im thinking about going to jamaica is it nice there?

Answer 1

Yes it is a gorgeous island with lush greenery. Of course there are some scattered poor shanty towns but the people in those towns are very warm and welcoming. I had the privelege of meeting some of the folks that live along the hillside of the Blue Mountains and they are just great! I stayed at Point Village resort and the service and staff are really great there. In Negril you can go down to Rick's Cafe and enjoy a beautiful sunset or if you are as adventurous as I, you can jump off the cliff into the crystal blue waters!

The night clubs I visited there are Loveboat and The Jungle. They are both happening places! Another cool spot is Margaritaville or you can check out one of the many free beach concerts (free most times other times a minimal charge).

In Montego Bay I stayed at the Holiday Inn and they have tons of fun activities all day. They have a free trip for guests to the Margarativille in MoBay. It's nice and fun! You can walk down the 'Hip Strip' in MoBay and shop or just sightsee.

In Trelawny I stayed at FDR Pebbles (a really great resort) and from there you can visit the famous Annie Palmer's house at Rosehall. It has mythical legends and it is a beautiful property.

Dunns River waterfalls is a nice featured attraction and the water is refreshingly cold as you climb the falls. In Ocho Rios you can check out the Dolphin Cove and pay for a swim with the Dolphins. I did and it was worth every dime! The Martha Brae river boasts a wonderful, tranquil rafting experience on a bamboo raft.

In the Trelawny area you can also visit the glistening waters by the 'Luminous Lagoon' where the water glows in the night.

In Kingston area if you are adventurous you can arrange for a guided hike to the peak of the Blue Mountains. You can also go to the old fort in Port Royal where the 'Giddy House' is located (when you walk through you are supposed to be giddy :) because of the slanting of the building. You can also go by the Helshire beach area and dine at one of the many food vendors there (ask for Aunt Mays) the food is great.

As far as safety, use the same instincts you would as when you are in your hometown. You wouldn't go to an unknown place without someone who knows the place right? Jamaica is generally safe especially in the tourist spots because it is the main revenue generator. Occasionally you would see a police patrol in the resort spots which gives a sense of comfort. I have never been robbed or mugged in Jamaica and I have been in shopping markets with my wife and no one bothered us. If on the other hand you are disrespectful of the jamaican people prepare for the consequences. I have seen some fellow Americans on holiday there and they tend to act like apes, usually they are the ones that get in trouble and has negative things to say about Jamaica and Jamaicans. Remember every country has its share of crime. If you took a poll of any developed super-power versus a small third-world country you would find that proportionately the crime rates are lower in the third-world countries.

As I said the Jamaicans are friendly people and once you respect them in their country you would get a warm and respectful treatment. If you are an American, check your attitude at the US airport of departure and arrive in in Jamaica with an open mind and respect for jamaicans and their country and you would do just fine.

Hope this helps. have a great trip!

Answer 2

I did not enjoy Jamaica.

My wife and I stayed there -- in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

We stayed at the Ritz Carlton.

Jamaica is not safe. You can't just go and explore the island because there are so many people just walking around all over this country. There is so much poverty that you feel bad for these folks but also fear that they will do something to rob you or kill you.

I don't mean to sound so negative -- but I am trying to honestly answer your question.

We rented a car -- don't do that in Jamaica. The whole process was screwed up and everyone at the airport was part of the scam.

People are crzy when they drive; there are no signs for many things; the speed limit isn't followed but the local police will pull you over and then shake you down for money.

One couple we were with were actually involved in an automobile accident and the police came to the Ritz and tried to extort money from them. It was amazing. An attorney advised them to get back to the United States as soon as possible -- because they had no "rights" in Jamaica and a scam was coming down on them.

The food was horrible -- other than the meals you could be served at the Ritz Carlton.

This country is dirty and scary.

Answer 3

I'm sure that like anywhere else, some places are much nicer than others.
I have been to Montego Bay and to Negril. Two different trips. I loved it both times, although personally, I loved Negril the best. The water appeared clearer there, and it just had that "come back to Jamaica" feel to it.
The people are really nice, the food is great, the water warm and clean (not like in the US), and the air smells cleaner. People don't seem to be in a rush to get nowhere, like other countries. They just move along at a nice pace. They seem to enjoy life while living it.
It's impossible to describe in one paragraph. I loved it so much I could speak of it for days on end.
I highly reccomend going there. In my opinion it is the trip of a lifetime, and I've already taken it twice-and I'm saving up to go again.

