To Raggae or Not to Reggae

[Mingo]

It's finally going to happen...the money is right, the time is right, I've finally sold it to my guy and now...I'm worried if Jamaica is really the best choice.

I would like to hear from people who are die hard Jamaican travelers. What draws you back? Any thing you'd not recommend to do? Where were your best stays at? When is the best time of year to go?

This has been my dream vacation, I love the music, love a tropical location, love the idea of an all inclusive trip with no worries or hassels.

I'm second guessing my choice by all the negativity I'm hearing about crime in Jamaica, and people saying there really isn't all that much to do but hang out at the resor...I've been suggested to look at Belize instead...but looking on line I just don't get the same feel, the all inclusives look a bit more home catered type of fair, which is all good, but I really like the looks of the resorts of Nigril.

Belize looks beautiful, but I'm just not sure...any thoughts about vacationing in Belize?

I would first ask, what is it about Jamaica that you find attractive?

Staying in an all-inclusive segregates you from the local population
and makes it harder to experience the true Jamaica. The walls of the
compound seperate the haves from the have-nots. On the other hand
if you are looking for a relaxing escape all-inclusive may be the way to
go. There also may be other destinations that may work for you.
You might want to buy the Lonely Planet Caribbean guide which
will aloow you to compare the offerings of various Caribbean islands.

Redlocks

On Mon, 25 Sep 2006 14:14:16 -0500, Mingo
<Mingo.2eqs81@no-mx.forums.travel.com> wrote:

>
>It's finally going to happen...the money is right, the time is right,
>I've finally sold it to my guy and now...I'm worried if Jamaica is
>really the best choice.
>
<snip>

I've never been to Jamaica and never want to go, just because of the
bad things I have been hearing for years.

>Belize looks beautiful, but I'm just not sure...any thoughts about
>vacationing in Belize?

Belize is much more diverse than Jamaica could ever be. There are
plenty of AIs in Belize, but I would guess you've only been looking at
Ambergris. You really should look more into Cayo (Blancaneaux in
Mountain Pine Ridge is outstanding), DuPlooy's, Windy Hill, Chaa
Creek, Banana Bank, and Thousand Foot Falls, Orange Walk (Lamanai
Outpost), Dangriga, Placencia, and points between. There's so much to
do in Belize, you'll want to return again and again.

Not to mention it's easy to get to, English is the official language,
they drive on the right, indigenous music everywhere (Belizeans like
to party), and the people are wonderful. Which is not the case in
Jamaica, so I understand.

Or if you *really* want an adventure, try Montserrat.

How can you judge Jamaica (or any place for that matter) if you have never
been there and going only by hearsay and not first hand experience. Little
closed minded I say. We have been to JA 17 times and love it. We go to
AI's and we are not in seclusion. We infact get out and about (and not
just on escorted tours). I visit local schools and go to local stores.
Jamaicans as a whole are very warm and friendly people. You can find
poverty and bad people anywhere in the world and in the US. Don't knock it
if you don't try it. If you go there and don't like I can say, yeah fine.

<wester@laway.net> wrote in message
news:ds8jh2ps9nrqff725quv0tc0p2fg6is5so@********...
> On Mon, 25 Sep 2006 14:14:16 -0500, Mingo
> <Mingo.2eqs81@no-mx.forums.travel.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>It's finally going to happen...the money is right, the time is right,
>>I've finally sold it to my guy and now...I'm worried if Jamaica is
>>really the best choice.
>>
> <snip>
>
> I've never been to Jamaica and never want to go, just because of the
> bad things I have been hearing for years.
>
>>Belize looks beautiful, but I'm just not sure...any thoughts about
>>vacationing in Belize?
>
> Belize is much more diverse than Jamaica could ever be. There are
> plenty of AIs in Belize, but I would guess you've only been looking at
> Ambergris. You really should look more into Cayo (Blancaneaux in
> Mountain Pine Ridge is outstanding), DuPlooy's, Windy Hill, Chaa
> Creek, Banana Bank, and Thousand Foot Falls, Orange Walk (Lamanai
> Outpost), Dangriga, Placencia, and points between. There's so much to
> do in Belize, you'll want to return again and again.
>
> Not to mention it's easy to get to, English is the official language,
> they drive on the right, indigenous music everywhere (Belizeans like
> to party), and the people are wonderful. Which is not the case in
> Jamaica, so I understand.
>
> Or if you *really* want an adventure, try Montserrat.

We have been going to Jamaica since 1989 (17 times) and love it. We stay in
AI's. We do not stay "segregated" or whole up in the resort, however. I
get sick of those saying you don't experience the "real Jamaica" staying in
an AI. Bull hockies, unless you do stay on the resort, never venturing out.
WE do. I have gone to local schools (bearing gifts) and walked to local
stores to shop. We go about, and not just on escorted tours. Try Jamaica,
if you don't like it, fine. It leaves more room for those who do. But at
least try it, and not just staying on the resort either.

