Traveling to Jamaica or Aruba??

[Heartnsoul]

We had booked an all inclusive with friends for Jan in Jamaica and now they are cancelling. They say covid and crime bad!? Any thoughts on that? Should we cancel too? They go every yr to this resort and said it's wonderful and that's why we booked??

[Mortal1]

Jamaica is a crime ridden country and you are only safe at those resorts as long as they have great security. Personally I wouldn't go there even if someone else paid for it. Just google Jamaica's crime problems. There are plenty of other islands with all inclusive resorts. google those as well since it seems you didn't do so for Jamaica initially. luck.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I lived in Jamaica for 2 years long ago but still go back once in awhile but not since before Covid , much of the crime is centered in Kingston and violence on the island against tourists is minimal . The all inclusive resorts are probably safer then the villages , the problem I have with those type of resorts is that you don’t experience much of any country when stay in one of those, to me there no different then cruise ships but to each his own . I have friends in Boston that go 2 or 3 times a year to Aruba and never even mention being unsafe

[Heartnsoul]

No actually we didn't research as our friends have been there many times and said it was great! We took their word for it. Any other islands yo recommend that are safer with the COVID and crime?

[davem4616]

Jamica has a long history of being crime-ridden

make sure you stay 'on property' if you go there...even then be alert

we've been to a number of islands...Jamica is one that I'd NEVER go to

[ThirdOfFive]

We had booked an all inclusive with friends for Jan in Jamaica and now they are cancelling. They say covid and crime bad!? Any thoughts on that? Should we cancel too? They go every yr to this resort and said it's wonderful and that's why we booked??
Been to both, in the past 20 months or so. I can't speak to the COVID in those places as I got back to the States just as it was spreading here.

Aruba seemed safe; locals were friendly (though their aim was to separate you from as much of your money as possible) but it was within bounds. We wandered around Oranjestad pretty much at will. We took a bus trip into the countryside but not much to see; some ramshackle houses (and some pretty nice ones, too), surrounded by cactus and scrub brush. Not quite a desert, but close.

Jamaica--another story. We docked at Falmouth: the city and surrounding countryside looked incredibly picturesque from the ship as we got there just after dawn. We left the ship at about 10:00 AM, after the initial rush to get off, intending to check out the usual touristy things (such as the racks of "authentic" Jamaican baubles and doodads all made in China). The appointed tourist area was pretty small--and crowded. We decided to wander off the reservation. We hadn't gone two blocks before a guy at one of the stalls tried to slip a joint into my shirt pocket. I hastily gave it back, and left the area: good thing as one of the scams there are to give a tourist drugs (ganja, cocaine, whatever) pass along word to the people working with you and then having the local law stop said tourist. Drug possession over a certain amount is illegal in Jamaica. So you're looking at possible arrest and a serious drug charge. You can, of course, offer to pay the "fine" upfront--which as I understand it is commonly done. But even if you make it back to the ship with the joint in your pocket (and you may not even know that you have it) no cruise line that I know of tolerates drugs taken on board and if you're found out odds are that you get handed over to the Jamaican authorities anyway. And this is just one of the dangers of wandering off the reservation.

Jamaica is picturesque. And I understand that the (ridiculously overpriced) ship-arranged tours are safe (and would make the same assumption about the resorts, though I don't know that for a fact). But I wouldn't go exploring on my own. Just not worth it.

[HIgolfers]

I lived in Jamaica for 2 years long ago but still go back once in awhile but not since before Covid , much of the crime is centered in Kingston and violence on the island against tourists is minimal . The all inclusive resorts are probably safer then the villages , the problem I have with those type of resorts is that you don’t experience much of any country when stay in one of those, to me there no different then cruise ships but to each his own . I have friends in Boston that go 2 or 3 times a year to Aruba and never even mention being unsafe

Agree with this. Went to Jamaica all inclusive resort several years ago. Resort was great and felt very safe but wandering off the resort the abject poverty was disconcerting. That’s why I’m just not a big fan of the Caribbean but to each his own.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Jamica has a long history of being crime-ridden

make sure you stay 'on property' if you go there...even then be alert

we've been to a number of islands...Jamica is one that I'd NEVER go to

Your loss , lots of friends there who would never live anywhere else

[retiredguy123]

