How do I...

Ok - I just HAD to ask this....

How do I convince one of our party that the pub crawl is safe???

You know the type - super paranoid. She heard from a friend who's friend said that when their friend was there that someone at their resort told them that ....etc..etc..etc...

My wife and I have been to Jamaica 4 times - never a problem, always fun to get out and meet the locals.

I've been teasing her about hiding under her bed with her room padlocked and stuff.... but she's quite firm on "staying on the resort". Because of her, others may not go.

I mean really - its the TA #4 ranked "thing to do" in Negril FFS!

Suggestions welcome!

PS: 20 days until we're there!

I don't understand why people go to never leave there resort.. Part of the reason I don't wanna spend a ton on a nice room is we don't know how much we'd even be at our room.. To each there own but u can find an ai in the states and pretend you are in Jamaica .. I mean how would u know of u aren't leaving yard

I think I would ask her why in the world she signed up to go to Jamaica if she is too scared to leave her resort. lol I will never understand....

Good luck with that T&J....and if she is set on her safety plan....by all means let her do her thing, but hopefully you wont let it stop you from doing your trip your way

Have a great time :)

She is in a bus with a load of fun happy drunks (lol) What does she think can happen ?
Tell her to put on her big girl panties and go with the flow.
The bus goes to bars many of us having going to for years , NO Problem, mon.

Oh, lawd! I have a friend like that, afraid of everything, refuses to try anything new. She went to Negril with me once, and that was the last time. Wouldn't leave the hotel, complained about the vendors, there were too many bugs, the sand was too hot, the loud music kept her up all night, food tasted "funny," etc., etc., etc. I had hoped that once we got there she would come out of her shell, but, in fact, she got more phobic and expected me to ease her fears. I thought she was being overly paranoid, so pretty much did my own thing, which was fine by me. That is when I started taking solo trips and have really found that is the best way to go!

Tell her to at least give it a try. She has to commit to 3 stops and if she does not feel safe, you will pay for her cab ride back to the sanctuary. Once the stripes start flowing, her worries should disapear.

Safety in numbers... Tell her she will be much safer with the group on the bus then left all by her lonesome at the resort. :p LOL! Or she can just hide under the bed while you are out having fun!

We have friends that are like that too... The wife in this duo really wants to go to Jamaica, but the husband refuses because he used to work with a guy that is from Jamaica and he told him that it's not safe to travel there, and that he would end up dead in a ditch... *head desk*

I have done everything I can to convince him that in the 8 trips to Jamaica we have never been in a situation we couldn't handle, and that it is SAFE if you are not an idiot!!

Two things that might make your friend feel more comfortable:

1. The Pub Crawl is essentially a guided tour. Lenbert is more than just a driver - he gets off the bus and shows you around if you are not familiar with a stop
2. As Rasta Stan mentioned, you will be with a LOT of other people. If she is really worried about what might happen off the resort, she should feel comfort in knowing that there is safety in numbers. (and I say that with the personal understanding that there is absolutely nothing unsafe about visiting the bars on the West End.)

You might also want to show her this message board. I think that might show her that there are many people who enjoy activities off the resort and that is what attracts them to Negril and keeps them coming back.

I tell people travelling with us this is what we do and where we are going. If you don't want to come , fine.
We'll see you when we get back...lol
NO ONE RUINS MY TRIP , first rule of travel period..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rasta Stan

NO ONE RUINS MY TRIP

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AMEN! Been there done that, never again lol

On second thought.....I want to change my answer to what Rasta Stan said.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rasta Stan

I tell people travelling with us this is what we do and where we are going. If you don't want to come , fine.
We'll see you when we get back...lol
NO ONE RUINS MY TRIP , first rule of travel period..

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That's how we travel too! We have some newbies coming with us this year for part of our trip, and it's already been discussed that we all do what we want when we want! No waiting around in the morning to see what everyone is doing, we'll either be on the beach or at the pool! LOL! No babysitting!!

For example, they do not want to come with us to the Appleton Rum Factory and the Pelican Bar, no problem mon, we'll see you when we get back! They are however on board for the Pub Crawl!! We'll be on the bus on 4/24! Can't wait!!!

We had friends that went with us. After a few days they announced that they wouldn't be coming back. My answer was "enjoy wherever you decide you want to go next". That was their last trip. They are divorced now. Just maybe it wasn't the place that was bad but the two of them.

