Traveling to Jamaica?

[MaryKLady]

I might be freaking out a little....but DH and I have a trip to Montego Bay planned for August. In light of the violence in Kingston I'm rethinking it a little. I say a little because Kingston is far from Montego Bay. Our resort is literally 5 minutes from the airport and the resort provides our transportation to and from the airport. I also realize the downtown areas of Jamaica have never been "safe" and we don't plan on leaving the resort like we did last time (11 years ago). DH says not to worry, but I can't help it.

Does anyone have any insight on the situation...should I be worried?

 

[Syrreal]

Are you doing one of the all-inclusives? If you're not leaving the hotel, I would think that you will be fine as they tend to be pretty closed off from the "real world." Either way, you aren;t going until August and things could be very different by then.

This is from the US Embassy in Jamaica--> (note that, as of Friday, the advisory is only till June 21st)

Important Security Information
Travel Alert

This information is current as of today, Fri May 21 2010 19:16:15 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time).

Jamaica

May 21, 2010

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens about developing security concerns in Jamaica, particularly the Kingston area. The possibility exists for violence and/or civil unrest in the greater Kingston metropolitan area. There are unconfirmed reports of criminal gang members amassing in the Kingston area, as well as mobilization of Jamaican defense forces. If the situation ignites, there is a possibility of severe disruptions of movement within Kingston, including blocking of access roads to the Norman Manley International Airport. The possibility exists that unrest could spread beyond the general Kingston area. U.S. Embassy Kingston is taking extra security precautions. This Travel Alert expires on June 21, 2010.

U.S citizens should consider the risks associated with travel to and within the greater Kingston metropolitan area. U.S. citizens are urged always to practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. U.S. citizens in Jamaica are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when venturing outside their residence or hotel.

U.S. citizens living and residing in Jamaica or the Cayman Islands are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also register by visiting the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy or our consular agencies in Montego Bay and Georgetown, Cayman Islands, during business hours.

Emergencies involving American citizens can be reported by contacting the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at 142 Old Hope Road in the Liguanea area of Kingston, telephone (876) 702-6450; after hours emergency telephone (876) 702-6000; Consular Section fax (876) 702-6018; and e-mail at KingstonACS@state.gov. The U.S. Consular Agency in Montego Bay has moved and is now located at Whitter Village, Ironshore, telephone (876) 953-0620. The U.S. Consular Agency in the Cayman Islands is located at 118 Dorcy Drive, Suite B-1, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, telephone (345) 945-8173.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website at http://kingston.usembassy.gov and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution Messages, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for living and/or traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
Warden Message
Possible Civil Unrest throughout Jamaica

The U.S. Embassy understands that tonight, May 17, 2010, the Prime Minister may announce his authorization to proceed in the Coke extradition case. Although we have not received specific information at this time, public unrest may result from the decision. We encourage all American citizens to take the following precautions:

-Stay close to home
-If you must go out, take your cell phone. Know where the nearest safe haven (police station/secure location) is located.
-Have cell phones charged with emergency numbers available.
-Be prepared to use alternative routes.
-Make sure the fuel in your vehicle is topped off.
-Always avoid large crowds and gatherings.
-If you find yourself in a large crowd, you should depart the area immediately.
-Do not attempt to drive through any barricades encountered on the streets.
-Always keep your doors locked and windows up.
-Have a family emergency/communication plan. Decide in advance what choices will need to be made in case of an emergency (for example, who will pick up the children, etc.).
-Make sure your family is aware of this information and review your personal security habits.

Please look for future updates from the U.S. Embassy regarding the security situation in Jamaica.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website at http://kingston.usembassy.gov and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution Messages, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for living and/or traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Citizens living and residing in Jamaica or the Cayman Islands are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also register by visiting the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy or our consular agencies in Montego Bay and Georgetown, Cayman Islands, during business hours.

Emergencies involving American citizens can be reported by contacting the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at 142 Old Hope Road in the Liguanea area of Kingston, telephone (876) 702-6450; after hours emergency telephone (876) 702-6000; Consular Section fax (876) 702-6018; and e-mail at KingstonACS@state.gov. The U.S. Consular Agency in Montego Bay has moved and is now located at Whitter Village, Ironshore, telephone (876) 953-0620. The U.S. Consular Agency in the Cayman Islands is located at 118 Dorcy Drive, Suite B-1, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, telephone (345) 945-8173.

