Harassment

[Tanfastic]

It's hard to be sympathetic to the cruise ship crowd or even their shipwrecked AI cousins. Too lazy to travel seriously because they might have to encounter locals. That's the point of travel! How many do you think did any research before arriving? Prior proper planning prevents poor performance (and experiences). It also helps if you're comfortable around people of color. I've had some uncomfortable moments in Jamaica, but I've had them here in the States, too. Getting out of your comfort zone is when you have your greatest opportunities for growth!

Marblehead your generalizations of people that cruise or stay at AI's are pretty pathetic. We travel extensively and stay at many AI's but also get off of the property and visit the island (in Jamaica as well as other Countries) about 40% of our time. I love the locals and keep in touch with many in Negril, the Riviera Maya, Belize, Puerto Rico, Cozumel, Aruba and the Brittish Virgin islands. As far as research goes I do on average 50-75 hours of research before a vacation, even if I have been there before. Where is your research on the cruise crowd and shipwrecked cousins that says they only stay in one place and don't visit the surrounding area? While I personally don't like to cruise I read an article that stated that 40% of the people who visit a port for 1.5 days will spend on average $155.62 in the local economy down in Mexico.

[Flipadelphia26]

Marblehead your generalizations of people that cruise or stay at AI's are pretty pathetic. We travel extensively and stay at many AI's but also get off of the property and visit the island (in Jamaica as well as other Countries) about 40% of our time. I love the locals and keep in touch with many in Negril, the Riviera Maya, Belize, Puerto Rico, Cozumel, Aruba and the Brittish Virgin islands. As far as research goes I do on average 50-75 hours of research before a vacation, even if I have been there before. Where is your research on the cruise crowd and shipwrecked cousins that says they only stay in one place and don't visit the surrounding area? While I personally don't like to cruise I read an article that stated that 40% of the people who visit a port for 1.5 days will spend on average $155.62 in the local economy down in Mexico.

I got my start by walking off the AI, but I dont think our experience is typical of an AI goer. Most people go to relax and have "free" drinks. Which is fine. To each their own. Vacation is vacation.

[Tanfastic]

Agree Flip, when we were at AI in October we got a large group to leave resort a number of days and spoke with many that said they got out on the island.

[*vi*]

Harry, I empathize with you and your wife. The only “key” tourist area that gives me unbearable grief each and every time I’m there is Ocho Rios. I thought it was because I was always alone until one time when I made sure I was escorted into town. It was worse because both of us were harassed and he’s Jamaican.

After reading your post, (and I hope I’m wrong) I’m afraid not much is going to be different by way of experience (comfort) for your wife no matter how guarded you are. It’s Negril. Your wife sounds like a sweetheart who adores being with you wherever that may be. I ask respectfully, is it too late to stay somewhere else? If not, if you do the beach, get a taxi ride to Bloody Bay. The small entrance fee in exchange for undisturbed couple time will be worth it.

[Biggs of the week]

Every time I think I should see a therapist I just take a trip to Negril.(cheaper).

[Jaherring]

We also spent a couple nights in St. Augustine after we got off the ship. Love your town cap! Beautiful place!

[Patricia]

Every time I think I should see a therapist I just take a trip to Negril.(cheaper).

[Jaherring]

I just returned from a great cruise. We are not lazy, we just like a variety....nothing wrong with that.

[VVHT]

Got my first taste today about 100 yards north of Travellers. Not much beach at that point. Three youths started giving me the "no respect"' routine. Just glad Diane and the kids weren't there to experience, gave the youths a piece of my mind. You can take the kid out of Boston, but you can't take Boston out of the kid!

When I returned that way on my walk they were gone.

[Rob]

4....STOP giving money to ANY & ALL folks beggin' .... this INCLUDES the children/pickneys, who're practice-ing and testing their wings to become future beggers. ..... STOP it...!!!.... I repeat::::>> STOP giving money to folks you don't know....!!!! ..... STOP it STOP it STOP it.

those who give money to strangers are feeding the *beast* and encourage-ing the beggin' behavior, and ALL other forms of so called harrassment.

so,
STOP it...!!!!...
.
.
9....again,,, STOP giving 'em money [[[ period ]]]

Smith gives his great advice to tourists that I have quoted above and it is the best advice for visitors to Jamaica to do their part:

Dont be part of the problem! Dont give money to beggars unless you want to perpetuate the problem.