They will REALLY miss out if they don't venture out to the cliffs. & the pub crawl is a great way to do it! I think the West End is the BEST end, with a more relaxed vibe than the beach. Not as much hustle & bustle-unless you're near Rick's near sunset! The cliffs are more like the deep blue sea rather than the aqua of the beach. The lighthouse is gorgeous!!! Each place along the way has it's own charm. I love the cliffs & that's where I usually stay.

In addition, Lenbert is a businessman & he would be out of business pretty quick if he didn't look out for his guests. I went on the crawl as a solo female in December & never felt uncomfortable or unsafe.
My daugher & I are looking forward to going April 3.

Tell them everyone should go. Remind them there is safety in numbers.......... & the more the merrier!!! lol

& if that doesn't work, forget them & let them stay at the resort. NO fun babysitting nervous Nellie's.

Thanks for the replies!

My wife and I are like most of you - we don't go on a trip to be "one of the cattle". We enjoy the adventure (if you can really call it that!) of getting off the resort and meeting the locals there. Heck, I've been known to book a flight and hotel just for the first couple of nights, rent a car and take off and see what happens!

Don't worry, we're not letting her ruin our trip! We ARE going - her husband says he's in for the pub crawl, his wife says he isn't - so we'll see! LOLOLOL

Honestly, I fail to understand why someone would believe negative 4th party heresay rather than from two people who have been there multiple times!

At any rate, we're going for sure!

Stay Irie my friends!

What Rasta Stan said. Ok, see u when we get back.

I agree with the above, but a picture is worth a thousand words... maybe take a look at and show them some of the pics posted by Delroy on the miyard.com message board. He posts them frequently and I don't think I've seen an unhappy or frightened face yet. :)

This was our "scary" day feb 20th...
Attachment 24433
Attachment 24432
Met a bunch of really fun people :)

Wow, this is a hard one

Typically when I read something like this, my tendancy is to shake my head and wonder how and why people travel like that. Why do places tell guest things to make them scared, what sort of marketing tactic is that? Because typically, those folks go home and tell their friends who then never will even consider travelling to that country. I just can't understand that behavior. And why do people spend so much money to travel to a foreign country only to sit in a box that represents the exact place they just left? Is it all for safety? Because honestly some of the stories that come out of the US would never EVER make me feel safe! Huge buildings being hit by planes? School shootings? Movie theatre shootings? I have traveled a lot in my life and if there was any place I would ever feel too scared to leave the confines of my room it would be here....in the good ole US of A! And that is the truth, but that is not living. I refuse to live my life like that. If you are not experiencing what all the world has to offer you than what is the point in living? And please understand I am not knocking folks who stay at AIs. That is not my thing for sure but I can understand why some people like them, to each their own. But I love to travel and the main reason I love to travel is to see new things, experience new things, meet new people, etc. Some of the most enriching moments of my life and definitely some of the best memories have been those made chatting with locals and learning and seeing a different perspective. I wouldn't trade that for the world!

However, that is a whole other topic.....now on to the pub crawl. Funny enough, I believe the idea was originated by the fact that they wanted a way to bring people to areas they may not have ever seen before, either because they were staying in AIs or maybe they were too timid or afraid to venture out. So, how do you solve those type problems? You get a big brightly fun colored "fun" bus and you load it with tourists. You pick them up (for free) and you take them to approved locations, you offer their own personal "welcoming committee" which offers them drink specials, food, entertainment, in some cases even free hugs! Then the tour guide delivers them safely back to their resorts safe and sound. Brilliant idea! And if it wasn't then I doubt it would have become as popular as it is. Plus I have read time and time again from LOTS of folks staying at AIs (and even many many other tourists) that the pub crawl was the "Highlight of their trip" or the "most fun they have ever had in Negril"

So, there are tons of things you could tell, show or explain to your friend to make your case here. And if she is the kind of person who is normally timid or nervous but can be coaxed out of her shell and enjoy herself, then go for it! And good luck!

However, if she is the type of person who truly believes she is danger of being harmed then it might be best to let her enjoy her vacation in the comforts of those walls. The great thing about Jamaica is that (regardless of thoughts or opinions of which is better) it truly does offer up a great vacation to any kind of traveler, whether its one who wants to sit on one beach and eat and drink or one that wants to get out and explore and actually experience the country. Everyone has a right to vacation their way and enjoy themselves.

So have fun on your pub crawl (you surely will) and good luck to your traveling partners, I hope they can enjoy themselves as well, however they choose to do that!

