Hello, I am going to Negril for the first time and going alone. I am sort of trepidatious since everybody is trying to scare me of doing this and would like to know somebody going at the same time. I am going for a week in dec 3rd and staying at the Coral seas beach resort. It was suggested to me to hire a guide/guard to keep me safe, is this necesary? I would like to know what are the safest places to hang out on my own, since I still want to have fun.
Any imput on the Coral Seas Beach Resort.

Thank you for any imput you can give me, Bea

Hey Bea,

I'll be visiting Negril for the first time also. I'm leaving Detroit on Tues, Dec 4 and staying for a week at Coco La Palm. I'm just looking up places right now, trying to hit up a few places and just chill and relax.

Shoot me an e-mail, sublime311olp@aol.com, and maybe we could meet up for a Red Stripe =P

Well let me put it this way if you dont want to be hassled outside of your hotel then hire someone to SAFELY drive you. When we went we hired Clives Transport Services and we HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend them. I ran in one place to hurry and get a shirt and Terry (our driver) ran in after me and acted as a bodyguard. Not one person messed with anyone in our group while he was around.

We did to go to Dunns River and Terry stayed outside near the van and we were HOUNDED by locals. I couldn't wait to get back to Terry

I have been going to Jamaica (and other Carib islands, but mainly Jamaica) yearly since 1971. I have observed much worse behavior exhibited by tourists than the locals. Two things you must know: There is high unemployment in Jamaica; Jamaicans want to be productive. Annual income for a well-to-do local is somewhere around US$3000. So, yes, expect to be approached if you look and act like a tourist. But, when you are approached, say this:
"Please, respect, man. I just got here and am just walking around and enjoying this beautiful weather, food, scenery (whatever it is you're doing), and I'm going to be here all week, month, rest of my life (whatever). I'm not shopping today, but, respect, man, I'll be back before I leave."
Ask their name. Repeat it and thank them for being so understanding.

Like everyone else on earth, most people want to be recognized and appreciated. And you will probably be left alone.

Do not be afraid. I have been stranded in the outback there with broken down cars over the years and always been helped by the first person to come by.

But if you do want to venture out (you should....) do hire a taxi driver as you're guide and companion. They are quite good and will be well worth the nominal expense...

But do remember: you've chosen to go to one of the most touristy beaches in the country, so expect more chatter in the background. I now only go to MoBay and Negril if I have just a few days to spend. For longer trips, I fly into Kingston, rent a car and drive around the coast to Port Antonio where life is much more rural, the mountains are to your back, and a crowded beach might have 6-8 people on it (really....). It's the area where Errol Flynn, Ian Fleming (007 author), Noel Coward, and many other artists lived in the 50's and 60's.

Enjoy.... I'll be down over Christmas and New Year's!
-w

This will be my 39th trip to jamaica. I have never had any problems. You could have done better on your choice of hotel. I am staying here http://www.xtabi-negril.com/. Jamaican hustlers are anoying but harmless for the most part. Just don't wonder around late at night. If you have any more questions let me know. I think Rick's cafe by the light house will be the place to be. I am hoping to have a relaxing week away from it all!

John

Thanks all. I can not do anything about where I am staying, the xtabi sounds devine, but I really wanted somewhere on the beach, hopefully clean and safe. Do you have any tips on where are the best places to eat and hang out. Bea

Hi. Can you advise me a nice place and hotel in Jamaica?