All of my past experiences in Jamaica is with AIs. This trip I decided to do the non AI because I am taking my niece and wanted her to see all she could of Negril. I decided this because I know going to an AI would mean we would spend most of our time there. Don't get me wrong I loved the AIs and had one of the best time of my life ever at Hedo, but that was because it was Hedo. I have always left the resorts to investigate my surroundings but always end up going back to the resort. I would get the why pay for food and drink when it is free just down the road attitude. Sorry I can be a cheapskate at times. For this reason I don't believe I have ever gotten the true spirit of Jamamica. And I want that spirit for myself and my niece this time. However I do have very high expectations. I expect to eat awesome food on our own and to find those places where we can just have the greatest times of our lives. After reading the threads on here I am sure Negril will not disappoint. If the people in Negril are half as friendly as those on here I don't see how it will not be a great trip.