Went to Jamaica in February 2020 with my wife and kids....got stranded because of Covid.....Ended up purchasing a Villa in Mammee Bay,St Ann with my business partner....have been back 7 times since.....awesome country and people
I've been to Jamaica many times, been all over the island and have never felt unsafe. It's just a matter of not going into areas that even Jamaicans who aren't from those areas won't go.
@@scorpiostinger336 yes I have run into car on many occasions, that's why I said to make sure there are no scratches, dents, anyting interior or exterior that is wrong with the car because they will take away the deposit in order to pay for damages that you do not catch before you take possession
@@StarrTile I work in the car rental business and I am telling you, every single scratch on those vehicles are put there by renters and people lie. I've never heard a renter take responsibility for damaging a vehicle even if the vehicle had to be written off. My advice to you, take a car that has scratches and make a video of everything. If you rent a scratch free car and return it with even as much as a blemish... You will pay heavily. Always take good coverage, tyre and windshield protection are a must. Also, try to see if your rental service has a full coverage.... Do not go cheap on the insurance.. things can happen.
Been to Jamaica 3 times and have had a blast every time. The country, water and the people are warm and welcoming. After this covid crap is over we will be returning for number 4.
Love 🇯🇲 Jamaica, been going there for over 27 years. The beauty, culture, people, music, beaches and of course the food - no better Caribbean destination!
I visited Jamaica in 2000 and it is still one of the best vacations I ever had. I stayed at a place in Negril called Point Village and everything was fantastic, from the weather, the staff, the food, the islanders themselves. Do yourself a favor and visit.
Jamaica is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! The land, the people, the culture and THE FOOD!!! 🙌🏿 I’m blessed to have a brother-in-law from Jamaica who owns property so he’s like my personal tour guide. Last year, before the pandemic I enjoyed the Rueben Experience. I showed me literally EVERYTHING Jamaica has to offer. I can’t wait to get back!! Great video!! 🇯🇲
Both times I was there I was in the airport waiting to go home crying my eyes out because I hated leaving. I love it there so much. The people are the best.
I enjoyed your video. I have been coming to Jamaica since 1975 and now have retired here. This is not an unsafe place I have not had an issue in all the years and time that I have spent here. A little respect goes a long way. You are correct it is a very slow pace here. That was something I learned very early. Don't be in a rush for anyting. This Island is a paradise. Well worth the vacation. I fell in love with this place my first visit and more in love with her now.
Hello and thank you for this comment. I plan to come to Jamaica and travel around on my own in August (2021). I've been all over the world and usually feel safe off the beaten track and know what areas to avoid. So, for someone with my experiences is going out on my own dangerous? I'm not talking known bad areas... just being a solo traveler. Also, are local busses around the island expensive?
A surprisingly positive and accurate set of advice for first-timers. I would say, however, that a rainy day in Jamaica can be better than a good day anywhere else. My husband and I went more than a dozen times over the years between August 1 and October 31 and never encountered a hurricane. Doesn't mean it can't happen, but it's not frequent -- at least historically. Unless you are all about baking for hours in the sun, there's a lot to be said for a rainy afternoon, sitting on a covered patio or balcony with a cup of coffee or a drink; or playing ping-pong; or sitting at the bar getting to know the staff at your hotel (always a good thing to do). I would add a couple of other things: 1) Don't just ignore the beach vendors calling for you. A wave and a "No thanks" is considered polite. Ignoring them is considered rude. 2) If your hotel allows tipping, always tip, and tip generously. Tip your housekeeper DAILY as you don't have the same person every day. If your hotel does NOT allow tipping, staff can get in serious trouble if caught accepting tips. Sometimes you can discreetly talk with the person you want to tip and see if it's cool. 3) Chat with the staff at your hotel, even at a mega-resort. Jamaicans are lovely people and you can learn a lot about how people live..and some may become permanent friends. 4) I don't know how it is now that ganja has been decriminalized, but it used to be that every hotel seemed to have a "designated guy" from whom to buy it. They're not hard to find. Wear a tie-dye T-shirt and he'll find you. Trust me on this one. 5) The shack on the beach or the road has the best food. Better than the hotels, better than big restaurants. If there's a guy named Magic or similar, smoking a spliff while he's got 4 pots going on the fire and there are a couple of kids and a few puppies running around, that's where you want to eat. Seriously. Jamaica is the most soul-healing, magical place on earth.