I have never understood why people want to travel to other countries, especially these small islands. Every time I travelled outside the U.S. for work, I was always disappointed by the inferior quality, reduced safety, and higher prices for almost everything. If you want to go to a nice place with a beach, go to Hawaii.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Until Covid hit I alternated winters Jan, Feb and march between Hawaii, Thailand and Miami Beach if your complaining about high island costs and its cheaper in Hawaii you haven’t been back in a long time, travel isn’t about all the comforts of home it’s about new experiences and different environments and people FYI I’m back after booster and off to Thailand this winter

[Babubhat]

Nothing would ever entice me to visit Jamaica. Aruba is lovely

[kathyspear]

Every time I travelled outside the U.S. for work, I was always disappointed by the inferior quality, reduced safety, and higher prices for almost everything. If you want to go to a nice place with a beach, go to Hawaii.

Prices are high in foreign countries so people should go to Hawaii instead? Seriously? Besides the 12 or so hour flight each way, prices in HI are insane. This is true of any island where goods have to be brought in.

Caribbean islands have one thing in common with the U.S. -- there are lovely areas in each state and areas that one is well-advised to avoid. Same goes for the islands.

Your comments remind me of "The Accidental Tourist" by Anne Tyler. Great book, made into an excellent movie. :)

kathy

[retiredguy123]

Prices are high in foreign countries so people should go to Hawaii instead? Seriously? Besides the 12 or so hour flight each way, prices in HI are insane. This is true of any island where goods have to be brought in.

Caribbean islands have one thing in common with the U.S. -- there are lovely areas in each state and areas that one is well-advised to avoid. Same goes for the islands.

Your comments remind me of "The Accidental Tourist" by Anne Tyler. Great book, made into an excellent movie. :)

kathy
Sorry, but having travelled a lot, I stand by my recommendation. I always felt like I was getting ripped off in foreign countries, and it was often not safe. Not just crime, but the lack of road safety provisions, food safety, medical care, utilities, etc. I will never forget the bus ride in Mexico from the airport to the hotel. The tires had no tread (as an engineer, I check these things), and the driver was speeding on winding roads, with inadequate guard rails, along a hilly road overlooking the ocean. But, thanks for the movie recommendation.

[Papa_lecki]

Been to both, and wouldn’t go back.

Aruba is the only family vacation that the whole family agreed to leave a day early. We changed flight and left.

Jamaica is crime ridden, you can’t leave the resort, unless you are escorted. Even then, I didn’t feel safe, and we were not in Kingston.
There are many MUCH better places to go in the Caribbean.

[Dotneko]

We are heading to Curacao for the 12th time. Very safe island. Higher standard of living than most of the Caribbean. Potable water - in fact some of the best water anywhere straight from the tap. New hospital. Most citizens speak English along with Dutch, Papiamento, Portuguese, Spanish. Incredible snorkeling right from shore. Willemstad is a World Heritage City. Easy to navigate. International cuisine. Wonderful fish.
I really cannot say enough.

[jbartle1]

Jamaica, never again, never felt safe leaving the 5 star resort, even taxi driver carried, scary place, best part of the trip, getting on the plane heading home to USA.

[Art cov]

Been to both places multiple times, both have their own beauty, Aruba was known for this! If locals would ever steal from or hurt in any way an American or Dutchman they would be in great jeopardy! I have roamed the streets of Aruba day n night and absolutely never was uncomfortable. My opinion, felt more safe then in many American cities. Jamaica has its beauty and a lot of sweet people, however at times dangerous! For the most part a stroll down a town street at night is not advised. Extreme caution in day time! Would live and raise family in Aruba

[johnadamsUSMC]

Sorry, but having travelled a lot, I stand by my recommendation. I always felt like I was getting ripped off in foreign countries, and it was often not safe. Not just crime, but the lack of road safety provisions, food safety, medical care, utilities, etc. I will never forget the bus ride in Mexico from the airport to the hotel. The tires had no tread (as an engineer, I check these things), and the driver was speeding on winding roads, with inadequate guard rails, along a hilly road overlooking the ocean. But, thanks for the movie recommendation.
Regarding Hawaii, I'll throw out this opinion. I'm guessing I've been to Hawaii more than 99% of the people on TOTV. We've been there 87 times over 30 years. In fact, we just got back. Now that I'm done bragging, Hawaii is FABULOUS. Gas is indeed high but the weather (almost always 83 F), the beautiful water and landscape, and the sites to see clearly make it a great trip. Is the flight there fun? No, but it's worth it. MCO to HNL is roughly 10 hours.

