I can't stand when I'm asked this question....

[Rob]

I agree with not giving out information, including to hotel staff and security. I don't do it at home or on vacation.

There are more than a few expats who live in Jamaica, but don't really have a clue how deep the runnings can get - but that subject is not tourist fodder. Wishing everyone an Irie Day!

Goldilocks,

If an expats doesnt learn the runnings or "how deep the runnings" are as you say, then they will not be living here long. Both Bnewb and I have seen this happen more times than we can count. But all successful expats do figure that out - that comes with living here day to day for years - there is no way to avoid learning it. Those that fail may not have learned the runnings or had been doomed by taking bad advice from those who thought they knew the runnings.

But it is sound advice to let the hotel staff know where you are going and when you should be expected back, there is no harm in doing so. And in my decades of experience here, there has been several occasions where helpful staff have assisted when things went amiss. As the credit card commercial says, priceless.

[VVHT]

CaptainD answered this very well..

It isn't the question, but the questioner. These rules apply no matter what city or country you are in.

If I was in Negril and a beach higgler approached me while walking the beach and asked the questions, my answers would be vague.

If Clarol working the bar at Seastar Inn asked me where I was going and when I was coming back as I was heading to the gate, I wouldn't hesitate to answer her.

Enjoy,

VVHT

[ackee]

heheheehhee , OMG is right Sweetness !! Jeezam Peece!
Make a good judgement call to whom you give your personal info. Dat is what it boils down to , I think.

[SweetSue]

I agree about not giving out too much info to too many folks - especially those you don't know. "Been here a bit...staying local....always sooner than I'd like...." BUT as a single woman who travels solo, I know there is value in letting CERTAIN PEOPLE know something about your comings and goings.... and letting it be known that CERTAIN PEOPLE will know where you should be and may come looking for you should you not show up when you should. If I can't trust the security guards or the front desk people at my hotel with some basic information to protect my safety - then I need to stay somewhere else.

I have been fortunate enough to have been coming to the same places now for a number of years and I have made some very good acquaintances in town, at some local businesses and on the beach. It makes me feel good when I can walk into a beach bar, greet the bartender and be told "I already knew you were here - I saw you in Green Island this morning." Or when I can stop and chat up Capt. Mike as he makes his rounds on the beach and other people see him greet me warmly. Not only does it give me a sense of belonging, but it does send out a message to those who might consider making me a target. "Nah - lets mess with somebody else that no one is looking out over...."

As I have said many times over, "when you pack your suitcases to travel ... don't forget to bring along your common sense."

Peace.

[Mort]

I wonder if people are more inclined to give out personal information to other tourists than to locals?

[mspecan_tan]

I wonder if people are more inclined to give out personal information to other tourists than to locals?

I was thinking the samething.

[Luvsdaislands]

I learned my lesson a long time ago...i tell no one where i stay or how long i will be there unless it is somebody that I know and/or trust.

I will tell 10 people 10 different answers...oh I'm at BarBBarn...oh I'm at CoCoLaPalm......

[Luvsdaislands]

i have had a few folks come check for me at the hotel or be "conviently" walking down the road!!!

And I tell them my name is Susan, Tanya, Bonquisha....anything other than my real name.

I attract STALKERS!!!!

[suzengrace]

Rob..I dont live fulltime as you-I do live partime- I have a home i built,pay utilities, etc.in Jam....My main form of income is in the states....Thus the need to travel back and forth on reg.basis...Just becasue i'm not a fulltime resident as you-does not mean i dont live there...Many people have have homes in Jam and elsewhere in the world --They "live" in both places....

[gerryg123]

If Clarol working the bar at Seastar Inn asked me where I was going and when I was coming back as I was heading to the gate, I wouldn't hesitate to answer her.

Of course. I would trust Clarol with my life! She is incredible even though I sometimes drive her crazy asking her every morning to reheat leftovers for me ....