My boyfriend asked me to go to Jamaica with him for Christmas. I'm totally excited, but I need to do my research before I go.
What should I know before I take the trip? And where do you think I should go to see the real Jamaica. I don't want to do the tourist thing. I want to see the good stuff. What do you guys recommend?

-Vanilla Bean

Hi, Vanilla Bean, from another LI gal! Well, former LI gal, that is.

Will this be your first trip to Jamaica? It should be fabulous being on that gorgeous island over Christmas. I'm sure everyone has their favorite spot there. And they'll be happy to tell you about it.

I personally love Montego Bay and Negril. It probably doesn't matter so much where you stay in either place so long as it is NOT an all-inclusive hotel. This way, you'll get out of the hotel, see the island, and meet people who live there.

When in Montego Bay, I stayed at Doctor's Cave Hotel. It's right in the middle of things. Walking distance to all. Well-priced. The most beautiful beach is right there, and there is a good internet cafe across the street so that you can make us all jealous...as often as you wish! I would recommend taking a one-bedroom suite if you stay at that hotel. The suites are well-located, have wonderful light and space, and are priced not much higher than a simple room.

When in Negril, I stayed at a wonderful place...Idle Awhile...It is a romantic and very beautiful intimate resort. Only 13 rooms, all beautiful, with gorgeous verandahs...right on the infamous 7-mile beach. You may not need shoes the entire time you're in Negril. Ask JamCan about that too.

American Airlines offers the best rates most of the time, by the way. From JFK and Newark. You can check out the hotels I mentioned and others on the internet. Doctor's Cave Hotel and Idle Awhile have their own websites. Expedia.com and Cheapfares.com are also good search sites. Before booking, check out the hotel on TripAdvisor.com. There you'll find reviews of the hotel by folks who have stayed there. Very informative.

Half the fun is in the planning. So, happy planning.


P.S. My photo album is on this site at http://www.everytingjamaican.com/jam...read.php?t=697.
You'll find plenty of pics of the hotels I talked about, and others too!

be careful, sometimes locals will offer to show you the real Jamaica and you end up robbed, I read about it on a Jamaica tourism site.

That's why the best place to find a local is here on ETJ. Lots of us know locals who might be willing to give up some of their time to help you out. I hooked up Kat for her last trip with the Negril Police! haha.
Anyways, if you wanna know some more you can ask me on MSN next time you see me. I could answer some questions for ya!

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

A what a sweet handsome policeman he was!!!

Too bad he wasn't as reliable as we wanted him huh KAT! I'll fix him when I go in April. He said to say hi to you the other night.

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

i agree with kat about the all-inclusive deal. i went that route my first time there and i'd actually recommend that to a first timer because it's alot easier and you don't have as many worries. those all-inclusives offer a whole package and a lot of tourists don't see much of a reason to leave the hotel. but on a return trip you'll wanna go beyond the "tourist thing" because you'll feel comfortable and want a different experience. i am returning to montego bay in april and i am sooooooo looking forward to seeing and doing it all!

Well, I don't think I'll have to worry about a place to stay. He said we'd probably just stay at his house, which I don't mind. (I think I'd actually prefer it that way.)
And he said if we don't stay at the house, we'll stay at Sandals...
He's from Sherlock Cresent, which (I think) is near Kingston. I heard Kingston is kindof a rough area, but since he's a native, I doubt we'll have problems. I'd like to go to a good Dancehall/Soca club, but after seeing the movie "Shottas" I'm not sure that would be safe... Any suggestions?

Since he is a local Kingston should not be a problem. Kingston is bigger than an "area" actually (for Jamaicans). Never seen the movie Shottas and probably never will. You will be able to go to good clubs in Kingtson or almost any major town in Jamaica that you go to.
Its still up to your instinct re the person.

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One World, One People

The opinions expressed by Samba are not the official opinions of ETJ or its owners.

Hey hey girl your man is taking you to jamaica I don't think that he will let anything happen plus don't go with any expectation just go to have fun and see a slice of paradise,and just have a great time and stay close to your man.look don't take this wrong, but I'm so ready to go home if you don't want to go, tell him to book two tickets Iwill go I'll use him for the ride home no worries I will not touch whats not mine when I get off the plane I will go left and he can go right I'm just ready to go home to the land I love.Girl thats desperation talking I.m sorry Pray for me delicious.

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Heres my invatation to come try Jamaica you can go to Ochio Rios, Montego Bay, Negril, Port Antonio,or even down Kingston. Jamaica is paradise the people are real, the food is great, the water meets the sky, the sun perfect next to your skin. So start packing your bags and I will see you down in Jamaica ,sweet Jam down...Delicious

hello!!! I went to Negril this year in March and stayed at a all inclisive resort called Couples.... it was the best. infact we are going back in 2005.. Jan.
just trying to find out my self what the temp. is there at that time of year.
I see that you want to get out and see things,.... the resort takes you out to the shops and all.... very nce place to stay.. I highly recommend it.