Hello everybody!

Some of you might already know from the newbie section, I'm planning my first ever trip to Jamaica next year and I joined this forum to get lots of ideas and tips about where to go and what to do there. Please don't be cross if I'm touching topics that you have discussed before - I'm just trying to keep everthing together. Trust me I will also search the forum for specific answers. This thread should just be a pool for all your tips.

Okay, it's gonna be my boyfriend and me. The idea is for us to go to Jamaica for about 10-14 days when it's not too hot (we're redheaded/blonde heat virgins) and mingle with the people. We're not looking for an all inclusive hotel holiday but want to get to know the island and Jamaican people. I've heard about the "Meet the people" programme. Has anyone got experience with that?

So, lots of questions: When to go? Where to go? What to do? How to explore the island in the best way? How to meet the locals? Any ideas?

I'm looking forward to read all your answers! Thank you!!!!
Weasley xxx

Don't go in the summer. =) Anytime from now till April should be ok for you poor pigmently challanged folk.

There are plenty of guest houses everywhere that you could stay with varying types of amenities. I don't know much about that program you mentioned, lol but it seems kinda sillly to me. You wanna "meet the people," go outside =) Lotsa peeps out there! The Jamaican Tourist board created this program http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2004/04/29/meet.htm and it seems alright. I, personally would just wander around on my own.

What's your poison? Are you looking for adventure, solitude, touristy stuff. It's kinda hard to tell someone what to do and where to go when ya don't know what they wanna like.

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Is this nice?

Dear Weasley,

Lot's of people will have lot's to tell you, I have never been there yet.. Sheize!!!!

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I don't know much... but I know I luv you...
& that may be all I need to know!

I would not go during spring break. Too many kids there. I just read a few articles that say since Katrina, Cancun, South Padre Island, etc. are cutting back on Spring Breakers and requiring a parent with them. Thinking JA will get a bigger hit cause of this.

Yah, like M said above, go out and mingle. Tell us what you like to do and we'll see what we come up with.

I still recommend a resort for firsttimers. You have the safety of all amenities and help with tours and transportation; but can still go out and about whenever you like.

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...

Hey! Thanks for your quick answers.

Well, I was thinking about going either in April or in September (is my birthday!). Then the really hot period should be over, shouldn't it?!

For what we like: exploring the countryside and meeting people. We're not too much into touristy stuff. Of course we want to see places but not in a group that gets shuffled around and everything is cut to fit. We would either rent a car or go on public transport to go to places we'd like to see. And we'd like to cook for ourselves

It should be a nice mix of seeing places, getting to know people and party. My boyfriend's into Reggae music a lot, so he wants to see local bands, I'm sure. But the main thing should be making new friends.

Here's the link to the Meet the People programme: Meet the People
It might sound a bit silly but for someone who doesn't know anyone in Jamaica that sounds like a good point to start.

I hope that helped a bit. At the moment I'm looking for the right place to go. It should be pretty, with lots of lovely people and lots to explore

"poor pigmently challenged" Weasley INDEED!

I'm not talking about shuttling around in big groups. You can arrange to have your own personal driver. I just don't think it is a good idea to be roaming around the countryside by yourselves on your first trip. Like any place, there are good and bad places to enjoy and avoid.

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...

Public transportation is a taxi, which can get pretty expensive if you don't know how to navigate the areas.

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...

That's a good point. Are there no trains/coaches that take you to places? How do I arrange a personal driver? That sounds very posh

Any hotel can usually help you arrange a personal driver. Or, you can just talk to people on the street. If a taxi can't help you, they can usually direct you to someone who can. A personal driver would basically be a taxi that would be all yours for the day. Not as posh as it sounds.

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...

LOL its not as posh as it sounds, it just means having the same person drive you everywhere. Its more expensive but reliable.

I'd say if you're NOT into touristy, Portland is the place to go. You can research it on the net.

Also try this link to another thread here, might give you ideas:
http://www.everytingjamaican.com/jam...=jamaican+week

And this is one of the best maps I've found:
http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/jm/jmmap.shtml

And another awesome resource for travel is "Frommers Jamaica". You can buy it in book form and it has a wealth of info on the entire country.

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

Trains or coaches? Ummmmm............nope.

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If you've never stared off in the distance, then your life is a shame...

That's a good idea (the driver). Is that expensive? We're not the richest of people.

... Oops, I was too slow with this reply. I'll go and check your links out now, Jamcan. Hadn't seen them before. Sorry!

I really enjoyed your article. That's exactly what I had in mind. Get to know Jamaican life.

And thank you for that map. That also helps a lot. I found Seaford Town on it which apparently was a settlement by German immigrants and still has some German architecture. Although I left Germany because I had enough of it, that would be interesting for me to see. That's closer to Montego Bay. Maybe we can find a quiet little village there where we can rent something nice. Would that make sense? We'd like to stay as far away from the tourist hotels as we can.

Weasley xx

PS: Just ordered the book too. Must start reading about Jamaica...

you will have a good time seaford town. I was there some months ago and they are a friendly bunch. I like your adventurous style.

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I like it too, she reminds me of a true ETJ-er.

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.