 

[MaryKLady]

Yeah, we're going to a Sandals in Montego Bay. We've been there before and felt totally safe. So safe in fact, we ventured out to the downtown area a few times...escorted by a Sandals rep however. I think I'll just keep an eye on the news.

 

[Syrreal]

These kind of things tend to blow over fairly quickly. Also, I am sure that Sandals will make every effort to make their guests feel safe.

We went to Sandals Negril for our honeymoon and also felt really safe there too. We got hit with a tropical storm (just about 2 mph before hitting a hurricane- too bad it didn't get those 2 more mph- LOL) and also went into town. We just went by ourselves though and met up with a friend of a friend.

 

[MPHARJ]

I was hoping for a post like this, we too are going to Jamaica in August, Beaches Boscobel. I too am concerned and know things can change before we go. More concerned because it is only me and my younger 2 children. We had no plans of venturing off the resort because we scheduled a last minute Disney trip so there went the extra money, but our airport transfer is a bit longer even though provided by the resort. I really know I should just wait and see its over 2 months away.

 

[DawnCt1]

I was hoping for a post like this, we too are going to Jamaica in August, Beaches Boscobel. I too am concerned and know things can change before we go. More concerned because it is only me and my younger 2 children. We had no plans of venturing off the resort because we scheduled a last minute Disney trip so there went the extra money, but our airport transfer is a bit longer even though provided by the resort. I really know I should just wait and see its over 2 months away.

We went to Boscobel Beach years ago. At the time there was some 'election turmoil'. I felt safe on the the resort. It was guarded by armed guards at the time. We did venture off of the resort's beach by about 50 ft to get our hair braided by locals who were setting up shop. We took two trips off property while there, Dunn's River Falls and down town Ocho Rios with the resort guide. A little off topic but I just finished a great novel about Jamaica that was obviously based in part on the author's life and history. Loved it.

http://www.amazon.com/True-History-Paradise-Novel/dp/0525944907

 

[krcit]

I would keep my eye on the news but I'm sure you'll be just fine in the resort. About 20 years ago, I was planning a trip with 2 friends and when we went into the travel agent and inquired about Jamaica, she strongly advised us against it even saying that she could not in good conscience send 3 19 year old girls there and if we decided to go there she wouldn't book it for us We went to Aruba instead.

 

[DawnCt1]

I would keep my eye on the news but I'm sure you'll be just fine in the resort. About 20 years ago, I was planning a trip with 2 friends and when we went into the travel agent and inquired about Jamaica, she strongly advised us against it even saying that she could not in good conscience send 3 19 year old girls there and if we decided to go there she wouldn't book it for us We went to Aruba instead.

For 19 and 20 something year old girls? That was a good decision then. Its a good decision now.

 

[MaryKLady]

Thanks, I'm starting to feeling better about it. We're staying at the Sandals Royal Caribbean which is 5 minutes and 1 road from the airport. I don't remember armed guards when we were there 11 years ago but I do remember being told it wasn't a safe island to go to then either....and we went anyway then too

I am hoping to avoid any hurricaines but I don't think I can avoid the heat...how hot does it get there in the summer anyway?

 

[krcit]

For 19 and 20 something year old girls? That was a good decision then. Its a good decision now.

Oh yeah, I was fine with it then. Even as a 'kid' I realized that she was acting in our best interests and appreciated it. Now that I'm a mom I really appreciate it, lol. We were young and inexperienced travelers and even going to Aruba which at the time didn't have much of a party crowd, we still did some REALLY, REALLY stupid things that could've had dire consequences(think Natalee Hollaway) I shudder to think what could've happened to us in jamaica

 

[stevenpensacola]

I hope you're not staying at the Sandals INN. The ads for that place are very misleading. We spent our last night in the country in Montego Bay...the hotel we stayed in was not far from the Sandal Inn...amazing what can be removed with photoshop. We walked from our hotel to a little public beach across from the Sandals Inn. First time I'd ever swam with armed guards watching the beach.