"Redlocks" <uptownsounds@**************> wrote in message
news:qIcSg.6571$UG4.6014@newsread2.news.pas.earthl ink.net...
>I would first ask, what is it about Jamaica that you find attractive?
>
> Staying in an all-inclusive segregates you from the local population
> and makes it harder to experience the true Jamaica. The walls of the
> compound seperate the haves from the have-nots. On the other hand
> if you are looking for a relaxing escape all-inclusive may be the way to
> go. There also may be other destinations that may work for you.
> You might want to buy the Lonely Planet Caribbean guide which
> will aloow you to compare the offerings of various Caribbean islands.
>
> Redlocks
>

Mingo wrote:
> It's finally going to happen...the money is right, the time is right,
> I've finally sold it to my guy and now...I'm worried if Jamaica is
> really the best choice.
>
> I would like to hear from people who are die hard Jamaican travelers.
> What draws you back? Any thing you'd not recommend to do? Where were
> your best stays at? When is the best time of year to go?
>
> This has been my dream vacation, I love the music, love a tropical
> location, love the idea of an all inclusive trip with no worries or
> hassels.
>
> I'm second guessing my choice by all the negativity I'm hearing about
> crime in Jamaica, and people saying there really isn't all that much to
> do but hang out at the resor...I've been suggested to look at Belize
> instead...but looking on line I just don't get the same feel, the all
> inclusives look a bit more home catered type of fair, which is all
> good, but I really like the looks of the resorts of Nigril.
>
> Belize looks beautiful, but I'm just not sure...any thoughts about
> vacationing in Belize?
>
>


I haven't been to Jamaica in 15 years, but I was in Belize last year.

If I just wanted to lay on a beach, I'd go to Negril. If I wanted an
active vacation, I'd go to Belize. It really depends upon the type of
person you are and what you really want from a vacation.

I won't comment on the all inclusive thing; there are times and
situations where AI may be the better way to go (Cuba comes to mind). I
would hate to think of all the local interaction you'd miss in either
country if you did and all inclusive...

We have been going to JA since 1989 (17 - 18 times). We have gone to other
Caribbean countries and Europe, too. We like Jamaica because of the
culture, people, food, music. We have not had one bad experience there. If
you do go, you can do the usual Dunn's river falls. Or you could hire a
private driver (there are many good reputable tour operators or just have
the hotel hire a taxi) to get a really good, personalized tour of the
island. We have done the usual tourist stops, Dunn's River Falls, river
rafting, horseback riding (land & water), plantations, cruises. I have also
visited local schools to bring the many school supplies I bring. I shop at
local stores (usually within walking distance to the hotel). We prefer
Sandals resorts, but have also stayed at Couples and Superclubs hotels. We
like the level of service and the AI concept. (Sandals has just now
instituted a "cashless" resort - much like the cruise lines now do). We
don't sequester ourselves in the AI, however, as some do. Best time of the
year to go is Mar-May and Nov-Dec (usually low or shoulder seasons). We
never go during hurricane season. Even though the rates are cheaper, we
would rather not gamble on the weather. Mar & Apr are the driest months -
warm sun, cool breezes.
> Mingo wrote:
>> It's finally going to happen...the money is right, the time is right,
>> I've finally sold it to my guy and now...I'm worried if Jamaica is
>> really the best choice.
>>
>> I would like to hear from people who are die hard Jamaican travelers.
>> What draws you back? Any thing you'd not recommend to do? Where were
>> your best stays at? When is the best time of year to go?
>>
>> This has been my dream vacation, I love the music, love a tropical
>> location, love the idea of an all inclusive trip with no worries or
>> hassels.
>>
>> I'm second guessing my choice by all the negativity I'm hearing about
>> crime in Jamaica, and people saying there really isn't all that much to
>> do but hang out at the resor...I've been suggested to look at Belize
>> instead...but looking on line I just don't get the same feel, the all
>> inclusives look a bit more home catered type of fair, which is all
>> good, but I really like the looks of the resorts of Nigril.
>>
>> Belize looks beautiful, but I'm just not sure...any thoughts about
>> vacationing in Belize?
>>
>>
>
>
> I haven't been to Jamaica in 15 years, but I was in Belize last year.
>
> If I just wanted to lay on a beach, I'd go to Negril. If I wanted an
> active vacation, I'd go to Belize. It really depends upon the type of
> person you are and what you really want from a vacation.
>
> I won't comment on the all inclusive thing; there are times and situations
> where AI may be the better way to go (Cuba comes to mind). I would hate
> to think of all the local interaction you'd miss in either country if you
> did and all inclusive...
>

[Mingo]

Thank you so much for your replies!

What I want to get out of this trip is to enjoy the tropical surroundings, we like to party (ok as much near 50 year olds party...not the college student variety...could not keep up, thank you very much) my guy likes to scuba, and I can see us both enjoying the catamaran, and Dunn's fall tours.

I want to go out and about during the day some days, other days hang by the pool and chill...we plan on staying around 10 days...4 or 5 days with just my guy, and I alone and the rest of the trip have two other couples meet up with us so we don't get bored with each other :) so I'd have to incorperate their likes and dislikes ....so somethings that will be for all to enjoy too.

What draws me to the AI's is that every thing is paid for upfront for the most part...spending/tourista stuff aside, our meals, lodging, DRINKS, and flight are paid for. I like that aspect a lot. A resort setting w/lounging areas, and beautiful beaches are also right up my alley!