As a foreigner, living in Jamaica for 22 years now. I'd say she's pretty spot on. Only thing I disagree is the paying in USD thing. You're cheaper of in Jamaican dollars
Why does Jamaica accept it stupid shoot your self in the foot when I’m in Britain I use the pound and dollars in us just fine in equal loyal to both us only as exstensiob of England home is home I have property in both illegal immigration’s problem both places Texas has it worse but I will say i will die to my last breath for the king and 3 inches of hilly rain soaked muddy midlands and fir the king ultimate I could walk away with dc burning it’s constitutional rights I can always go back to west minster and marvel at the original Magna Carta long live the King
Jamaica is a wonderful island to visit. Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril all has Beautiful attractions, I've never been disappointed, the Brotherly love they show is unmatched. The people make you feel like you belong there.. Bob Marley museum and Dunns River Falls is a must.
The rural interior of Jamaica is one of the most naturally beautiful places I've seen and it would be a travesty to go their and not to explore it. The ruggedness of It's mountainous spine is breathtaking yet the variety of incredibly diverse terrain and scenery like the flatter plains of the South coast makes it feel like you're traversing a much bigger country than the small island seen on the map. The North East parish of Portland is spectacular and a trip up to Hardware Gap above Kingston provides a stunning panorama. As for Kingston, the residential areas in the St. Andrews foothills that surround it have some beautiful grand houses and the New Kingston district is a modern and safe city experience.
My 1st trip to Jamaica was in 1971-Ochi. Met my wife in 1993 and the 1st place we went-Negril and then again in 1998 on honeymoon. We're back last week from 10th visit in 9 years, annually 2 weeks. Love it. Never had any problems with anything, anywhere. E'RE PAYING $5K A WEEK FOR 2 WEEKS + AIRFARE BUT IT'S WELL WORTH IT. We love "jamaica time" and everything is mellow, especially the music.
It was decriminalized but not legal. Edit: Medical marijuana is legal but your average citizen can't have more than 5 plants and can't be caught with more than 2oz/57g. Tourists who have a medical prescription can apply for a permit to purchase small amounts of weed.
Yeah when i went i stayed at iberastar and i asked the bartender what he grew in jis garden and he said tomatoes peppers weed i was like is that legal he was like yeah you just can have more than 5 plants
I love Jamaica. Great video. I always look forward to your videos. They are so informative. Jamaica is extremely safe for tourists. Thank you for stating that. Yes, food is far better outside the resorts. Can't wait for your next video. More please!!!
Been to Jamaica 6 times: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021 - mostly mid - late October. Never has an issue with hurricanes (only 1 trip in May 2021 - no rain at all - just pure sunshine). We love the people, attitude and spirit of the island. We have been to Negril, Montego Bay, South Coast/White House and Ocho Rios. We love it all! Heading to Barbados for our fall trip and possibly back to Ochi in the late spring.
Thinking about October - it’s not the hurricanes that worry me as much as no sun! In Aruba this year that is below the hurricane belt we only had two sunny days out of 7 due to a ts developing north of the island.. such a bummer… thinking about trying Jamaica in October. We prefer off season not so much for the price, less crowds… but man… no sun on a carribean vacation is the worst.
We plan to go to jamaica as one of out next options for long haul (UK) but so far planing was just that ... Glad this arrived as added context to a previous visit .. .where we had "roamed" around Ocho Rios but felt super nervous, nothing happened and everyone encountered was Brilliant but always on edge which skewed our experience. Was thinking of going back but as a more managed experience. Appreciate the video.
When you visit a resort with it's private beach just know that local people are forbidden from using that beach. Now, so many resorts have private beaches that it seems very scant few beaches remain public. This mis-management of Jamaica's natural resources is oppressive.
