me or any of my friends that go regularly

just use your common sense and don't let people enter your life with little knowledge of them just because you are on vacation - they probably won't kill you - but they may hound you for drinks, food, clothing and western union when you get home

you may want to try one of the more popular tourist areas first - there are a variety of places to stay - all inclusive, hotel, guest houses, cabins, camping

[Ja. Jewel]

Re: Planning Vacation - Looking For Advice

I'm an American woman, living in Duncans Bay, Trelawny for the past 5 years.

I do think the authors of the article you offered the links to, are somewhat blowing things out of proportion. I feel that the area I live in is quite safe. The beach here is one of the last unspoiled beaches on the north coast.

Please take a look at this link to my guesthouse www.myjamaicajewel.com I think you would feel very comfortable in this area.

[Seveen]

Re: Planning Vacation - Looking For Advice

none of the folks on that website looked like they are looking over their shoulder in fear waiting for a bullet

[RiotActTK]

Re: Planning Vacation - Looking For Advice

Thanks very much for the words of encouragemnt, everyone. I will most definitely do some reading from around here, particularly the trip reports.

How about Long Bay? The beach looks absolutely incredible, but as I said, I have heard (particularly on another forum I have been using to plan my trip) that it is a more dangerous area of Portland, that there is theft in the cottages/villas on the beach and that the beach itself is dirty. Some people have told me that this is not the case, but one can never have too many second opinions.

Ja. Jewel, I believe I have already spoken to you regarding your home in Duncan's. It definitely looks like a great spot.

[Magician]

Re: Planning Vacation - Looking For Advice

Not too many tourists venture to Long Bay. It is on the Northeastern tip of the country and it takes a long time to reach MoBay Airport, which is where most tourists arrive.

Since it is the first place on the island where tradewind-driven waves crash into the island, the surf is always rough and not good for swimming. Although if you enjoy surfing, it is great for that.

Security wise, I haven't heard much about it, however due to it's location, I wouldn't be surprised if there will be more JDF and JCF presence in the area, since more Haitian refugees are likely to be arriving in that area as a resulf of the crisis at home.

Portland as a whole is one of my favourite parishes. It is very lush and wild. Mountainous and unspoilt. It is perfect for those who like nature, and those who like peace and quiet. Although you won't find much of man-made excitement, the place is far from boring. The Rio Grande Valley is great for exploring. You can raft down the river, bike down the mountains, and hike. Hiking is very rewarding even on the main road thru Millbank, where you're likely to spot lots of wildlife and the hemisphere's biggest butterfly. With a local guide, there are countless mountain trails to explore to hidden waterfalls, old Maroon villages and highland coffee fields. Near Long Bay is Reach Falls, where you can go for a refreshing swim.

A holiday in the east is definately a rewarding experience. Although not a typical destination for first time visitors to Jamaica.

[Seveen]

Re: Planning Vacation - Looking For Advice

here is an awesome trip report featuring Portland and jajewel's place - pictures and videos

http://www.jamaicans.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&amp;Number=1028925#Post1028925

for the first time traveler to jamaica i highly recommend Negril - it's laid back with a variety of hotels, guest houses, cabins and restaurants - the 7-mile beach is awesome

i take my son to jamaica when i go - he is now old enough to have a bit more freedom - 13-years old and i don't worry about him to much in negril

come back and ask more questions - we will be happy to answer!

[marionfrombdx]

Re: Planning Vacation - Looking For Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Magix</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Portland as a whole is one of my favourite parishes. It is very lush and wild. Mountainous and unspoilt. It is perfect for those who like nature, and those who like peace and quiet. Although you won't find much of man-made excitement, the place is far from boring. The Rio Grande Valley is great for exploring. You can raft down the river, bike down the mountains, and hike. Hiking is very rewarding even on the main road thru Millbank, where you're likely to spot lots of wildlife and the hemisphere's biggest butterfly. With a local guide, there are countless mountain trails to explore to hidden waterfalls, old Maroon villages and highland coffee fields. Near Long Bay is Reach Falls, where you can go for a refreshing swim.

A holiday in the east is definately a rewarding experience. Although not a typical destination for first time visitors to Jamaica. </div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">Magix, Ifound your comment very interisting.Please, Tell me more aboutthe local guide. Where and when find them for example?!
Sorry for this unknowning but it's important for me to plane this tripp so far away from home and culture!! </span>

[Magician]

Re: Planning Vacation - Looking For Advice

Hiking in the Blue Mountains is a lot of fun. You see flora and fauna that is completely different from what you see in the rest of Jamaica, and the views are spectacular. The air is also cooler which is nice in the summer. If you stay on the main roads you get to see some nice views as well, and you do not need a guide for that. However if you venture off the road and onto a hiking trail, you must have a guide as the chances of getting lost is the Blue Mountains are very real. I know a Jamaican that along with a group of his friends got lost for 5 days, and a Jamaica Defense Force helicopter had to come rescue them after nearly a week in the wilderness.

It's good to know a guide or to have one recommended. However alternatively you could travel to Millbank (in the Rio Grande Velley) and go to the ranger station and ask around. Millbank is where most of the trails start and where most of the guides live. Don't accept any guides from Port Antonio or towns away from the mountains, as they are just after your money and all of you will probably get lost.

In Kingston there are a few companies that offer guided trips to the Blue Mountains, the Cockpit Country and other destinations with transportation to the starting point.
You can also arrange for a downhill bike ride is you are too lazy to climb the mountains.

[evala]

Re: Planning Vacation - Looking For Advice

I do agree with my fellow friends that the people of Jamaica are nice and that the article was not describing truthfully the place. As for accommodations: I recommend Silver Seas Hotel in Ocho Rios. It is situated right by the beach and my room had a remarkable view of the ocean. It was clean and comfortable and I booked it for 43$ only (a double room) in a website called easy click travel. Another one which I really recommend is Legends Hotelin Negril. This one too has a beach access. The room I stayed in was big and luminous, very clean and had a lovely balcony with a fantastic view. This hotel, like the one before has too a swimming pool, only this one is lovelier but who needs a swimming pool with a beautiful shoreline like that one??
Enjoy your trip and tell us about it when you're back.

[ruth1]

Legends Hotelin Negril

Legends Hotelin Negril- Did you book it through
easyclicktravel.com? How much did you pay?

[evala]

Re: easyclicktravel.com

Well, I don't remember really where did I book Hotelin Negril and how much was it that I paid?! Sorry, anyhow Silver Seas was surely booked through easyclicktravel.com.

[Marielle]

Re: Planning Vacation - Looking For Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RiotActTK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the Jamaican people ........kind, hard-working people who are outgoing and friendly.</div></div>

That they are, and you will have a great time!!

I find the article highly sensational and deeply unpleasant, certainly does not reflect the Jamaica I know...

[evala]

Re: Legends Hotelin Negril

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rutha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Legends Hotelin Negril- Did you book it through
easyclicktravel.com? How much did you pay? </div></div>
Open this link: http://www.easyclicktravel.com//Page...chResults.aspx
Over there you'll see how much was it plus other lovely inexpensive hotels