tristansangels said:
Hey everyone! I’m headed off to Jamaica next week for a friend’s wedding. I’ll be in Runaway Bay and just wondering if any of you have been there and can tell me what is worth seeing and what is not. I’m not much of a resort person and really like to walk off the beaten path but some are telling me that Jamaica is more dangerous than Columbia (was there a few years ago and had no problems off the beaten path at all!) and that I need to stay on the resort. Is this true or can I explore? Before anyone jumps in about marijuana, I don’t do drugs at all so I’m not looking for a ‘hook up’, just a good ‘feel’ of the culture and what to do that normal tourists don’t get to see. MANY thanks and hugs J Tristan
tboy said:
^^ anytime, we looked for a guy with a decent car, a little older, so we knew he'd be alright. The young ones all seemed a little...shady?....
DONT LEAVE THE HOTEL, ETC ETC ....This is the exact same thing I am hearing about Costa Rica now that I am researching my dental vacation there. My mother is going to Jamaica for the 1st time in her life and her group has already been told and warned not to go outside resort, except for tours with the hotel ...well you dont get the real Jamaica if you do that. Personally I dont stay at 'resorts'. For 1 I often tour the whole island and still have many undiscovered places to see, and ppl to do lol.
JAMAICA my home away from home IS SAFE for tourists. Things can happen to you still but if you use common sense you'll be fine. Caution and guard your things, don't take anything with you, you can't afford to lose.
Theft is very common in some resorts. Theft is common amongs Jamaicans too. Ppl will thief each other, thats why there are bars on almost all the homes. Everyone is a hustler trying to feed their family. While Jamaica is a 3rd world country, things like food & gas are expensive...almost same prices as here. It's a lot harder to survive on wages that are only a fraction what we earn here, so people have to hassle. Always tip people who have been helpful to you.
The guy walking the beach selling souvenirs also sells ganja, coke, or whatever else you want or dont want he'll get it for you lol. Yes people find that annoying constantly being approached but a firm NO THANK YOU, usually works well.
There is lots to see and do if you are staying in Runaway Bay. I m sure your hotel will have tours offered to various places. You can also arrange for a private driver to take your group around, you can make a much better deal than the hotel.
Funny thing tboy mentioned about Kingston not being safe ...well yes that maybe true to some extent, or if you are Jamaican, but for me, I found it safer than the resort towns.
In Negril I had my cell phone and about $120 stolen from me.
I even rollerbladed in Jamaica. I rollerbladed in Kingston til the cops told me to get off the road and rollerblade on the sidewalk which was not possible cuz it was too torn up. They told me to stop blading because they were concerned about my safety as ppl drive really fast there (thats the only thing they do fast there lol).
The only other danger is: dogs. Wild running mongrel dogs. So if you are walking out on the road and you ever come across them, avoid them... if in danger of being attacked pick up a rock, yell at them loud: MOVE, GOAWAY and gesture like you gonna throw it at them. They'll scatter real fast OR you'll have to run real fast.
Runaway Bay doesn't have the greatest beaches, but I dont know where you are staying. There is Dunns River Falls to see (it's over touristy now, but u gotta do it) you climb the falls... its nice. The falls are right at the edge of the town of Ochi which is about a half hour drive from Runaway Bay. There is a craft market there and lots of stores, duty free shopping and all that fancy stuff. Margarittaville in Ochi is where the party is.
If you are into reggae, Bob Marley,
Nine Mile is worth a visit and not far from RB. This is a tour that you could probably arrange with a driver. Keep in mind... because everybody bargains/haggles there usualy 1st price will be high.
Negril is nice day or overnight trip, beach is gorgeous 7 miles of pure plush white sand. If you decide to go I can recommend a reasonably priced hotel or cottage on the beach.
I can probably write forever about Jamaica, still early in the morning as I think of things I'll post them for you.
Enjoy your vacation and the wedding ...oh man that should be fun
arty:
