Caribbean trip advice? (equity, status, 2007)

[Diane Giam]

Originally Posted by NatasNJ

Why not Jamaica? What on my list kills that?

I happen to love Jamaica. I don't find it scary to go beyond the resort walls. Ocho Rios is my favorite place to stay, yet I have stayed all over the Island. I've also toured to Port Antonio that has the bluest water, and its 100 feet deep. I've stayed in Jamaica for Five times.
I recommend Sandal's resorts which are Adult only. They are located in Jamaica, Antigua, St Lucia, and the Bahamas.
You can research them thru this website-http://www.islandperfect.com/
It happens to be a website that Sandals gave us for the agency I work for in NJ.

Diane G

[cisco2007]

I don't want to sound mean...but why would you want to go on vacation and not leave the resort? I've been to Jamaica 5 times and NEVER felt in danger. The people are wonderful. All of the stories that you hear are coming out of Kingston. I would only travel there with a Jamaican guide.

[CaptainNJ]

Originally Posted by cisco2007

I don't want to sound mean...but why would you want to go on vacation and not leave the resort?

because i wouldnt find anything outside of the resort interesting.

[goonsquad]

Originally Posted by CaptainNJ

because i wouldnt find anything outside of the resort interesting.

Why? Jamaica is one of the most lush and naturally beautiful places on the planet.

[CaptainNJ]

Originally Posted by goonsquad

Why? Jamaica is one of the most lush and naturally beautiful places on the planet.

well, for one thing, i dont take chances with my safety. i know people get a kick out of saying stuff like, "i have been all over jamaica with no problems, you people are paranoid." but my philosophy is that it only takes one time and your life can be ruined. i try to avoid that one time. in none of the islands would i travel around. if i really wanted to do that id go to hawaii.

anyway, i like sitting by a pool and/or beach and relax. hang out with fellow vacationers and enjoy delicious food. a vacation to me isnt sightseeing. it just doesnt interest me to see some broken down nation.

[njkate]

Did you ever post a report on the Cayman's?
Very curious to see what you thought because from people I've spoken to Cayman's you either love them or hate them and I've not been to them yet

[cisco2007]

Mr Captain NJ......I do not take chances with my life.....ever.....especially being a woman I am very intune with my surroundings. The reason that I am responding is that I don't want someone else reading this that has never been to Jamaica to be afraid. Be aware of where you are going but look around. The country is absolutely amazing and the people and their Jamaican spirit are beautiful. They also have stories to tell of their plight in life and their government problems. It is a story that needs to be heard. Especially if you are a visitor in their home.

[CaptainNJ]

Originally Posted by cisco2007

They also have stories to tell of their plight in life and their government problems. It is a story that needs to be heard.

thats the last thing i want to hear on my vacation. talking to these people increases unnecessary risk.

[NatasNJ]

Originally Posted by njkate

Did you ever post a report on the Cayman's?
Very curious to see what you thought because from people I've spoken to Cayman's you either love them or hate them and I've not been to them yet

I don't think I ever did.

I will give a recap now though. I don't recall the exact details of everything but will go off my memory. (scary)

We arrived in Grand Caymans and rented a car at Hertz I think. (1 block walk from airport) Got a LITTLE car which was fine for us and BOY was it fun and scary trying to learn to drive on the OTHER side of the road. That alone took 2 days of driving to get comfy doing it. Driving from airport to hotels is a pain. The road signs SUCK and there are a bunch of circles. Factor in trying to be on the right side of the road (which takes precedence over going down the right street) it was a stressful 20 minutes to the hotel.

Stayed at Marriortt Grand. Was a nice hotel. Not amazing but not dumpy. Clean and nice. We were unable to do several excursions due to high winds the whole time we were there. So we didn't get to go to Stingray city.

Overall it was a good trip. I felt safe the whole time. We drove around the whole island. We even walked from our hotel to Georgetown. (about a mile)

LOVED the Stickey Toffee pudding at Hemingways.
Not impressed with food at Pappagallos. (nice atmosphere though)
Wharf had ok food but watching the Tarpon was AWESOME!
Deckers was ok.

Snorkled a bunch around the island. Off the dock at Rachams. Several beach inlets. Etc...

Overall I felt safe and it was pretty clean. Not cheap though. Georgetown got old after 2 hours.

We also went kayaking out at night and say the Bio-bay where the water woulg glow in the dark. That was awesome.

Rum Point was nothing special. But we went when it was so windy so maybe that killed it for us.

For my 1st Caribbean experience I enjoyed myself. If you go use priceline cause you can get the Marriott Grand for like $80 a night. We paid lots more.

Hoping to do Bermuda for my next island trip next summer.

[cisco2007]

Even though your status is "fighting tirelessly for racial equity & world peace?