Help me convince my dad I am fine to travel alone

[Lola]

Maybe dad thinks you will do some of the wild things he did during his 27 visits ☺

IMO Judy House and Sue are a great home base. Four years ago when I went for my first long visit (3 months) I was a bit nervous, so I chose her place and it was a good choice for me.
Now that she also provides hostel rooms, there are lots of younger travelers like yourself coming through to stay there. You could ask her if she has bookings yet for that time of year or what she thinks it will be like then, to give you an idea if it will be lonely or people to hang out with. I'm sure she will answer any questions you have.
The suggestion to bring a friend is a good one, although part of me thinks nah, that's just more work and what if she turns out to be a wild one that you have to look out for and worry about?
September is the slowest time of year for tourism, and a financially pressured time for residents with children going back to school. As a solo traveler your vacation might be more fun and relaxing if you go in August or November.
Plan to be back at your home base by dark unless you are at an actual venue (restaurant, bar or concert) and taking a taxi back to Sue's. Dark comes early in the evening. There is plenty going on up at Sue's to keep you entertained at night if you don't have somewhere else to go.

Ask your father what specific concerns he has about you going alone. Then discuss how you might handle those issues for a positive outcome. He probably has some valid things that you should listen to, and you can use his recommendations to plan a good trip for yourself.

PS There is a nice little beach for snorkeling and swimming by Canoe Bar & Grill, at the bottom of lane from Judy House.

[jenb]

my biggest regret is the more then a decade of travel i missed because i was afraid to travel alone. i think 'Lola' has a lot of sound advice. for first solo trip play it safe.
watch your alcohol consumption too, many of us can make bad decisions while under the influence.

[NikkiB]

I just keep thinking you could go again with Dad and he could pay! In all seriousness, I understand his fears and the best thing you can do is talk it through. Good luck!

[irieworld]

I have traveled solo since I was in my teens and early 20s with my first travels being a 3 month camping trip down the coast of Mexico. In my twenties I also traveled to India and many European countries. I didn't get to Jamaica until later in life, but always went solo and loved it. Be sure to stay somewhere secure, always use red plate cabs and the advice that has been given here about having a designated driver for when you want to go out to shows, etc is a good one. I have heard good things about Judy house--and I think you might meet fellow travelers there to hang out with. I have met so many wonderful locals and also a handful of shysters. Use your street smarts and don't let anyone hustle you. Carry a cell phone and have a contact number for someone at Judy House and your driver in case you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. GO! You will love your adventure. I am so thankful that I traveled as much as I did on my youth--those experiences are with me forever and I treasure the memories! You are full grown--enjoy, explore and learn. And do whatever you need to to make your dad feel more comfortable about it.

[Tattoo]

Clarification. I did not intend to say or imply that the women over the yrs that have been murdered were vacationers or foriegners to the island, I just remembered that it happened to people is all, please my apoligies if i have offended anyone.

[Melody]

Clarification. I did not intend to say or imply that the women over the yrs that have been murdered were vacationers or foriegners to the island, I just remembered that it happened to people is all, please my apoligies if i have offended anyone.

I'm a woman and just got back from my first solo trip in April. Have to say, I was a little alarmed when reading your comments. Ended up googling late last night (never thought about it before going). Didn't find anything too alarming, but a few interesting surprises.

[TizzyATX]

You've received some great advice....and honestly I can see both sides.

I've made two "solo" trips but I wasnt solo for long either time, and i knew that going in. Truthfully, I dont think it would be super smart for me to travel to Negril completely on my own. I know myself, and I know what happens when i go to Negril. LOL With that said, you are not me, and you may be perfectly fine traveling solo.

I will say this much: If you tend to party and drink please make sure you know your limits and can keep your wits about you before making a trip to Negril by yourself. I have never felt unsafe there, but that might have been different if I didnt have friends to party with who I trust. I can see how it would be real easy to have too much to drink and in a split second make a lousy choice that could end up bein trouble. I dont say that to be a downer, just totally get where your pops is coming from. After 30+ years, he knows whats up. lol

Negril is SO beautiful and SO much fun. Be safe, be smart, and have a GREAT time whether you go alone, or with dear 'ol dad

[Flipadelphia26]

I'm reading your post Tizzy and then I telaport back to Checkin day at Catcha. I Tizzy passed out on the Daybed outside of Booger's room. lol.

[booger]

I'm reading your post Tizzy and then I telaport back to Checkin day at Catcha. I Tizzy passed out on the Daybed outside of Booger's room. lol.

That was her bed for the week....... That girl knows how to do it....

Tiz, you are welcome on my porch ANYTIME......

[Angel]

Ok let your daughter go have a good time if she screws up it is something she has to deal with. I suspect she will go anyway.