Show her this forum and all the reports of people having a great time off the compound. But if after your best efforts she still is too chicken to leave the resort. Go yourself, have a great time, take lots of pictures and come back and tell her and show her what a great time she missed. You can't let a stick in the mud spoil your good time!

That's one of the reasons we don't travel with others. I had in-laws(ex) like that who used to try to direct everyone's day.
But if she is wired that way, even if you got her on the bus, her anxiety might ruin it for you anyway. So best thing is like others have said....say " see ya later" and don't feel responsible for their happiness.

If they don't want to come, don't push. They'll not only ruin your good time if they're not having fun, but you won't hear the end of it.

Leave them behind, then tell them about all the fun they missed out on. Maybe they'll change their tune for next time.

I would guess that the reason the resorts tell you its not safe to leave is they want you to stay on property... you might spend money in the spa or elsewhere... captive audience spends $$$...

Enjoy your time....the only reason to be alive is to enjoy it. The boardies that I have met are some of the best folks, fun loving, kind, with a real love of adventure and of the culture of Jamaica. Generally, if someone doesn't want to go....just give them a sincere offer to come along and if they choose not to go....then it is their loss. You will have an adventure pon da west end that you will never forget! :)

The first couple of stops, you can tote a couple of rum punches while she waits on the bus. Eventually, she will loosen up! Just tell her to go with the flow and have a great time.

Plus, Lenbert is about 6-foot-4, one of the bigger dudes on the Cliffs. I think he can protect her!

This is why I travel solo & LOVE it! I don't have to deal w/ other peoples' issues. I could say soooooo much more, but won't.

Ignorance is bliss I guess..you can't cure it..more fun for the rest of us..lol

Just remember to buy the "pub crawl life insurance" and if something "weird" happens,,,don't worry,,,your'e covered ????????

We were at the bar at CoCo,,,The night before the bar Crawl ...I was drinking the rum and telling any stranger who would listen to my big mouth....You must go on the One Love,,,It will be picking us up out front at 2pm...So,,,ya know how that usually goes at the bar....We are out by the road in the hot Jamaican sun waiting for the bus.......Then,,like EIGHT folks show up for the ride??? You mean they actually were listening to me??? Had the BEST time.....

Well, there is some hope. Your friend is actually brave enough to use her passport, it's a start:) I'm liking the guided tour approach, AI type people are quite often game for that kind of thing. My first two trips out of the country were to all-inclusives in Cancun then the Dominican Republic. It didn't take long to realize that the trips were interchangable. This will be our first trip to Jamaica, and I was really nervous about it until I found this board-THANKS YOU GUYS! We've been to Playa Del Carmen five or six times now staying in town and walking everywhere or taking the collectivos but our bravery has been cumulative. Lots of people that know us think we're f-ing nuts for going to Mexico-they're losing their minds over non-sheltered Jamaica! MORE RUM FOR US :cool: Let your friend take baby steps and bust away when you have to.

seems to me....if it's just a general safety issue....that a strategically placed goat on the road from MoBay to Negril could be a potential disaster for any one..going to any resort....in any vehicle.....so, if this person is that paranoid, maybe they should'nt even leave Mobay, if they are gonna just stay on property...and pick an AI there....it will greatly increase their chance of living

Quote:

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Originally Posted by marley9808

Wow, this is a hard one

Typically when I read something like this, my tendancy is to shake my head and wonder how and why people travel like that. Why do places tell guest things to make them scared, what sort of marketing tactic is that? Because typically, those folks go home and tell their friends who then never will even consider travelling to that country. I just can't understand that behavior. And why do people spend so much money to travel to a foreign country only to sit in a box that represents the exact place they just left? Is it all for safety? Because honestly some of the stories that come out of the US would never EVER make me feel safe! Huge buildings being hit by planes? School shootings? Movie theatre shootings? I have traveled a lot in my life and if there was any place I would ever feel too scared to leave the confines of my room it would be here....in the good ole US of A! And that is the truth, but that is not living. I refuse to live my life like that. If you are not experiencing what all the world has to offer you than what is the point in living? And please understand I am not knocking folks who stay at AIs. That is not my thing for sure but I can understand why some people like them, to each their own. But I love to travel and the main reason I love to travel is to see new things, experience new things, meet new people, etc. Some of the most enriching moments of my life and definitely some of the best memories have been those made chatting with locals and learning and seeing a different perspective. I wouldn't trade that for the world!

