Holiday destinations

[KAZ]

We went to Jamacia this year and as much as we had a great time we were also quite upset by how poor this island is. It was not a particulary friendly place and at times we felt unsafe here. the locals harrassed you and  you are expected to tip everyone for everything!

We are now trying to decide where to go next year? We are not particulary well travelled and want to see more of the world but It seems that many places are like this? can anyone recommended somewhere we could go where we can enjoy ourselves and not encounter this kind of thing?

[Oneeyedvic]

If you don't want to tip, don't go to the US.

If you don't want to see poverty, don't go to ANY third world / developing country.

 

Would suggest you tried either Western Europe or Australia.

[amarillis]

Vanuatu is nice - it is poorer than some places, but very friendly and safe. There is not a large emphasis put on tipping either, and you will get to experience something a bit different to a Western culture.

[ICEMANSAV]

You could try NZ, Bahamas, Maldives, Italy, Paris, Singapore, Japan and Canada. All these places are different yet are very affluent countries, Singapore you might get approached but a firm no sends them packing!

[Flanker8]

Or if you want to go back to the Caribean (sp?), you could try the Cayman Islands - beacuse it is an 'offshore' island, the capital is basically full of banks and lawyers and there is very little poverty.

 

The currency is always artificially kept at 1 US Dollar to 1 Cayman pound (can't remember whether it is Cayman pound or dollar), which apparently has many benefit (am not very savvy about economics so don't know how!

 

The scuba diving (if that floats your boat) is the best I've experienced anywhere in the world, with the possible exception of Belize, the food is excellent with tons of very good restaurants along seven mile beach, or you can go native and have jerk chicken or pork, which is simply gorgeous, and the people are very friendly.

 

Two tiny complaints - there can be too many Americans sometimes - and they tend not to follow diving protocol or courtesy, and because the locals are so laid back, it can take a while to get a beer sometimes.

 

I can't wait to go back.

[apricot2]

Costa Rica, has all the advantages of the Caribbean but none of the dangers.  The food is great, wildlife just amazing, you can drink the tap water and the native Ticos are very friendly.  The capital, San Jose can be tricky but so are most capital cities.  Oh and it's cheap too.  KLM do flights via Schipol, DON'T go via Miami as you'll never clear immigration in time to catch your connecting flight

[737700]

We went to Antigua earlier this year and had a wonderful time staying at the Hawksbill Beach Hotel. Not sophisticated, but very idyllic. The island was great.

[extern76]

Try Cyprus ,wonderful people.history and excellent weather. No hassles either