Just when I thought it was all good it got WORSE

[Manda81]

So my dear friend Andre is MIA he was suppose to dock on Monday at 6pm and I thought for sure I'd hear from him by Tuesday. It is Wednesday and there has been
no word from Andre at all. My plane leaves at 10am on Saturday. I have a hotel booked for my first 2 nights and my last 2 nights as I was suppose to stay with Andre for the middle 3. My complete budget is out of wack now because I may need to book 3 more nights plus all my tax rides as I was counting on his vehicle for transportation. Not only am I going to Jamaica which of coarse I am excited about I am now doing it as if I booked it yesterday with no idea what I was doing .. ugh I feel lost and panicky.

I'm not sure I should book a hotel before I get there, because what if Andre contacts me right before I leave or shows up at the airport this will then be more wasted money... do I wait then hope to god I have no issues finding a decent price. Low Season is on my side for this I think.

I dont particularly like solitude I like me time and sure without Andre I'll get that but if I spend 7 nights alone having drinks not going out staying in my hotel room I will go absolutely mad! And from what I understand getting out at night wandering around for a party being a single female may not be the best idea.

The plans I had to visit YS Falls and Lovers Leap and Black River the costs of transportation I have no idea what that's going to cost me now ... it's almost like I'm going to get on that plane blind.. after months of research and planning ... so frustrating.

Oh and to top it all off .. my dog is being put down on Saturday after I leave for the airport. FML

[Bnewb]

So sorry to hear about your dog...Manda!

Manda...I think you should plan on coming down here with the rooms you've currently booked. If Andre still hasn't contacted you by the time you arrive....you can always book a hotel once you're here (low season is in your favor, price-wise). If this still worries you...you know Rob & I will be glad to help you find an affordable hotel...we won't leave you stranded.
Transportation from Montego Bay to Negril will only be approximately $20us...book Clives or Juta for a shared ride...affordable!! You can book this on Friday...if you still haven't heard from Andre.

As far as being alone...that is up to you! There are tourists to hang around with...locals that love to chat (you've already been given advice on how to deal with the more aggressive men ...come to a couple of webcasts...you may be surprised how alone you won't feel!!

Treat this situation like any new adventure....prepare the best you can but always expect the unexpected!! YOU WILL BE FINE!!!

[luvjabd]

So sorry to hear about your dog...Manda!

Manda...I think you should plan on coming down here with the rooms you've currently booked. If Andre still hasn't contacted you by the time you arrive....you can always book a hotel once you're here (low season is in your favor, price-wise). If this still worries you...you know Rob & I will be glad to help you find an affordable hotel...we won't leave you stranded.
Transportation from Montego Bay to Negril will only be approximately $20us...book Clives or Juta for a shared ride...affordable!! You can book this on Friday...if you still haven't heard from Andre.

As far as being alone...that is up to you! There are tourists to hang around with...locals that love to chat (you've already been given advice on how to deal with the more aggressive men ...come to a couple of webcasts...you may be surprised how alone you won't feel!!

Treat this situation like any new adventure....prepare the best you can but always expect the unexpected!! YOU WILL BE FINE!!!

Great advice and a sweet offer!

[Markospoon]

I think you should book a bus trip straight to Negril from the airport, forget about Montego Bay.

Mayfield Falls is close to Negril if you want to see Water Falls and Nature.

Just like Bnewb says, if you are solo, Negril is the best place to be.

I would take Bnewb's advice if I were you.

With money in hand, you will have many hotels to choose from, and maybe a discount too.

Also, it is very cheap getting around Negril and having fun!

[airportworker]

Manda go and stay in the rooms you already booked than as Lisa says give her and Rob a call if Andre is a no show, i've been coming to JA on my own for years and i've never been left on my own for long, if all else fails get hold of soccer101 and find some brits to hang with

[Markospoon]

One good thing Manda,

You are going to the most laid back, take it easy, cool out place on earth.

Join the crowd and relax.

Shame for people to let you down.

I hope your friend is ok, and it's just bad communication.

So, smile a big happy smile for the opportunity to be in Jamaica and all will be well.

Cheers!

[Lenny]

Just go with the flow and you will be just fine, and besides, it's the perfect opportunity for personal growth.

Ja Mon!

[Lola]

Its going to be all right Manda. Have you ever traveled to a strange location and 'known' of as many people as you do this time? You will not be alone and have resources to contact if you need support. You will have a good time in Mobay, and by the time you reach Negril it will be smooth sailing. With or without Andre. Hopefully he's okay and you will hear from him soon.

Real sorry to hear about your dog. Focus on him and trust the trip to work itself out. (((Manda)))

[Maryann]

So sorry about your dog, Manda. Negril is a great place to heal. I was a little apprehensive at first about going solo after a friend bowed out at the last minute, but I figured it was "meant to be," and it turned out to be the best trip ever. Hope you look at this as a great adventure and decide to go.

[Manda81]

this is a trio of firsts for me .. 1. first time to Jamaica 2. first time travelling solo 3. first time staying out of all inclusives and on top of that moving around lol

Montego Bay is at the end of my trip the last two days at the Rui .. that is something I could not change as it's paid for already but I figure thank god cause it helps my budget as I wont have to pay for anything lol