Well the ones in negril are not private and the locals harassed the hell out of you while you're trying to enjoy the beach !!!! I've been 7 times and I'm done. I love swept away resort but I'm done with cigar / cigarettes, brownies and good smoke and everything else they are trying to sell !!!! Resort security is a joke .
I've never been to Jamaica yet, but when I travel in Mexico I always say if prices are listed in US dollars, your at the wrong place. (as far as getting a good value, locally produced products, and the best food)
Love Jamaica. Went this past December and it was a breeze getting through customs......maybe 10 min. As opposed to when I’ve traveled there in the past.
They definitely upgraded things the right way! Last trip there was Oct 2021 and I literally flew through customs but previous trips had me delayed for up to 2 hours in ridiculously long and hot lineups
No one is putting a gun at your head to visit jamaica but when you go you will want to gooooo back again very nice plus no one can say to me seeing so much people returning to the island....for get the heaters
As a Jamaican, please listen to what she’s saying….weed is definitely illegal and the resort fare has nothing on the local food! Nothing!! Enjoy our island! 🇯🇲
Review spot on: From the airport to Negril, we had at least 3 near accidents with an aggressive taxi driver. The resort offered a ride to the resort, but often they wait until the resort van/bus is full before leaving the airport. I was in Negril, changed clothes, went out to eat and back in the pool before the rest of my family waiting for the resort bus to make it to the resort. If I’m paying $600 a night, I want to get to my resort asap, not 4 hours later. Women, let your husband, boyfriend or man (not a beta male) in your group negotiate taxi prices…trust me, they will negotiate fair when they talking to men that doesn’t BS. If they BS you, walk away, the front of the resort lots of taxis willing to negotiate are always waiting. $25 USD from Montego Bay to Negril is a fair price for 2 people (30 minute drive). Be careful buying souvenirs or goods not on resort, I was double swiped twice at restaurants/stores off the resort, luckily I used Capital One card and they took care of it. All in all, great place to visit.
One small tip for tourists wanting to explore more than the resorts is if you are not sure where you are going please ask a teller in a store for directions. I was never comfortable about getting directions on the street. Please be safe as in any country
I think it’s important to remember that it’s good to respect a countries laws and beliefs even if you think it’s so bad. You can’t do what you want when you visit other countries. If someone doesn’t like the rules they can opt to go somewhere else right. Like if your gay would you think it okay to display open affection to your partner in Dubai Accept or reject
Love Jah-mayka, mon. 7 time visitor and NEVER went to all inclusives. Rent a car, get out of the Montego Bay area and spend time in Ocho Rios, Negril and go up to the Blue Mountains. It's not ALL about the beach. Be careful if you drive up to 9 mile to see Bob Marley's grave because the potholes can kill you, but otherwise, it's beautiful, the people are helpful and friendly and even the most humble roadside eateries serve FABULOUS fresh food. Big respect, bruddah.
For starters, your screen name...lol. Agreed about the potholes!! Jamaica is my happy place and every visit, we go to Nine Mile. One would think that I'd be used to the potholes , steep hills, turns and narrow streets but nope! Still wouldn't deter me from going, though. About to schedule another trip.
Hello greetings Jamaica 🇯🇲 I want to say I loved your country and I hope to go there again because I know you guess are great with hospitality and happiness family blessings oriented and I hope to see you again because now 2021 Louisiana has changed since the last time I seen you guys have a good holidays 🙏🏽
Thanks for your honesty and not being harsh in your comments. I enjoyed your video immensely. This was a relief and felt like a genuine local writing about this paradise. Love your work
Definitely enjoy some of the local food. It’s very good. My friend and I went to the for dolphin swim at a local attraction location and we had the best jerk chicken. We were there as part of cruise excursion and lunch was provided. We couldn’t believe a majority of the guests eating hamburger and hotdogs instead of the authentic and fresh Jamaican food.
Thanks so much! Another good one. We are scheduled to arrive in Jamaica on the 28th for our wedding moon! We were originally Ochi, but as they pushed back their date, they offered us a free upgrade to the South Coast in one of their new swim up rondovals. We took them up on it. :) great tips. I can’t wait!!
