Anyone ever been to Jamaica? Any tips? Hoping to go there this year!

Don't recommend it for females.

ohh...

Even staying on resort?

My wife and daughter felt uncomfortable there. I didn't enjoy it it much. Much better islands. My brother is a black belt and decided to stay on the resort after leaving once. I was offered drugs and women twice

Staying on resort with resort style excursions is the way to go.

Agreed. I felt so uncomfortable, even at the resort I stayed at. I had a resort staff member follow me to my room one night when I had to go up and grab something. Also walking around the town, I was hand in hand with my boyfriend and they still tried to pry me away. Sketchy!

I was in Jamaica for a retreat with 24 women. We never had a problem at all and loved Jamaica! Personally I never left the resort as R&R was my #1 priority. I always felt safe and had a fabulous time. We were at the Secrets St. James resort.

I have been there 9 times in 4.5 yrs....love Jamaica i have never stayed all inclusive. I hated Montego Bay but found my niche in Negril. Just so you know there has been some credit card and bank card frauds happening...just go into bank to withdraw money. Don't use the outdoor atms. And have protective sleeves for your cards and you'll be fine. One love

My husband and I have travel to a lot of places and never have felt as unsafe as we did here this is one place we will never go back . We had guys following us for a few house when we went into town and would not stop asking us to buy pot and hard drug . Ever time we would be in a shop and come out they where waiting on ever corner.

Peggy Jolly why didn't you like montego and prefer negril? What was different? Should I just take cash and put in safe? We only need money for tips, maybe a massage, my mom isn't wanting to do excursions ?

Brenda McIntyre Berto what area is that resort on?

Bev did you feel safe on resort?

It was safe on the resort we stay in Montego . If you plan on just staying on the resort then I am sure you will be fine

It is in Montego Bay. An adults only....all rooms face the ocean....amazing food!

We loved it. We stayed on the resort which had everything we needed and more. It was beautiful and the weather was fabulous.

I've heard negative things, especially compared to other islands. Have heard that safety is a concern off resort.

We just got back last week. We stayed in the resort and only went on organized excursions. The men are aggressive but do seem to take no for an answer. I wouldn't venture by myself off the resort though.

I've been several times and love it. It's one of my favourite Caribbean islands. I would suggest Negril...amazing! But I agree I would just go on organized tours.

Pm me...we consider it a home away from home. We have a very good friend who is a private tour operator named wentworth, based out of Montego Bay and ochi...

I love it, been 4 times and can't wait to go back.

Loved it! Stayed in Ochos Rios, resort, but left resort daily, solo. Never felt unsafe. Warm and friendly people !

Where is that resort located?

Dunn River Resort in Ochos Rios.

I've been once and on resort I felt safe, off resort I stayed by hubby's side and the one time we were separated a lady cornered me in her booth and wouldn't let me leave until I bought (I didn't have $$), hubby "rescued" me lol
Dunn's River Falls climb is awesome... Wear water shoes or shoes you don't mind getting wet - you literal climb the falls in the water.

Ive been all over JA. Both on resorts and locally, the people are friendly. The men can be rather forward, they think of it as complimentary, I know it's not) but can be brushed off easily... Negril is super friendly and so is ochi. Depending on what you want from your vacation, ochi is closer to some main attractions, but Negril has the beaches. Mobay is great but a lot busier than the other 2 main tourist areas.

Stayed in Ocho Rio with my twin sister, we were followed back to the resort by our tour operators who tried to break into the resort later so we would "marry them".

If you're looking at Negril pm me. We consider it our second home.

Go to the Pork Pit in Montego Bay for the absolute best jerk chicken and do use the green relish from the squirt bottles to accompany. Top Notch food from a hole in the wall establishment. And yes stairs there are safe.

Agreed! Looks shady when you pull up but it was the best!

So true hey. Loved the food and chatting with other customers.

I love Jamaica. I have been many times, most recently Dec 2014. I have never felt unsafe. Just use common sense. Stayed both all inclusive and non. All depends on what you are looking for. Message me if you would like more detailed info.

Loved it excursion are expensive went to monte go bay

Loved it! Felt safe on and off resort, I never had any harrassment issues other than locals constantly trying to sell pot. No biggie though. Stayed in both Montego Bay and Negril. Must see Dunn's falls- amazing!!

Once you got o Jamaica, it will be hard to go anywhere else after that like other All Inclusive comparable in the Caribbean. Awesome beaches and fantastic food. Resorts are overall better quality and you will notice that prices are about $300-400 more then going to Mexico. less resorts to choose from but higher quality. 2 non-stop option form Calgary with each a flight a week are Transat and I would dare name the other one so if non-stop is important to you, make sure you pick the right dates.

stay at a good resort in the Montego Bay Area.

Good resort = 4+ stars... It's worth it

Stay on the beaten path in some areas - keep to the well travelled tourists areas (where police will patrol in order to try to keep a tourist safe environment). Have been several times and happy to pay to stay at better places.
Crime in Jamaica → What to Watch for & Areas You Should ...
https://www.worldnomads.com/.../Crime-in-Jamaica-What-to-W...
Crime in Jamaica - what you need to know before you go ... Some areas in Kingston and Montego Bay are considered a higher risk of crime and violence.

So negril has lower crime rates in comparison? Good to know!

We have taken a family trip there and would go back in a heartbeat..... Went to Ocho Rios with 2 young kids and we had a blast. Went to the public beach and had a fabulous time!

Mexico is a lot cheaper place to go Jamaica is more money

Ya I saw that, wanted to go somewhere new though and experience a different culture ?

You should go at least once.

I think so!

Go to Cuba

That's another option! I'm booking in advance with RBC rewards points so didn't see many Cuba destinations at this time... You prefer Cuba of Jamaica? What about the food?

Food is nasty in Cuba lol but beaches are amazing been there a few times .

Cuba has more historical buildings ....Trinidad on Southside is amazing highly recommend going there. The bus system in Cuba was fantastic we traveled all over by bus. Havana to Varadero to Trinidad to Havana. Downfall was the food! Did find a great Italian restaurant just down the street from hotel St John in Havana but no idea if it's still there.

With Zika going around probably have to pick another destination ?

Been many times alone to Negril where i have found an amazing backbackers motel...best there is.Negril is stunning low key,lots of great people,but be aware in Jamaica,theres poverty so you cant be naiive and weed is part of the rasta belief system so you smell and see it frequently.Im sure the resorts are great if thats your gig ,but all depends wether you want a true Jamaican or a North American experience.......love love Jamaica...

With Zika going around probably have to pick another destination ?