2 Questions and cold feet about PA

[copper350]

Hello boardies,
The more time I have til my next reach, and the more I think about it..............
I find myself talking myself out of staying in portie. I'm sorry guys with the back and forth, but I don't want to take that long ride and the transfers are expensive, but PA keeps pulling me.
I also think that I'm going to get bored there traveling solo, and I never been on that side of the island before. I just keep going back and forth with that decision. 29 days to go!I'm also on a budget and am doing 12 days this reach. I just don"t know to play it safe or go for it, at least for the 3 days that was suggested. I also don"t want to miss any time in my beloved Negril.
Also,first time hearing about this new club in Negril called American pie, can anyone tell me about it?
Secondly, Has anyone done the red stripe cruise before, if so how was it and what's involved?
Thanks in advance,
Copper

[SweetSue]

I too have never been to Port Antonio but if you think you got the urge, then do it. WORST that could happen is you don't like it as much as Negril. But you will get to see another side of Jamaica and her people. If you don't go, you will always wonder. If you don't have a lot of luggage and feel adventurous, maybe you can explore various options for transportation.

This looks interesting... http://www.portantoniojamaica.com/ivey.html
http://www.portantoniojamaica.com/maroons.html

I think I just might have to look into going there myself.

[copper350]

Thanks, Sweet Sue for the encouragement. We'll see.........

[Clarity]

I totally understand where you're coming from, Copper350
We're taking a 12 day trip almost the same exact days as you are.
We also contemplated going to Belmont, Port Antonio and some of the surrounding areas for a few days, just to explore more of Jamaica.
We ended up opting against that. This is only because we haven't really experienced all of Negril yet. We took our first trip to Negril less than a year ago. We've only seen a fraction of it. We don't even know what happens when you walk LEFT of the Grand Pineapple on the Seven Mile strip. There also happens to be a lot of fun boardie events happening that last week of April that we really don't want to miss. So many boardies I've wanted to meet and all together at the same time!

I know that on our next trip (whenever that may be) We REALLY plan on checking out PA and other areas of Jamaica.

How many times have you been to Negril? If you've got a lot of trips under your belt, you should definitely follow that urge to explore. It sounds like Port Antonio is really calling to you. When do you plan on going back to Jamaica? If you're planning another trip soon after, then I would say stick in Negril for all the parties and go to PA next trip.

I understand your concern about traveling solo and your budget.
It seems like you've been really conflicted about this for a while,Just follow your heart with this one.

Maybe you should play it by ear. Leave 3 days open. See how you feel when you get to Jamaica. If you feel like staying in Negril, then you should stay. If you feel like going to Port antonio, you should go.

Good luck making your decision. Whatever you choose, you know you're going to have a wonderful time!

[ohliz]

Budget is tough for Porty if you don't rent a car or take public bus/taxi.

But it remains one of my very favorite parts of JA, the beauty is something else. But I'd go when you have more time and money, personally.

[brasi]

My opinion on this is going to lean more on the "trip philosophy" you have.

So:
-If you usually end up staying put and going home and being happy, do that.
-If when you've left Negril, you wish you'd been more adventurous, or seen some new things...do THAT.

Life is too short for regrets. Just do it. (Thanks Nike).

The myth is (I do it too) that you have to have EVERYTHING planned out, before you land. It's nice. But you can alter plans, get a hotel, etc pretty easily when on the ground.

Each and every trip is a chance to explore and put another notch in your belt...it sounds like you are a bit of an adventurer...why not jump in a red plate cab and head out on A1...get dropped off...have a few...meet some people...head back after a few hours..? Not every trip is an overnight or full day....

...for me, I started going out toward Grange Hill two trips ago for a few hours, same to Green Island/Caldwell, overnight to Belmont last reach...this reach Belmont and ??? I dunno. But there will be some new flavor to my trip. Shake it up!

Enjoy the ride my friend!

[copper350]

Hello Clarity,
You are exactly right about this one. I have another rt plane ticket open to go back to jamaica if I want later in the year that was rewarded to me.
Right now, this is simply a relax stress free vacation on a budget.
I really don"t want to worry about transportation issues and taking that long ride 4hrs up and 4hrs back this reach. I just want to relax, and be free without the extra expense over my head.
My agenda was to stay 1 night in Mobay that's an extra hotel fee because I didn"t want to come from a 3hr plane ride then take a 4hr ride to PA on the same day.
Secondly, They are asking for $300US and up for RT transportation to PA. I can do so many other thgs with that money on vacation for that amount of money just in transportation. Then you have to pay for route taxi etc in where ever you want to go unlike Negril you can really walk most of the places or take your resort shuttle. It's just more economical for me right now and I really need this trip.
Also, you are right about the boardie activities going on that week as well.
I wonder if it's too late to get on the chicken bus with you guys? I'll ask Marley.......
I really think to just relax in negril and go to PA another trip when I'm more finanicially prepared to be more adventurous.
Thanks you Clarity for helping.
Copper

[Island Girl]

Copper, I would save the trip for later. Porty deserves your full, undivided attention and yes, lots of time and more than a few bucks. We have been going there for over twenty years, and you will be cheating yourself if you can't go with full intention. When you are ready, you will know and then you will "get it" once there- it is NOTHING like Negril- they are two separate experiences entirely...IRIE! *IG

EDITED to add: When you do decide to check out Porty, please fly into Kingston instead of MoBay. The transfers from there are shorter, and slightly cheaper, and the big bonus is getting to go through the mountains to get there. Total Trip! *IG

[copper350]

Thanks, Island Girl and all others......
I will remember that! I will go to PA some day soon.