If you are expecting the same service, amenities and atmosphere that was there in Pre Covid times you are going to be disappointed. The resorts have cut back their services and staff by about 50% yet are still charging very similar prices as they did before the pandemic. If this doesn't matter to you then by all means go and enjoy. Jamaica is still beautiful and the island vibe is still there. Personally I would have waited another year because that's what it's going to take before Jamaica gets back to anywhere near Pre Covid times and that may be an optimistic view. Good Luck.
Agreed!! My least favorite part of visiting Jamaica!! Luckily, I have a friend that's a tour guide there and he takes us around to get food from the locals.
I have been blessed to travel to and through, Jamaica, for thirty years. Love the Island,the people,its cultures and history. Never had a problem. It is an area that tolerates a lot from tourists, but, not citizens. Be respectful. If you are Gay, don't go and make demands from those who do not share your lifestyle choices. Go elsewhere and feel safer.
I think that’s a really valuable piece of advice for the LGBT community and allies. Don’t spend your money in a place that hates you. You won’t open anybody’s mind on your one week of vacation, and everyone will be happier - it’s a win-win-win. Having said that, I think your message was well-intended, but your choice of words maybe ill-considered. Nobody chooses persecution. It simply doesn’t make sense. I had enough to deal with after being sexually abused by a minister and my doctor. Why on earth would I want to heap additional psychosocial issues onto my plate by choosing an alternative lifestyle? Why would I cling so steadfastly to something that made my life so difficult and drove a wedge between my parents and I for 20 years? Please notice that I’m not raging in all caps. I just don’t understand how anybody thinks choosing to go from ‘straight white male’ to ‘marginalized denigrated minority’ makes any kind of sense. Please help me understand. I love the island, but the people want to kill me.✌️
@@whatifschrodingersboxwasacofin Hello. I ran across this video and chose to watch is since I will be going to Jamaica for the first time this year. I read the comments and they were overwhelmingly positive. However, when I saw your comment, I genuinely wanted to understand what you were saying. So based on your comment its sounds like people who are gay are not accepted or treated well in Jamaica. Is that correct? Also, you indicate you did not choose to be gay but became gay as a result of the abuse you endured. Am I understanding you correctly. Please know that I am not gay bashing but am sincerely trying to understand. It's not about passing judgement it's about understanding, whether a person agrees with your lifestyle or not. I believe people should be treated with kindness, dignity and respect regardless of our differences. I would really like to hear your response.
@@whatifschrodingersboxwasacofin It not about the individual it's about your action aka lifestyle. Stop being so extra. As they say just follow their laws
Just visited Jamaica in June 2022. Celebrated my 50th birthday. The island is beautiful and the locals provide true service from the heart. They were friendly and pleased to serve the tourists. Just trust your drivers. Mr. Brown was our driver with Chukka excursions. Lord I was holding on to my seat. However Mr. Brown transported us safely to our destination points. The stay at Hyatt Zilara Resort was amazing. Definitely going to visit again. All I imagined for my 50th birthday.
Couples resort in ocho rios served local food alongside what you would find in your typical all inclusive menu. As a Jamaican, the food was still delicious, in my opinion. Also, we say Ackee and saltfish (as opposed to saltfish and ackee). Nonetheless, it’s good either way. 🤪
@@simonwinter8839 I miss Jamaica 🇯🇲 I haven’t visited in years since my grandmothers house got shot up I got to take a trip out there one of these days
This video was really helpful! I am taking a solo trip to Jamaica next month and while I want to take an excursion off of the resort I was worried and had planned to stay on the resort the entire time. After this video I actually think I can take the excursion now!
Big resorts scare people off so you stay in and spend all your money there. Usually owned by mega foreign corporations , it means your money wont profit Jamaica. Try locally owened resorts and buisnesses
Great update, and some useful advice, one comment about LGBTQ, like visiting ANY country in the world (including the US) if it's illegal, it's your choice to break their laws. I am not in any way concerned about how people live their lives but a throwaway comment here could end up being really dangerous in not only Jamaica, follow local laws where ever you are, tourists are not immune from local laws. (try breaking some of the rules in the middle east, or even Thailand)
Fully agree. On our last day at winnifred beach our driver to the airport showed up one hour later. It scared the hell out of us since we travelled unorganised. Everything happens later than you expect
@@TheTaylorFamilyy There are many nice resorts in the parish of St. Ann, St. James, Westmoreland and Hanover. Our country is beautiful. When you get here you will definitely enjoy!
