Everything is a mess :(

[Manda81]

I'm so stressed right now lol if any of you have read my previous posts you can tell how much I've planned this trip being my first time in Jamaica and travelling with a local (friend) I've been so excited up until last night.

My friend Andre he goes to school and is in the Medical field there are only a few selected student that are picked for a training coarse that involves taking a ship over to Haiti and bringing medical supplies and assisting when they are there for a whole month. It's a wonderful opportunity for him and he gets a certification and he's paid for the month 1000 usd which is ALOT of money to him. So of coarse I said this is wonderful news... the bad news .. he's gone from the 19th of August to the 19th of September and my flight has been booked for the 17th of September 2 days before he returns to Jamaica.

He is adament about me not spending my first two days in a new country by myself and I've spoken to him over the phone and he's practically begged me to try and change my flight so that he's able to meet me at the airport.

The stress begins here .. My flight I've been told from Sell off is easily switchable for a fee and any balance if the flight is more expensive, that's fine. But I have two nights in Negril on the 17 to the 19th and 2 nights in Montego Bay at the Riu for the 22 to the 24th. Hotels.com for Negril and Priceline.com for Mobay. I've looked into changing the dates of Cocolapalm in Negril and it seems if I do this before September 4th there are no penalities so yay! all things are in order so far... but Priceline.com I got this on a 50 percent off sale which has now ended if I move the hotel date (if at all possible) it will cost me 300 dollars more. If I cancel it I risk losing 300 dollars. Moving my flight and just mobay could cost me up to 500 dollars Now if I cancel the reservations for mobay all together and am not charged a fee then things may work out fine but even looking for a new hotel in mobay for my last two nights is going to cost me quite a bit as the sale is over.

I dont know what to do!

I have brought up the scenerio of heading to Negril on my own... it makes me a bit nervous because I haven't been to Jamaica and it could be lonely experiencing it by myself but if I had to I would, but Andre is really upset with that idea ... i just want to hit my head off a desk I dunno what to do at this point.

Maybe if there are solo travellers to Negril you could tell me about your experiences ... is it safe to travel alone?

[TizzyATX]

I say travel solo...stay at CCLP and enjoy Negril the whole stay. I really dont think you'll regret it. I thought about traveling solo on my first trip but thought it might not be a good idea. Once I got there, I actually wished I hadn't brought my friend along. lol

Good luck, sorry you have to deal with this stress....all will work out.

[Sam I Am]

Yeah, I would not change anything. Go solo to Negril and have him meet you there once he gets back.

[Bnewb]

I agree with the above wonderful ladies....go solo!
This board can/will actually help you get there with safe/recommended drivers and direct you to the places that will make you feel comfortable.
I'm not sure why Andre would not want you to go alone as a grown woman (and it is only two days)...but though you don't know us as you know Andre...Rob and I live here and always give our cell #'s to anyone that feels they may need it...(cell 423-5479).

[Marko]

don't fret.....that is absolutely no problem.......get your butt to Negril by yourself and relax mon.......
and you'll be saying Andre who in very short time......lol

don't know if we have talked about transfers yet from the airport to Negril...........
but Clives Transport at $20 shared is a heck of a deal for an hour and half ride.....comes with a cold refreshment too......
and dem will make stops for you too before you get to CoCo(like Cambio, Supermarket, Bars, Bathrooms, etc)
there is JUTA($18) too.......you can find both online and reserve your seat.......
Kenny is super duper if you can find some people to share the transfer with.....

Cool Runnings, Marko

[Seveen]

go alone!

book with Clive and get a jamaican cell phone

go to some of the realnegril webcasts

believe me - you won't be alone long :-)

[Ohio_Buckeye_1]

I agree with the others - way to much of a hassle and expense to change things for just a 2 day delay.
Don't stress over it, thousands travel solo to Negril every year - you can do it for 2 days!
Once you are in Negril, you will see how easy and cheap it is to get around without a car - route taxis and regular taxis.

Without a driver the first 2 days, you will just need a transfer from the airport to the CCLP in Negril.
There are 2 budget ways to get from the MoBay airport to your hotel.
1) JUTA at $US18 or 2) a shared transfer (you ride with a few others) starting at $US20 and up.
There is also a third way, but is much more expensive - a private transfer (just you) at about $US60 and up.

For your first trip, JUTA might be the best as you can avoid the sea of private taxi drivers trying to sell you a ride.
Only downside to being the cheapest, is it is the slowest option because they wait until the minbus has enough passengers, and they will probably have to stop at a few hotels dropping off the other guests before getting you to your hotel.
But they have a desk in the arrival terminal making it very convenient.
http://www.jutatoursnegrilltd.com/co...servations.htm

For shared transfer, there are several that get recommended here all the time.
For a single traveler, I think Clive's Transport at $US20, is the cheapest option and who I use every trip now.
His service is dependable, has good newer vehicles, and safe helpful drivers.
You walk out the arrival terminal to the public taxi area and look for guy holding a Clive's sign. You will be inundated with people trying to sell you their taxi service. Just stick to your guns and tell them you have a reservation with Clive - they will get Clive's greeter and he will call the van, help with your bags, and even give you a complimentary cold drink.
http://www.clivestransportservicejam...ransfers_1.htm

See, you're already learning how in Jamaica your plans constantly have to change.
No problem, mon!

[Rambo]

forget finding hotel in MoBay...get to Negril right away....you are much safer and better off in Negril, safe places can be had for under 40 US per night, and up.....................in MoBay you will stand out somewhat, Negril you will just blend in

[negrilbay]

Going Solo, you will be fine, I go with clives transport also, they will get you there safe relax (remember when you get there everything is calming , the people will welcome you and like they all told , you will not be alone for long. Just one tip when ask if first time say (no man I been before) because they know when your solo. Enjoy you will see.

[Aud-A-Sea]

Goodness, my head was spinning at reading all the hassles and fees involved in changing your plans for 2 days.

November will be my 6th trip to Negril in 2 years. I return because I feel at home there.

Clive's is good for airport transfer. You can also check with Kingsley James at www.kingsleystakecaretours.com He is the only guy we use, but we did use Clive for a tour our first time.

You will be just fine. Like going anywhere, just use common sense. Don't walk at night. And that is really cool of Bnewb to give you their cell number. See, you already know someone in Negril.

I can't stress enough, that you should avoid all the unnecessary stress of changing your plans. Chill for a couple days til your friend can arrive. And tell him Thank you for doing what he is doing. That is a great thing he is doing for the people there in Haiti.

Enjoy and remember, Negril = No Stress All will be IRIE.