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We are taking our first trip to Negril from 5/15 - 5/30 for our honeymoon. Both of us have traveled our fair share, but this will be a first for both of us to Jamaica.
I finished school last week, but she still has work, so while I don’t have a distraction I am obsessively reading through past trip reports and other good threads here.
I thought it would be interesting to ask the good folks here, what do you wish you knew before you went to Negril for the first time?
To go to the beach and get your free bracelet right at the start of your trip.
What TAH is saying is to watch out for the hustlers on the beach. Those bracelets aren't quite free.
If you see someone cooking and there's lots of locals around, it will be cheap and delicious.
half the clothes and twice the money
You can stock up on grocery items at HiLo (booze included) and other items at all the little stores which also carry booze, BTW
You can get fresh fruit daily along the beach or cliffs
You can use other (most) properties' if you eat and drink there
If you're staying on the beach, which properties or restos offer free shuttle service to their establishments on the cliffs (I only know of Seastar and Ciao Jamaica .. but I know there are more
Pack less. A lot less. Seriously? A LOT less ...
Most make up melts off your face
A leave in conditioner is great to have
The water is drinkable from the taps
If you're staying at an AI, bring a Bubba mug
Power (referred to as current) goes down regularly - a pocket flash light is quite handy
Link up with some boardies (follow the web casts ... )
Coffee is much better with rum cream in it
Soon come really doesn't mean that
K&A,
Congratulations and welcome! And, really soon come to Negril!
Although I first visited Negril in 1985, living here and talking daily with tourists still keeps me up to date on what are the most common things that come up.
If you are staying at an All-Inclusive hotel, my advice would be to take a day or two to just explore the main Seven Mile Beach and the cliffs of the West End.
Transportation is a common question, but there are many affordable options. Many restaurants offer a free one-way ride when you call and make reservations. They can also help you with the ride back to your resort. If you are arriving in Negril by using a private driver like the ones listed in our Transport section, most of them will give you a free cellphone to use while in Negril. You will have their number available at any time. You can also take down the numbers of any of the drivers listed here and keep them handy. You can walk most places during the day, but it is advisable to have a ride available at night. And only use a car that has a red license plate, they are legal taxis. A white plate is just a person driving a car and they are not legally allowed to transport you.
Have a great time and hope to see you soon!
Definitely echo the less packing and more money!
The One Love Bus Bar Crawl is a great way to spend an afternoon and see some of the places on the west end.
If you see the jerk pork guy walking the beach, be sure to get some (sadly we did not see him when we were there in April).
Lobster is out of season till June 30th.
Don't get too hung up on making a lot of plans. There's a thing called "beach gravity" that happens in Negril.
Lobster is out of season until July 1st, not June.
Looking back to way back when,(1988) coming to Jamaica for the first time, the excitement of the unknown and experiencing Negril without any prior knowledge was as big as a rush as I could ever imagine. There is really nothing that I wish I already knew, some things you just have to find out for yourself. Of course, there was no internet or message boards to scan for information either then, so the only info came from travel brochures or maybe a friend who had already been there. My advice is to blaze your own trail, have fun, find out for yourself the do"s and dont's, be smart, be safe, don't do anything stupid that you wouldn't do in any other town you are not familiar with.
Quote:
Originally Posted by K&A
K&A.
Congratulation and enjoy your stay in Negril!
Please contact us if you do not have arranged for your airport transfer to Negril as yet . One or our drivers will be pleased to pick you up and take care of you.
We offer visitors a safe and hassle-free way to visit the Island. All our drivers are very knowledgeable of Jamaica’s history, culture, music, and traditions and with a wide experience. They are also excellent and conscious drivers and can provide amazing insights into the local areas.
Our taxi are always sitting in Negril and ready for short and long distance transfers. Anywhere you are in Negril you call us and we will reach you in less than ten minutes. We are located in the heart of Negril and we are a good option if you're going to stay there. All our taxi have red plate
Don't worry about finding us. Get in touch with us and we will drive to you for pickup. We would be keen to take you around and be part of your vacation!!
You can learn more checking out our website, facebook page and tripadvisor reviews
Phone (876) 3624906 or (876) 540 4009
email: crossjamaicatours@gmail.com
www.crossjamaicatours.com
Owen
Same here; well said!
Same here; well said!Quote:
Originally Posted by phineasfreakears
Bring some bug spray to keep the sand fleas off your legs in the early (before 8:30) mornings and at dusk.
Thanks to everyone for their feedback!Quote:
Originally Posted by M&G Montreal
I'm glad to know that the resorts aren't black boxes, A is interested in some spa time. We have over 20 years hospitality experience between us and for us an AI is just never going to feel comfortable. We elected to try out Banana Shout, they had a crazy discount on their off season rates. I'm also happy to have any excuse to bust out my LED head-lamp, I seriously use that thing around the house even when the lights do work. As for linking up with boardies, we are looking forward to meeting all sorts of folks. If anyone is going to be in Negril and wants at least one free round on us feel free to send a PM our way!
