They are legally adults, though I am sure they will always be your kids It might be a good idea to get Jamaican cellphones for everyone so when you are not together you can easily call one another if needed or check in.

When I was 21 I took 3 friends, ages 16, 18 and 19 down the coast of Mexico on a three month road camping trip with me. Since I was the senior one, and the 16 year old was my ex-boyfriend's little brother--I played the role of the responsible adult--even when I was downing Margaritas and sliding down fire poles that went from the third floor to ground floor in a night club.

I drove my pick up from California to Arizona and across the boarder to the coast and then down the coast to south of Mazatlan, stopping wherever we wanted to camp out for a while. There were a few intense moments of rounding up the troops and getting them out of iffy situations--mainly girl and boy problems fueled by tequila and beer (drinking age was 18 there but it was never enforced). But all in all it was one of the best trips of my life. My friends and I had an amazing time and incredible adventures and we all learned so much.

I am sure it is quite different when you are a parent and not just a young guardian of even younger friends--but I think travel is great for teenagers/young adults. There is so much to be learned from other cultures and it opens up the world in a way that nothing else can and makes a life-long impact. I am so thankful that I was able to travel when I was young and the memories are just as vivid for me decades later as they were right after the trip.

So I am all for them going to Negril and having a great time. You know your kids and I am sure you can judge whether to send them off to have fun with a trusted driver or stay by their side. Do they still live at home? I had been living on my own since I was seventeen and was already used to being responsible for myself and also having complete freedom along with that responsibility.