Jamaica Advice
6 posts • Page 1 of 1
by frenchy on Sat Apr 21, 2007 14:09 pm
hi i off to montego bay to the rose hall country club for the christmas period this will be my first time to the caribbean, can anyone tell me if it is safe to ventire out alone or as a family without any tour guides, and any tips please. thankyou.
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by marhys on Sat Apr 21, 2007 21:16 pm
Hi Frenchy,
I've been to Jamaica 4 times, x2 Mo' Bay, x1 Negril and x1 Ocho Rios.
Mo'Bay can be a bit intimidating if you go into the wrong areas. You will get hassled by people selling things, just be polite and say "no thanks". There are areas of Mo'Bay where europeans/americans hang out. I would definately recommend going as a group rather than just a couple. If you do go, make sure you don't wear any expensive jewellery as it makes you a prime 'hassling' target.
Your tour operator should have some evening excursions that you can go on. We did the Doctors Cave Beach one.......it was a good laugh.
Like other touristy places and even at home you just need to be vigilant and be polite, but firm, with roadside sellers.
Jamaica has lots of positive things too! Make sure you visit Dunns River Falls and see the rest of the island. Negril is fantastic, go to Ricks Cafe to watch the sun set. The Blue Mountains have some beautiful scenery, and the coffee is great. Rum tasting.....you would never believe how many different flavours they have. Most of all though.....enjoy the hospitality, sunshine and being in a beautiful tropical island.
Oh......don't forget to try the ****** chicken & pork! It's wonderful!
Hope this has been of help.
Marhys.
I've been to Jamaica 4 times, x2 Mo' Bay, x1 Negril and x1 Ocho Rios.
Mo'Bay can be a bit intimidating if you go into the wrong areas. You will get hassled by people selling things, just be polite and say "no thanks". There are areas of Mo'Bay where europeans/americans hang out. I would definately recommend going as a group rather than just a couple. If you do go, make sure you don't wear any expensive jewellery as it makes you a prime 'hassling' target.
Your tour operator should have some evening excursions that you can go on. We did the Doctors Cave Beach one.......it was a good laugh.
Like other touristy places and even at home you just need to be vigilant and be polite, but firm, with roadside sellers.
Jamaica has lots of positive things too! Make sure you visit Dunns River Falls and see the rest of the island. Negril is fantastic, go to Ricks Cafe to watch the sun set. The Blue Mountains have some beautiful scenery, and the coffee is great. Rum tasting.....you would never believe how many different flavours they have. Most of all though.....enjoy the hospitality, sunshine and being in a beautiful tropical island.
Oh......don't forget to try the ****** chicken & pork! It's wonderful!
Hope this has been of help.
Marhys.
-
marhys - Posts: 0
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by tropikal on Sat Apr 21, 2007 21:45 pm
I stayed at the Wyndham Rose Hall in 1988, don't know if it's the same hotel re-named. I had a great time, there are plenty of stories about the 'white witch' of Rose Hall so try to visit it if you can.
Montego Bay was a 'yes' by day, but a 'mmmm not too sure' of an evening. If in doubt just ask the local staff at your hotel and they will lead you in the right direction. In general the people are very friendly and VERY laid back. You'll need to get a taxi from the hotel as it's about a 10min journey by road.
The Jamaicans will have you saying 'Irie' and 'No problem' within days of you being there. Make sure you try the local cuisine my favourite was the salt fish and ackee, ****** chicken and rice n peas. Rice n peas is fluffly rice cooked in coconut milk and had kidney beans mixed in it.
If you get the chance you should visit Dunns River Falls, make sure you take a good pair of grippy trainers as there is a lot of walking up slippery rocks. Also make the journey, although long, to Ricks Cafe in Negril not only do you get to witness the most fantastic sunset, but you can watch the locals cliff diving. A trip along the Rio Grande River is also a great day out. Other places of interest is Ian Flemmings house (firefly), Bob Marleys Museum and going up into the Blue Mountains.
Take small denominations of US$'s as tipping was near on compulsory. I took a few Jamaican dollars (it was only 60 to the � when I went) it's about 120 to the � now.
I really want to go back now, after writing this.
Have a great time.
Tropikal
Montego Bay was a 'yes' by day, but a 'mmmm not too sure' of an evening. If in doubt just ask the local staff at your hotel and they will lead you in the right direction. In general the people are very friendly and VERY laid back. You'll need to get a taxi from the hotel as it's about a 10min journey by road.
The Jamaicans will have you saying 'Irie' and 'No problem' within days of you being there. Make sure you try the local cuisine my favourite was the salt fish and ackee, ****** chicken and rice n peas. Rice n peas is fluffly rice cooked in coconut milk and had kidney beans mixed in it.
If you get the chance you should visit Dunns River Falls, make sure you take a good pair of grippy trainers as there is a lot of walking up slippery rocks. Also make the journey, although long, to Ricks Cafe in Negril not only do you get to witness the most fantastic sunset, but you can watch the locals cliff diving. A trip along the Rio Grande River is also a great day out. Other places of interest is Ian Flemmings house (firefly), Bob Marleys Museum and going up into the Blue Mountains.
Take small denominations of US$'s as tipping was near on compulsory. I took a few Jamaican dollars (it was only 60 to the � when I went) it's about 120 to the � now.
I really want to go back now, after writing this.
Have a great time.
Tropikal
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by love2travel on Mon Apr 23, 2007 13:25 pm
jamaica is great if you are staying at a big all inclusive they tend to be more away from the centre of things so you can just book a taxi which are very cheap at your hotel desk do lots of tours they are also pretty cheap lots to see and do.dont just go aimlessly wandering around on your own though!
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by leggsus on Fri May 18, 2007 09:11 am
Hi Frenchy,
Jamaica is just like anywhere in the world you are going for the first time! Not to frighten you but all manner of things are happening all over the world now so just be safe! I wouldn't venture out by myself @ night @ home now let alone in a foreign country.
Alway ask at your hotel desk the average price for taxi's excursions etc as you know foreign locals will try and charge that little bit more.
The scenery is great the beaches are great the excursions are great, Jamiaca is great! I have been 3 times.
Oh I agree with the other comment, do not wear gold or expensive jewellery when out of your resort!!!!!
You are going at a time when there will be many holiday makers so mingle, relax and enjoy!!!
Jamaica is just like anywhere in the world you are going for the first time! Not to frighten you but all manner of things are happening all over the world now so just be safe! I wouldn't venture out by myself @ night @ home now let alone in a foreign country.
Alway ask at your hotel desk the average price for taxi's excursions etc as you know foreign locals will try and charge that little bit more.
The scenery is great the beaches are great the excursions are great, Jamiaca is great! I have been 3 times.
Oh I agree with the other comment, do not wear gold or expensive jewellery when out of your resort!!!!!
You are going at a time when there will be many holiday makers so mingle, relax and enjoy!!!
- leggsus
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- Joined: Fri May 18, 2007 09:01 am
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