However, that is a whole other topic.....now on to the pub crawl. Funny enough, I believe the idea was originated by the fact that they wanted a way to bring people to areas they may not have ever seen before, either because they were staying in AIs or maybe they were too timid or afraid to venture out. So, how do you solve those type problems? You get a big brightly fun colored "fun" bus and you load it with tourists. You pick them up (for free) and you take them to approved locations, you offer their own personal "welcoming committee" which offers them drink specials, food, entertainment, in some cases even free hugs! Then the tour guide delivers them safely back to their resorts safe and sound. Brilliant idea! And if it wasn't then I doubt it would have become as popular as it is. Plus I have read time and time again from LOTS of folks staying at AIs (and even many many other tourists) that the pub crawl was the "Highlight of their trip" or the "most fun they have ever had in Negril"

So, there are tons of things you could tell, show or explain to your friend to make your case here. And if she is the kind of person who is normally timid or nervous but can be coaxed out of her shell and enjoy herself, then go for it! And good luck!

However, if she is the type of person who truly believes she is danger of being harmed then it might be best to let her enjoy her vacation in the comforts of those walls. The great thing about Jamaica is that (regardless of thoughts or opinions of which is better) it truly does offer up a great vacation to any kind of traveler, whether its one who wants to sit on one beach and eat and drink or one that wants to get out and explore and actually experience the country. Everyone has a right to vacation their way and enjoy themselves.

So have fun on your pub crawl (you surely will) and good luck to your traveling partners, I hope they can enjoy themselves as well, however they choose to do that!

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You took a breath. LOL

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fargoman

Ignorance is bliss I guess..you can't cure it..more fun for the rest of us..lol

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Some people just are not wired for Negril. My brother has asked numerous questions about our trips but one thing I do know for sure is I would NEVER take him there. He would be locked in his room watching Fox News all day......

TandJ, everyone here has given you great advice...Go out, have fun, take a bunch of pictures of you having fun, bring them back a t-shirt...show them the pics...
I hope EVERYONE has a good time and enjoys Jamaica, it really can be a special place if you let it...

[QUOTE=booger;88672]
You took a breath. LOL

LOL, yes I did

And I bet you didn't read past the first sentence! Ha!

Yeah it's scary to go out in Negril.....In NYC they are celibrating the "plunge" in homicides...Yeah,,,,only 414 last year ?????

I'm single and took a friend to Negril in November. He's never travelled outside Canada/US and is pretty set in his ways. I told him about the pub crawl and that I wanted to go. He never seemed too excited about it and then when I asked him directly about it before leaving, he said he doesn't drink (much) and wasn't interested in it if it was like the rural pub crawls around where we live. I said it's not all about drinking, you've got to look at it as a free tour of some cool little places on the cliffs....a way to meet people and have fun. He said he wasn't interested in meeting people. I replied that it wasn't speed dating, but a way to go out with a group rather than just the two of us. The short of it is that he had a negative idea in his head about it right from the beginning. He did go, and the bus was packed. He got out at the stops and complained about the loud music from the speakers right over his head, couldn't hear a thing. He doesn't drink much, but he will have a drink....but he did not have one single drink on the pub crawl. He found a couple of people to talk to at the stops, but as the evening wore on, and people had more drinks he closed off pretty much completely and went and sat off to the side, essentially waiting for the bus to leave. I felt obligated to sit with him. As a result, neither one of us had a good time. The next day he told people where we were staying that he had an awful time. All it cost him was about $10 to tip Lenbert. I had only one drink as I didn't want to get tipsy so as to really p*ss him off.

So....depending on the person and their mindset going in....I have to agree that it's best not to try to do any convincing. If someone doesn't want to go, they shouldn't go as they could ruin the experience for others. My friend should not have gone, seeing as he made no effort to enjoy himself. I would have had a better time by myself. There were other occasions during our week's stay where his attitude hampered what I wanted to do. I had a good vacation despite that, but it just confirmed my idea that I should travel by myself. I have another trip planned for April, was going to go with a friend who just cancelled about a month ago. That was a pain to have to readjust everything on short notice, but I'd rather have it out of the way before leaving rather than put up with someone who doesn't really want to be there. My solo trip has come sooner than I'd thought!

In your situation, it's probably best that you're with a group and because of your friend, that you're at an AI. That way she can make her choice and do what she wants. Hopefully, the rest of your party will also feel free to do what they want, and not stay back simply because of her. In the end, it is everyone's choice what they decide to do, and it's best that they make it for themselves. The more that you can clear the air about that before your vacation, the better it will be.

Have fun!