I went with a group from my church to Jamaica two years ago. We went to the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf http://cccdjamaica.net/knockpatrick.html up in the mountains of Jamaica. We arrived and departed from Montego Bay.

I felt totally at ease out in the country...but always felt uncomfortable in Montego Bay. Stay at the resort...or in a group...watch where you go at night.

You just need to use your common sense, trust your instincts. As anyplace you'll visit (even WDW), you'll meet folks good and bad.

Hope you have a great visit.

 

[java]

Personally I wouldn't go. But I do think it's a drug war fight and it will be more focused between the police and the drug gang. So you probably would be safe in August.

I went gosh almost 25 years ago- I was with a group of guys and even with them I didn't feel safe in the "cities" of Jamaica. We went by the "Never leave the villa" warning we got from our house keeper!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Thanks, I'm starting to feeling better about it. We're staying at the Sandals Royal Caribbean which is 5 minutes and 1 road from the airport. I don't remember armed guards when we were there 11 years ago but I do remember being told it wasn't a safe island to go to then either....and we went anyway then too

I am hoping to avoid any hurricaines but I don't think I can avoid the heat...how hot does it get there in the summer anyway?

Hope you have a fantastic time. I spent my honeymoon there in 1992 and there were, indeed, armed guards. Our room was in the wing furthest from the front desk and there was a man there, along the water, every night with what looked to me (and an untrained eye LOL) like a machine gun. Freaked me out the first time we ran into him in the dark. I had no idea he'd be there.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I guess I am the only one, but I would not go unless the "unrest" also known as killings of innocent bystanders and drugs lords and police are under control. I'd watch the news daily.....The Last visit, it was a cruise port, we got off the ship and returned fairly rapidly, it just "felt " off to us .....we later heard of a couple that ventured off on their own somewhere and were robbed, but that can happen anywhere nowadays....
For us, island vacations are about relaxation and serenity, and we avoid places that have those "machine gun toting" security......the whole gun thing just does not read serene to me..... we actually canceled our trip to Mexico this summer for a similar reason. I guess for us, its simply not worth the "risk" ....there are so many places to visit and explore

 

[MaryKLady]

...we actually canceled our trip to Mexico this summer for a similar reason. I guess for us, its simply not worth the "risk" ....there are so many places to visit and explore

I wanted to go to Cabo but I have a friend in southern CA who said to forget it, it's really bad. Now it's Jamaica so for anyone who wants to travel, ask me first where I would go and then don't go there

I actuallly spoke with Sandals today and they were very gracious about it...and I didn't have to wait on hold nearly as long as I thought I would. They are waiving any transfer fees to switch to another Sandals or Beaches resort and my "points" discount is transferable. You just have to, obviously, pay any price difference and then deal with your flights.

He did say that where the resorts are, it is fine (so far) ...that the violence is very centralized in the Kingston area which is about 3 hours from Montego Bay.

I guess I'll just wait and see what happens as it gets closer.

 

[John VN]

37 years ago next week, DW and I spent our honeymoon at Plantation Inn, now Royal Plantation, in Ocho Rios. There were no problems anywhere as far as I can remember but if we were to be considering a visit today, I would pick a different destination. Don't need the possibility, no matter how remote, to mess up our stay.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

The unrest in Jamaica is confined to a small part of west Kingston. Our local news station was interviewing passengers who arrived on a flight directly from Kingston yesterday and none of them had seen the slightest sign of unrest or violence.

Stay of out Kingston, and in particular the Tivoli Gardens section of Kingston. Sure. The travel warnings focus on Kingston and neighboring St Andrews parish.

But Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios are a L-O-N-G way from Kingston. I would not give a second thought to traveling to any of them now, or a few months from now.

 

[almacdonald]

We stayed at the Riu Ocho Rios 2 years ago and felt very safe on and off the resort. We have another trip booked for next month, this time to Lucea (half way to Negril) and plan on going. The resorts have security and the people involved in the current dispute have no interest in messing with tourists. Many of them probably have never been as far from home as Negril.