In 1993, we got to Jamaica at night. Thank g-d I didn't see the crazy road to negril. Going home I saw the cliff road. They drove so fast it was scary. We stayed at tea water inn.
I love all the comments!! As well as this video 🥰 I am visiting for my honeymoon next year what are some restaurants we should visit and what are some good entertainment locations clubs,music ect....
I agree with you on everything , the best place to exchange your US dollar is western union or a money gram never go to a bank the bank gave you less for your $.
We did that tour in the camo open 4x4 trucks, with the old church. It was one of the best excursions we've ever done. I think it was Chukka Tours. I was a little surprised at the aggressive drivers, and all the honking. But still loved it.
I'm from Jamaica and they really do drive aggressively. But they for most of us are friendly ppl. Politions mash our country trye greed. However, every day I still enjoy it
I went to Montego Bay in 1998 and the tour guide person shocked me when she said exactly what you said. That marijuana is ILLEGAL....She also said if you get caught with it, you could have hell getting out of jail. Luckily, I don't smoke it. Just thought it was interesting because I thought it was the weed capital of the world
@@unknowngod5393 nope. It's decriminalized, meaning you won't be prosecuted for amounts up to two ounces. Anything over that amount and you're likely to be arrested and fined
ok your video passed the "ok she pissed me off talking crap about my country" check point, very good review and very honest.. best one yet not gonna lie..big up yuself.
The best ways to visit Jamaica (after you have become used to it and probably made some local friends), is to avoid the resorts and just book a visiting flight and an air bnb in the countryside and backpack it. You can stay even longer than booking the packages deal getaways and do many more! And if you make genuine local friends, you could even avoid the "tourist prices" at shops and restaurants since they would even help you with food and even let you stay at their place thus saving on resorts or airbnbs. Thank me later :D
First, gas is extremely expensive on the Island so yes transportation is expensive, 2nd if your LGBQT I'd just stay on the resort or just don't show PDA in public. You will be fine, 3, the USD is excepted everywhere on the island But yes keep both currencies on hand to make sure you get the best rate for your dollar. And or the best rate for the item your purchasing Correct about the crime in Jamaica, also agree with getting out there and try the food get to know the culture!
Ive been to mbj- several times. The resort that actually had authentic Jamaican food was the royalton - in trelwany. I had some family, that were Jamaican- which is how I know. ❤️ this resort was the best one I’ve stayed at.
I’d also recommend exchanging currencies- if you use USD- locally, chances are their change back to you will be in Jamaican Dollars. So your cash back deflates automatically. I went to ja: April 2018, July 2018, Feb. 2020- every visit it rained at least once. And I was able to catch a tan. 🤩 I’d say JA isn’t safe. However, at resorts- you’re fine. Just don’t leave the resorts. 😀
If you are not an American DO NOT get USD, you will often get overcharged when using US dollars. For example a vendor often times may ask for 10 USD for an item OR 1000 Jamaican dollars which converted to USD is actually around $6.50.
Been to Jamaica a few times and we love it. One issue I remember is paying in USD but they would often give me change in Jamaican currency which was annoying because I just had to trust they were being honest. Sometimes they would give me back a few dollars in Jamaican then us coins and say they didn't enough USD
So you really expect us to have USD, this is Jamaica, we're going to have JMD so you need to check how much USD in Jamaica so you don't get rob and I don't feel a Jamaica will rob your change, they probably raise this price and take whatever they ask you for
It is hard to find currency that we dont use for change. Which is why it is best you have some of the Local currency on hand if you decide to buy local and not on resort. Once saw a woman try to break a $100 at a little stall selling juice. There was no way he would have been able to change that, he just gave her the juice for free cause he couldnt be bothered and he never wanted to leave thirsty.
