Im going to jamaica.....any advice!!?

Question

I'm going away to kingston for 3 months with my one year old daughter. I really have no idea what to expect! my boyfriend is taking me there to see his family, so i dont need to worry about hotels, etc. I've got $15,000 JM per week spending money, will this be enough? Im not going to the touristy areas, as my boyfriends family is based in spanish town, would there be any issues with me being white? also, do you know any cheap flight websites, icelolly is no good, coz i dont need a hotel. basically just as much information about jamaica as you can give.....i've read the foreign office and jamaica tourist board websites, but to hear something from someone who is familiar with the area would be appreciated.

thanks!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

HAVE FUN! I'm from Kingston Jamaica and you shouldn't have any fears. As people have pointed out, not all of Kingston is a ghetto..its kinda like thinking all of Miami or all of NY is a ghetto, that would be ludicrous. Kingston is full of things to see and do and if you venture into "uptown" kingston as we like to call it, you will se gorgeous homes, beautiful mansions and hopefully see that Kingston isn't simply a run down ghetto. I live on the hills of St. Andrew, just outside Kingston and its BEAUTIFUL. I wouldn't trade it for anywhere.

Now, tips:
1. The money you have is enough, dont worry, food costs pretty much the same as in the US
2. You being white: not an issue, my neighbours are white Jamaicans. However, as a tourist, as with travelling to anywhere in the world, avoid seeming too clueless and "touristy". Just try to blend in.
3. Spanish Town is nice in a few parts, but there are many ghettos in Spanish Town. Still once you're with your bf I don't imagine an issue. My grandma lives in "Spain" as we call it, and there's rarely any crime int he community that she lives in.
4. While in Jamaica, I hope you get to visit the "tourist towns". a. Go to Ocho Rios and climb Dunns River Falls.
b. If possible, go river tubing in St. Ann also. See www.chukkacaribbean.com. I book online with them, even when I am in Jamaica. GREAT tour company.
c. Drive to Negril and see our beautiful 7-mile white sand beaches
d. Since you'll be in Spanish Town, tell your bf to take you to Hellshire Beach for from fried fish and festival and bammy on the beach - THATS THE BEST. Lobster is cheap on the beach also :)
e. Take a drive out to Boston, Portland. The best Jerked goods in Jamaica are made there. That's where it all originated. Try the jerk pork. You'll fall in love.
f. HAVE FUN!!!!! Jamaica is the best!

p.s. Don't forget your sunblock :)

Answer 2

You will be fine. In Jamaica there is no seperation or discrimination because of you colour. Jamaican do not have some of the same issues that black americans may have as it relates to white people so we cannot totally relate on that level. In Jamaica, everyone is seen as a Jamaican whetehre u r white, black, chinese, etc. Spanish Town is ok enough. You r gonna be with ur boyfriend and his family so u should feel fine and safe. 15,000 is plenty per week since u dont have to pay for accomodation. have FUN!!

Answer 3

Spanish Town is nice !
You'll be fine. Just enjoy yourself and don't worry too much. $15,000 JMD spending each week is fine. No issues cause your white. Jamaica is full of white jamaicans, indian jamaicans, spanish jamaicans, asian jamaicans but all come together as one JAMAICANS ! Enjoy your stay !

☆ Mixed Curly Fries ☆
(\__/)
(='.'=) ♥
(")_(")

Answer 4

Kingston is the place to be..$15000 per week is more than enough.As for being white I dont think u will have any problem..there are lots of white people living in Jamaica especially in Kingston and nobody will trouble u about that.

For cheap flights check expedia,sidestep or Spirit airlines.

Try not to look too much like a tourist and keep safe.

Source(s):

me..I am a Kingstonian.
http://www.expedia.com/
http://www.spiritair.com/welcome.aspx

Answer 5

i am white and my husband is from there. you will love it we book our tickets through this site. It's very beautiful!! We dont venture out at night though. The water is krystal clear.

http://redhotescapes.com/

Answer 6

I have heard that Jamaica is a beautiful place but parts can be rough. I've met some fabulous Jamaicans in the UK. Kingston is rough.

Answer 7

don't know where your flying in from but air jamaica has an airfare sale going on until the end of the month (may), u should check it out.

Answer 8

kingston?

ooo its dangerous there but if youre with a jamaican man it wont matter....because there are white jamaicans and theyll probably think youre one of them so dont let ppl scare you!

Answer 9

No! You will be fine........i go there every year. Not all of Kingston is ghetto, neither Spanish Town. Have fun!!

Answer 10

problem with you being white in jamaica? No way. It wouldn't be a tourist destination if it did have a problem

Answer 11

kingston you are mad,getto town

Answer 12

Jamaica has a high murder rate, but don't let that scare you (or anyone for that matter). (Other countries are Colombia and South Africa).

Just like traveling to any other place in the world, if you know what you are doing and especially, look like you what you are doing, people don't mess with you.

Kingston is the hardest place. Stay off the streets at night.
Negril, Spanish Town, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Mandeville are all nice places to go to. However, like said before, keep your things together when you go there. Like any smart tourist, do not flaunt your status.


BTW, 0.2-0.4% of the population are actually white. Pretty much black or mulatto. Small Asian population.

Answer 13

Have Fun and explore. Kingston is as bad as you make it I think Kansas city, Chiacgo are just as "dangerous" Just watch your stuff and your child and always be aware of who is around you. I really dont think being white is an issue in Jamaica I am white and I didnt have a problem. and get this my boyfriends brother is a cop in Kingston and he took me to the Police Station to meet him there. The people look but they dont hassel you in any way. We were all over Kingston trying to find a batterie for his cell phone he bought here in the states. it was an unusal kind we were all over shopping areas for a day and a half. we finnally ordered one on line I think you will have a great time there. there is a park in Kingston with a huge statue I cant remember the name of it but you will see it. it looks like a nice park oh yea I book my ticket thru Travelocity it was a good price. Airfare only. The drive on the "other side of the road" that takes some getting used too very crazy drivers as well. you will fall in love with the people there and the kids are very respectful nice change from here! I cant wait to go back and visit and this time I am staying a month or so. good luck and have fun. live life to the fullest.

Answer 14

Well the black people in Jamaica are normal people. They act almost like white people do. They are nice people. Unlike in NYC. They are nothing like nyc hood people. They'll remind you of white people it's funny lol.

Answer 15

Yes