My guy is going along not because he has the burning desire to travel, but he knows this has been my dream vacation, and I'm hoping he'll get a little bit of the travel bug into him to realize that there is life outside of our 31 acres ;) and I think that once he got there he'd have a blast! That's why I really want to make the right choice in location, and activities.

I don't want to venture outside of the resort after hours, but during the day I would not be a scared little mouse afraid of eye contact w/the natives...I want to absorb the culture where ever we end up, and both my guy and I are social blenders who like to have fun & I don't see a problem with us being in the mix...some in the group that meet up with us might have some problems...but my theory is come along if you want, if not chill by the pool and do your own thing for a few hours....It'll be okay!

Belize, on the other hand, I know very little about, but would love the Myan tours, and other sites to explore...I'm not into extreme outdoor adventure, and consider myself a klutz so low key excursions are more to my liking. I'll go back and look at the areas suggested and see if it sways me any more....

Thanks again for your helpful replies...and if you think of anything more to add after I explained more details I'm happy to hear more!

Mingo

If you are planning on 10 days you could split up the vacation between 2
hotels/resorts. Sandals and I think Couples offers a package where you can
stay at more than one resort. Or do 1 AI and another that is not. I believe
Sandals and Couples include a 1 tank dive per day in their package. Mind you
it will be a lightweight dive for an experienced diver depending on who is
going out that day. They let non certified folks do a quickie course, so if
you have few of those folks along they will probably go easy. Check the
websites for the various excursions near each hotel.

Whitehouse's beach is beautiful. It is the only hotel there at the moment
and when you walk the 2 mile length of the beach you have thick jungle on
one side and beach on the other when you pass the hotel grounds. Very clean,
no vendors, or other people most of the time. While we were there, last
week, very few people even hung out on the beach! Most stayed glued to the
pool bar so all week we were nearly the only ones on the beach. The hotel
was about 40% full, so it may be a different situation when it is more
booked. Lots of lounge chairs, umbrellas, trees for shade if you need a
break from the sun. Don't forget your bug spray if you stay on the beach as
the sun starts to come down.

It really is nice to not have to carry any $$ around, eat and drink as much
as you want. Sandals is very strict about there no tipping policy, yet the
service is incredible.

"Mingo" <Mingo.2et282@no-mx.forums.travel.com> wrote in message
news:Mingo.2et282@no-mx.forums.travel.com...
>
> Thank you so much for your replies!
>
> What I want to get out of this trip is to enjoy the tropical
> surroundings, we like to party (ok as much near 50 year olds
> party...not the college student variety...could not keep up, thank you
> very much) my guy likes to scuba, and I can see us both enjoying the
> catamaran, and Dunn's fall tours.
>
> I want to go out and about during the day some days, other days hang by
> the pool and chill...we plan on staying around 10 days...4 or 5 days
> with just my guy, and I alone and the rest of the trip have two other
> couples meet up with us so we don't get bored with each other :) so I'd
> have to incorperate their likes and dislikes ....so somethings that will
> be for all to enjoy too.
>
> What draws me to the AI's is that every thing is paid for upfront for
> the most part...spending/tourista stuff aside, our meals, lodging,
> DRINKS, and flight are paid for. I like that aspect a lot. A resort
> setting w/lounging areas, and beautiful beaches are also right up my
> alley!
>
> My guy is going along not because he has the burning desire to travel,
> but he knows this has been my dream vacation, and I'm hoping he'll get
> a little bit of the travel bug into him to realize that there is life
> outside of our 31 acres ;) and I think that once he got there he'd have
> a blast! That's why I really want to make the right choice in location,
> and activities.
>
> I don't want to venture outside of the resort after hours, but during
> the day I would not be a scared little mouse afraid of eye contact
> w/the natives...I want to absorb the culture where ever we end up, and
> both my guy and I are social blenders who like to have fun & I don't
> see a problem with us being in the mix...some in the group that meet up
> with us might have some problems...but my theory is come along if you
> want, if not chill by the pool and do your own thing for a few
> hours....It'll be okay!
>
> Belize, on the other hand, I know very little about, but would love the
> Myan tours, and other sites to explore...I'm not into extreme outdoor
> adventure, and consider myself a klutz so low key excursions are more
> to my liking. I'll go back and look at the areas suggested and see if
> it sways me any more....
>
> Thanks again for your helpful replies...and if you think of anything
> more to add after I explained more details I'm happy to hear more!
>
> Mingo
>
>
> --
> Mingo

Mingo wrote:
> It's finally going to happen...the money is right, the time is right,
> I've finally sold it to my guy and now...I'm worried if Jamaica is
> really the best choice.
>
> I would like to hear from people who are die hard Jamaican travelers.
> What draws you back? Any thing you'd not recommend to do? Where were
> your best stays at? When is the best time of year to go?
>
>
I love da place mon, no problem. Be sure to contact Blue Mountain
Tours and take the bike ride from the blue mountains 18 miles downhill!
BRING A GOOD CAMERA, you'll be glad you did!

Chip in San Diego