Any last words of wisdom for a nervous newbie?

Flying out on Thursday. :D I don't know why I'm nervous lol! Here are our plans/carefully noted tips I've learned from lurking over the last few months...

Don't take route taxis & only red plates
Be careful walking the West End
Don't walk alone at night or if we do take a flashlight and don't be drunk (so looks like taxis for us)
Be careful with the special cakes
Have a burger at Ahh Bees
Breakfast at Just Natural and/or Out of Town Pastry
Fried Chicken at Chicken Lavish
Jerk Pork at Red Dragon
Go to Ricks just this one time just to say we did (we'll see about that...)
Keep small bills for tipping
Be patient
Careful of Overproof
Booked the One Love crawl for Friday - remember to tip Lenbert (how much?)
Contemplating Pelican Bar...bringing water shoes if we go
Sunscreen & bug spray
Don't tell anyone we are Negril 1st timers (why?)
Don't let the guy put a bracelet on your wrist (whats up with that? I don't get it)
Can I put a towel over that window in the Sagi outdoor shower at Catcha (unless I want to give the patrons @ Rick's a little show)?

What did I leave out? (...biting nails...)

Just go and have a blast on the island,you will fall in love with the island!!-hit up some webcasts!-3 dives on Tuesdays-just go and enjoy!-sleepless nites ahead;)

Sounds to me like you have it covered - you'll need small bills in general, not just for tipping. "I have no change" is a familiar line in Jamaica :)

Most people tip Lenbert $10 pp, I've tipped him more when it's been a small group.

Don't tell them your first timers because some of the higglers won't leave you alone, if they think you know the ropes, you'll have less issues

Most of all - relax and enjoy - if you were lucky enough to get Sagi at Catcha you're off to a good start!

Hi Kitchen, I love the comment about Sagi, don't remember a way to cover the window, it mainly looks out to sea, not really facing Rick's. My wife was nervous as well, BUT once she got it there, listening to the ocean hitting the cliffs, looking out at the horizon and felt the beautiful sunset falling upon her body she could care less. As a matter of fact a party boat went by (about a few hundred yards away) and they blew an air horn, she started to laugh and just wave at them, they loved it and about 30-40 people aboard wave back. You will love it, one major thing you forgot... RELAXMON !

Don't worry about the guys putting bracelets on you...Sometimes you get great conversation and is worth the 150J. Eat on the beach! We had one day of strictly beach/street food..mmm..smile...it really gives and gets great vibes..DANCE!

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Originally Posted by KitchenBeeotch

What did I leave out? (...biting nails...)

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Have fun, and enjoy your trip ! :cool:

Don't worry if you don't hit all the places on your list, just a reason to go back. We've been to Negril 6 times and there's still so many places that I want to hang out or eat at.

Enjoy Catcha Falling Star and Ivan's, they are the best.

Some things I bring that don't take a lot of space but valuable to have on your travels (just some ideas as you near wheels up) . Yes I am very much a den mother but like to know you cubs are prepared out there :rolleyes:

PLENTY of Small bills. Two dollar bills play well and make good conversation pieces and spend for recipients.
Collapsible cooler VERY handy
Bottle opener
Bubba or other travel mugs
Can coozies
Articles from home to leave your mark at favorite bars that welcome that ( lic plates, team flags stickers pennants or hats)
Small pad of paper to write down thoughts and contact info of new friends
Backpack for day trips
Bank bag for cash ,passports, valuables , etc to put in your safe
Lanyard if you have one for room key
Lip balm..
Pens for plane to fill out customs and immigration docs
Ziplock Baggies
A couple of trash bags ( again for impromptu day trip clean up)
Dryer sheets to keep your clothes fresh...


Hope some of these help. Have a blast!!

den mother...lol @ kid rick....

I go to ricks for about 20-30 minutes each trip to people watch...i usually dont jump from there but like to watch all the folks...it IS one of the best bars in the world, why wouldn't you?

agree if they think you are new, they think you need everything...when i 1st get there, i tell them that i have been there for a week, just on the cliffs or the other end of the island...Along those same lines, never tell anyone where u are staying , when u are leaving, or that u will buy something tomorrow, because they will remember u tomorrow and expect it....

if it goes on yoiur wrist, u pretty much have just purchased it...and prob higher than u want to spend...

always settle on a price beofre u use the service, regardless of what the service is.....

sand gravity will take over and ruin most of your plans....

bug spray.....any over the counter meds, bandaids, ointments, sample size

webcasts are great way to meet like minded people...

If you are staying at Catcha, it will be hard to go anywhere else. That place is heavenly.