I like that you're staying on the cliffs for your first trip, you're gonna have a great time. From what I know, Banana Shout has a very chill vibe....
Two things:
Please please please be extremely careful when walking on the west end (best end) ;)
Be just as careful if you decide to jump off any cliffs.
Leave the BLING at home.'
Pack less clothes
Take more CASH
NEVER EVER EXCHANGE CURRENCY ON THE STREET NEVER!
For sure leave the bling at home, try to pack only all cotton material clothes and bring plenty of $1.00 for tips and I agree not to make many plans just take it as it comes and enjoy the journey because every day is a different adventure. Have a great time.
Jamaicans are friendlier and more out-going than you may be used to!
One good tip I think is to exchange money at a cambio to have some Jamaican currency as many times it seems cheaper to buy drinks..ect ..do not exchange at the airport!
I agree! DO NOT exchange money at the airport!
There is a reason why the line at the airport currency exchange kiosk is short (if there is anyone exchanging money at all). Their rates are terrible.
Become familiar with the exchange rate and currency denomination. Right now it’s $1US to $115JA. When you exchange your money, kindly request as many $500, $100 & $50JA bills as you can. Do meet up with folks from the board as soon as you can. Their suggestions, advice and knowledge of the runnings will help keep your days less stressful and more irie.
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Originally Posted by Lola
I grew up and still live in Minnesota, people from New York City are friendlier and more out-going than I am used to. I got to travel growing up and I learned pretty early on that 'Minnesota Nice' is really just 'Minnesota Passive-Aggressive'.
This is a big reason why we are going to Jamaica. Every Jamaican I've met (spent a spell in Santa Cruz CA, plenty of Jamaicans round there) would get in anybodies face if they had a problem, so when they were nice I knew that they meant it, and they were damn near always nice.
You'll hear "Respect" a lot. Start by learning something about the history and culture of Jamaica. I recommend the Insight Guide series. Respect is personal as in "show me some respect for what I do by being generous". Everybody is an entrepreneur. Some are more persistently so than others. First sale of the day brings luck. No need to pay too much for something, but if it feels like a fair price to me, I stop negotiating and pay up. Look for stuff that is obviously locally sourced - carvings, some jewelry, some clothing. Be patient. It's easier when you're sober! If the drug salesmen are a bother, hold you hand up, palm out, wave it back and forth and say, "No thanks, Christian." Respect --Marblehead
I am sure we will cross paths down there. I think this is my tenth or so trip to negril. We are getting married on the 19th.
Walk on the right hand side of the road {on the cliff road} There's nice sidewalks now on the beach road. be aware, be careful. Yes, on the small flashlight. Leave bling at home. Smile. Be happy. Have an open mind. Show respect. Have FUN! Good luck. Go to the Seastar for the Saturday night reggae show & buffet. Skip the other"buffett" on da beach. Sorry Jimmy. Be adventurous. Do the one love bus with Lenbert & Lattecha. Tell him Rock n roll farmer sent ya. Don't pee in the ocean! Yamon' evryting IRIE!
My first trip was in 1982, but that was to Ocho Rios - Couples Jamaica. I wish I knew that you didn't have to bring ganja with you to Jamaica. I did, just like I did for all the places I'd already traveled to around the world.
LOLOLOL....Bringing ganja TO Jamaica is a new one for me, I must admit!!! (though, some candy for the plane ride is always nice!!)
Four years in AIs..Wished I knew!:)
How addictive it is!!!! Been back not quite 3 weeks, and already booked two trips!
I need a good 12 step program.... :)
I'm thinking even with a good 12step program you would backslide and of course me too! LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by jojo p
Heading into the final stretch before we head out - wanted to say thanks to all the folks on the board for their advice and well wishes!
Thats awesome! Great job.Quote:
Originally Posted by jojo p
Watch out for the 'Grannie Sauce' aka jerk sauce...unless you love spicy foods don't cover your delicious jerk chicken in it...test first!
And, watch out for the Overproof (OP or JB) rum...'nuff said....:)
Have fun!!
You can go to the store for supplies before you check in to your room.
Even if a beach restaurant looks closed- try it anyway! It's probably open!
+1 on overproof rum. It's hard to handle if you're not used to it and especially if you are smoking. Any more than one rum punch can take you out of circulation for the day or evening.
Corner Bar has the best fried chicken. Ever. Yum. Wish I had some right now.
It was my 3rd trip, but first time drinking rum punch. I lost my first pair of prescription sunglasses. Punch is the operative word!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bnewb
So TRUE haha.Quote:
Originally Posted by Big_frank