Answer 4

I love people like b-shakey has probably never left his up-tight little house, I love people who tell you how dangerous Jamaica is and how you can not walk down the street, because you get killed, robbed ect. Now I'm not saying this could never happen, but it also could happen in your City,Town. Jamaica is no more dangerous than Detroit, Chicago, New York, or L.A. In fact if you look at the crime report its about 80% better, as Jamaica's # 1 income is tourist, and they need people to visit to Live. We have walked around and yes people will ask you to buy there goods, but if you see how poor they are you then can understand, why they pressure you to buy goods. But as far as the crime most Jamaicans i met were very nice and helpful. just because people try and make a living does not make them dangerous. I will say this that Jamaica does have bad sections just like every where, Jamaica's is Kingston because of gangs and drugs, but tell me one state in America that does not have this problem. YOU ARE VERY SAFE if you use common since, and street smarts. B-SHACKY most not have this since

Answer 5

Yes it is wonderful. Ignore BS's comments, while they carry some truth I noticed if you got a little hostile with the Jamaican's they gave it back 10x. But as a whole I thought they were a very mellow, chill type culture. They hang out in groups and socialize and talk and they were more than happy to just hangout with us Americans. But if you are a bit uptight then don't go.
Of course ppl are walking around everywhere because they have to get to work and not everyone has 3 cars in their driveway like Americans. I think some ppl have problems with perhaps the color of Jamaicans and automatically thinking they are up to no good. When actually they have better morals than most American's I know.
I do recomend going with several people, I went with a group of 10 and we had such a blast. We hardly stayed on our all-inclusive resort but got out and ate, and drank with the locals. You respect them and they respect you. I had nothing but respect and even a little bit of jealousy while they are largely living in poverty they have it right...they have the most beautiful island I have ever seen and they are very family, kid oriented. To me that equates good ppl.
Just go with an open mind and to learn about their culture and I promise you will have an amazing time!! Also BS' the food off the resort was sooo much better than that crap they tried to serve on the resort. The best meals I came was from a little cart off the side of a road.

Answer 6

Some People never leave their back yard, but still they have all kind of things to say about other country, Crime and violence is all over the world, People die Violently in the United State every five minute, Funeral home can put their pot on the fire. I think we should look before and stop passing all kind of rumors, Take another look on the house in Jamaica their structure,

Answer 7

Don't listen to BShakey. Jamaica has the lowest tourist crime rate in the Caribbean. It's a beautiful place and the people are very friendly. Yes, it is a poor country but most Caribbean islands are.

Answer 8

sure. Stay at any of the motels in New Kingston and hang around in all places the city. Grab a pleasant fruity flavored ice-cream and hang around at the lawns of Devon House. This is a quiet pleasant situation for enthusiasts. You too can pass to the Hope Gardens, clutch dinner at a Indian/ Mexican eating place or pass get meals at Morgan's Harbour Restaurant. Take over over to the Lime Cay- a personal island and benefit from the seaside and meals there. The record is going on. Take her and feature the lodge employees support you out. You are certain to have amusing.

Answer 9

Like most carribean countries - you are either very rich or very poor and the resorts are all beautiful...

If you are taking your kids I reccomend Sandal's in Ocho Rios - if it's just you and your wife( or girlfriend) than I would suggest Couples Resort in Ocho Rios where there are NO kids.

Couples is an all inclusive resort, tons of things to do, including a private island 300 yards from the main beach that is an all nude island complete with swimming pool bar/food.

Answer 10

The resorts are nice. Getting to the resort isn't so nice. I knew this, my husband didn't, he thought we were going to be staying in the slums. Once you get to your resort, you would never know there's poverty out there. We went in April of 2005 and it was beautiful. A little warm, but you're in the caribean. September/October starts the rainy season. I'd like to go back sometime, and bring the kids.

First time, I'd reccomend an all-inclusive and then take excursions to see the place. If you go back, you might want to venture out more.....don't know if I would , but that's me..big chicken.

Have fun