I go to Negril a lot, and it seems like there are more hustlers -- and especially beggars -- than ever before. I can deal with it, I still love the place, but it does get on my nerves, as I suspect about 99 percent of us can all relate.

If someone is a carver or makes necklaces, something like that, that's one thing. I buy a ton of stuff, have a draw full back home. But the ones who ask for money handout or a free beer or start pitching a real-estate propasal or whatever, those are the ones who drive me nuts.

"No thank you" works about fifty percent of the time, at best. Not effective enough, no matter how much eye contact or sincerity.

For me .... The best and quickest method to get through 'em, especially when they're coming at you from all angles? I know some of you will say it's cruel, but the "I'll be back in a minute" or "I'll be right back" really works well because it stops them from pushing any further. Sometimes, they will hit you up again, but most of the time they accept the fact you're a no-go without any more exchanges.

Another effective line, the one I use in the USA, too, is a quick simple phrase: "I'm down on my luck." For some reason, beggars can really relate to this ....

How about the rest of you? Is it a hassle part of your vacation, especailly on Beach? And how do you deal with hustlers and beggars?