My whole intent when travelling is to live like the majority of the locals do, as much as possible. I do appreciate indoor plumbing and running water thoughbut have done without it. I know less than nothing about AI's, except that they are not for me.
Goldilocks, here's a spot that has everything you need!
Originally Posted by Papa Georgie
I'm asking on behalf of some Jamaican friends sitting here with me...born & raised in Negril with generations of family born & raised in Negril..."why do you think our home town is not authentic Jamaican?" I'm a bit curious also...
Sign up for WJ rewards. I received an email in August notifying of a WJ rewards member sale, up to 30% off. It included the best flights available and I was able to grab my November flight, cheapest ever at $593 tax in, return. Lowest I'd paid previously was $725.
Thanks Papa Georgie, I'm quite familiar with Barry's Yard and that stretch of beach. Just like the Waldorf-Astoria!
Negril is an authentic Jamaican locale that offers tourist-oriented activities. I live in a "tourist town" in the US that offers tourist activities as well. Most of our tourists don't come in contact too much with the locals, so it's kind of like two different towns in one. I can't afford to shop on my own Main Street; that is tourist land. I will not pay 30US$ and up for a local lobster, but I can barter some fresh veg for lobster with the guy that runs traps. (local economy at work) the tourist experience is far different from the local experience where I live, but no less authentic.
Jeez, I never should have brought up the "authentic" thing.
I take it all back.
In the words of Sly Stone ....
" Different strokes for different folks"
Isn't that one of the reasons .. we go to this great country
"simply put, AI is for vacationers and non-AI is for travelers. Which are you"
Well said. It boils down to your preferences, your style and to whatever makes you happier. For example I have never gone (and probably never will) to Disneyworld or Disneyland. My brother travels there regularly. It doesn't mean one of us is right or wrong- its just not for me. I love staying at a non-AI ( and saving money in my case) and recommended it to a neighbor. When she came back all she could talk about was that she saw mouse on the premises and there was a big bug in her room- to me not unusual considering that the property abuts a large swampy morass. She would have gladly forfeited the money she saved - probably $75 - 100 a day since she is not a big drinker and weighs about 95 lbs. - not to be confronted with those critters.
Last edited by rickme; 09-19-2013 at 12:29 PM. Reason: spelling
Bugs and rodents don't discriminate against AIs either. A woman posted on TA that she booked a vacay to RIU Club as it was marketed as a 5*. She then got on TA and read all the reviews mentioning roaches and was appalled and decided to forfeit the trip...just not go, with no refund.
AI may cost more but with non-AI i feel like i paid less
airfare -- done separately - pay for that ahead of time
hotel - usually a deposit with the rest of money due at checkout - some ahead of time, some there
spending money - for food, drinks, and entertainment - use credit card, ATM, cash at the time of purchase - just like home
i probably spend just as much but it doesn't seem like it - because there's no due date for the entire payment
and like others have said --- i like to travel - i've had AMAZING adventures worldwide --- upfront and personal - for better or for worse lol --- some of the worst are epic - ha!
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