Hi,

Well I joined this site to get some input about visiting Jamaica this summer. From what I've been told about my basic plans, I've been cautioned not to even go. I want to fly into Montego Bay, stay a few days, then fly to Kingston, stay a few days while I see the Blue Mountians, Spanish Town, Portmore and May Pen but after looking at how violent the area has been recently, I might wait for another time to visit Jamaica. So that's about it. I live in Texas and have never been to Jamaica but want to go.

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Nona Manis.. finding out where I belong

O.A. I was meant 2 luv u..

Welcome to the site. I don't think Kingston nor Montego Bay are any different than any other large city in the world. You have to be careful where you travel in the city and be on guard. But you should be able to enjoy Jamaica without any problems. These rumors have been going on for years about Jamaica, and as for me, I have lived there off and on for periods of 6 months at a time without any problems. Hope you continue with your plans to visit Jamaica.

dont ever be scared of doing something or going somewhere. get your arse over there now. there is nothing to fear but losing out on a great experience

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Well said, LadySizzla! I second you on this post!

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Just be safe and you will be fine. Enjoy!

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

Welcome and make sure you post a trip report when you get back. We love those

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While there is violence in Jamaica, its mostly Jamaicans bashing each other. Crimes against tourists are very low.

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One World, One People

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

christ if i did one after my last 6 month trip it would be snapped up by steven speilberg!

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That would keep me busy at work for awhile... start one. LoL

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Welcome FM! Listen here.....don't NOT go to Jamaica based on what others are saying about it. Go and make your OWN experience. I guarantee you it won't be a bad one if you play smart.

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

On my first trip to JA in 2000, I was traveling with my girlbuddy, Bonnie. We went to a travel agent -- and she promptly declined to "book us" in JA because of crime and due to the fact that we were 2 women traveling alone, LOL. She and I booked directly with Jack Tar Village (now Royal Decameron) and we had a freakin' blast! NEVER pay attention to what one person tells you about JA!!! LOL.

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Yep you're better off to go with the opinions of all of us independent travelers!!

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

I think most of the people who caution others about NOT going to Jamaica haven't been there themselves.

As someone mentioned earlier... anytime you travel in a foreign country you must be cautious. But frankly, I experienced more "crime" in Europe than I ever did in JA... and I've only been to Europe once. I've been to JA six times.

Book the trip. Go. Once you go, you know! LOL

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Wow, thanks for all the responses. It's funny how I'll get some opinions telling me to go and have fun, while others pretty much tell me I'm going to get killed if I go. I'm more of a positive minded person so I think going would be a great idea.

Not sure if I said it before but I'd like to spend about 4 days in MoBay and 3 days in Kingston and I'll be going by myself. How can I easily go about visiting the other places in Jamaica like Spanish Town and May Pen? I'm a big city person so those places excite me more than the quiet tranquil beaches although I'd love to see those too.

I've seen some good deals for tours from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and good accommodations in Negril. I'm a budget traveler so is it a good idea to stay at the cheap hotels and find food on the street or pay much more and get those all inclusive stays at the resort?