[Bjeanj]

We are heading to Curacao for the 12th time. Very safe island. Higher standard of living than most of the Caribbean. Potable water - in fact some of the best water anywhere straight from the tap. New hospital. Most citizens speak English along with Dutch, Papiamento, Portuguese, Spanish. Incredible snorkeling right from shore. Willemstad is a World Heritage City. Easy to navigate. International cuisine. Wonderful fish.
I really cannot say enough.

Several years ago, our cruise stopped in Curacao and we spent half a day there. I thought it was wonderful, and have wanted to travel there so I can explore more of the island.

[Garywt]

Been to Jamaica once on a cruise. When we returned to Miami we were not allowed into the airport until we and our luggage was search out on the sidewalk, will never go back.

As for Aruba, we have a timeshare but this is the 2nd year we will miss because of COVID. Can’t wait until next year to be able to go. Never an issue there.

[skyking]

We went to Aruba in June with family (nine of us). Great time. No worries.

[rjn5656]

Went to all inclusives in Jamaica for years. Was our way of destressing. In the early years, did the tourist things (Falls, etc), but then just enjoyed the beautiful water, sand beaches, run punches and reggaie music at a quality hotel. Would go again without a problem.

[Dotneko]

The BEST thing about going to Jamaica is Club MoBay at the airport. A concierge service - they meet you as you get off the plane, assist you in filling out paperwork properly, expedite you through customs and immigration and assist in finding your transport. Departing they have a great lounge with meals, drinks, massages and showers.
Every airport should offer this service. Going into Cancun airport is a zoo.

[Stu from NYC]

Have not been to either in two years due to Covid.

Would go to Aruba in a heartbeat and going soon. Jamaica been there several times and tired of being offered drugs with a cop next to me waiting to arrest me.

[kathyspear]

We are doing a Southern Carib cruise in late February that goes to St. Martin and the ABC's from San Juan. Can't wait to get back on a cruise ship (and lie on the beach in Aruba). Anyone else sailing on Explorer of the Seas departing 2/20?

k.

[patfla06]

Jamaica is not safe. I would never go there again.

I loved Aruba.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I have never understood why people want to travel to other countries, especially these small islands. Every time I travelled outside the U.S. for work, I was always disappointed by the inferior quality, reduced safety, and higher prices for almost everything. If you want to go to a nice place with a beach, go to Hawaii. Your negative posts about everyplace you’ve worked remind me of many guys I’ve talked to in different places in the world I operated in , I’ll admit there was usually some kind of disorder , war, civil unrest , coups , rebellion, but these guys lived in compounds or behind walls never mixing with the people , getting there high priced salaries and tax benefits and always complaining , about everything , since I retired 23 years ago I’m still hearing people complain about those people and there crime and poverty while staying in all inclusive resorts ,maybe you could all try to mix with those people or at least stop badmouthing people and places you’ve never been . There are people on this site that are all wired and locked in loaded because of crime here, it may seem foolish to many but the same goes for those who travel, maybe letting the wind at your back take you for a ride might very well turn out to be a good adventure , for me now that I’ve had my shots and booster I’ll most likely be back in Thailand in feb and march alone and rarely mixing with Americans

[tvbound]

I have never understood why people want to travel to other countries, especially these small islands. Every time I travelled outside the U.S. for work, I was always disappointed by the inferior quality, reduced safety, and higher prices for almost everything. If you want to go to a nice place with a beach, go to Hawaii.


"I have never understood why people want to travel to other countries..."

I think Mark Twain said it best:

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”

[kathyspear]

"I haven't been everywhere but it's on my list." -- Susan Sontag

(My iPod is engraved with: "I haven't cruised everywhere but it's on my list.")

k.