I just pressed the button!! I have an airline ticket to Jamaica for August!! This feels very surreal because an hour ago, I didn't know that I would be going to Negril this summer...
I haven't fully digested this yet...
A while back my family booked a trip to Negril for August. I had requested vacation time off to join them it was denied. I was disappointed, but eventually I just came to terms with it. That's life and you have to roll with the punches. I started helping my family plan their trip. (i.e. arranged for their driver and contacted hotels for them)
Bottom line: I was happy for them. It took me an entire year to convince them to do this. It's been many years since my father and mother had their Honeymoon in Jamaica. My two sisters have never been. I knew they were going to have a wonderful time.
This morning my boss pulled me aside and informed me that my vacation time has just been approved. I was so happy and grateful, I almost started crying.
I realized if I was going to make this happen than I didn't have a minute to lose. I immediately went online and started searching for flights. This is really last minute, even for ME. The initial prices weren't that great, so I switched the search to ONE WAY TICKETS instead to see if that would help and it DID. The price went down $200 by booking one way with one airline and booking the way back with a different airline! It was surprisingly cheap. I've never actually booked tickets this way. Try it! You'll be amazed at how much you can save by doing this! (also search multiple sites. These tickets didn't show up on Kayak or Orbitz but were available on Travelocity)
I just called my family to tell them the good news and they are freaking out right now! All accomodations were already booked months ago. I'll be sharing a room with my teenage sister. This will be my shortest trip to Negril ever (only 5 nights) but I'm really excited!
Has anyone traveled to Jamaica in August? This will be my first time being in Negril during the summer. How is the weather? The ocean (waves or calm)? I know this is the beginning of hurricane season, Did you experience a lot of tropical storms?
The second question involves my arrival.
My family gets into MoBay 7 hours after I arrive. Rocky will be coming to pick them up. Should I:
A. Wait for my family at the Montego Bay airport and drive with them to Negril? Is there a place at Montego bay for visitors to chill out, like a waiting room of some sort?
B. Take the JUTA directly to Negril and meet them at the hotel? Markus can't come with me on this trip. I've never traveled by myself to Negril, so I'm a little nervous. I only would have about $30 to spend. I'll be on a very tight budget for this trip. Will that get me to Negril?
Thank you so much for your advice and help with this! This is going to be a very special trip for me. It's been over 12 years since my family traveled all together like this. It's been 38 years since my father last saw his family in Jamaica. I know this is an experience we will treasure for the rest of our lives.
Originally Posted by gerryg123
