Is jamaica so crime riddled?

[dot.hawkes]

forced against my will to go for 2 weeks to Negril next feb, (Don't tell Bob) is it really bad for druggies and muggers as certain ABers tell me? We are staying at the Riu tropical bay.

[jno]

I think it's safe enough if you stay out of Kingston... but I found a lot of people there quite aggressive, eyeballing you all the time, not relaxed or welcoming. I'm not talking about hotel staff, just people you pass if you go into towns. No real danger, I shouldn't think, but I don't go on holiday to be made to feel watchful or uncomfortable. But you should be fine if you're mostly just staying by the hotel or beach.

[nickmo]

Helooo dotty.... see island facts from the tourist board - Negril invented horizontal living attitude, so generally ok. Few warnings other than those you should always be aware of overseas and in a less 'well off' part of the world. http://www.visitjamaica.com/resorts/negril/default.aspx

Don't flash the jewelery, only carry the money you need for the day/excursion, don't buy drugs, use the resort safes to store your stuff, use reputable tours and guides etc etc.

On the other hand, if you get the chance, leave the resort and get to see the place - try an Ital restaurant for brilliant food - cheap too - talk to the ladies giving you the aloe massage about what to see, enjoy the sunsets, realx and have fun, its that sort of an island.

As you'll be on the west of the island, go to the Ys falls and also aim for Treasure Beach as good excursions. You could get to Kingston, - look out for the spiders hanging face down over the houses from the telephone wires!!!!!!!!!! - ******* huge things!!! - but as above it isn't the most friendly to walk about as you can be a bit of a target.

A trip to the Blue Mountains is well worth it, but hang onto your sanity as the drivers are usually a little 'casual' about road position, but seeing the coffee plantations and making a few buys there makes up for the trauma.

And be honest - you're really going to Hedonism 2 aren't you.......and just chill........

[barb1314]

Hi Dot,wow you love to travel!!! Ditto on Treasure Beach...if you get to go there go to Dougies Bar at Jakes...beautiful spot.Treasure Beach is wonderful...we just bought a small piece of land there and try to go 3 times a year.YS Falls are lovely and well worth a visit.The Pelican Bar,a bar set on a reef in the middle of the sea off the town of Black River has to be seen to be believed...it's an hour by boat from Treasure Beach.Try to stop at lunchtime and order fish from Floyd! Have passed through Negril but never stayed...looked nice though.Have a good trip...I'm soooooo jealous! Check out trip advisor.com! for reviews on TB if you're not sure. xx Nevr had an issue with hassle or felt anything more than an amazing welcome from wonderful people!

[jno]

yes, if you're on that coast Treasure Beach is fine, lovely place, and Jake's place is very laid back. Not a whole lot like Negril, though.