It's Time to Stop the Jamaica-Bashing, Mon!

Every destination has its problems; however, Jamaica seems to be maligned as a bad or unsafe destination.

Whenever I hear someone say that they don't like Jamaica or are concerned about their safety there, I feel a bit defensive about one of my favorite islands. I think that Jamaica has a bad name from how they might have been in the past, but now I think that is changing.

From purely a destination standpoint, the island is beautiful with lush foliage and boasts amazing beaches and turquoise waters. In many ways, it is what you imagine when you hear someone say "tropical island". Based on this alone, it sounds like a great place to vacation!

The first time that I saw Jamaica compared with my more recent visit in November 2006 was a night and day difference. The airport had undergone a major facelift and a whole new terminal was added.

Many resorts now have arrival lounges which are a wonderful way to start your stay on the island. After you clear customs and get your bags, you head to your arrival lounge where they have air-conditioned spaces with comfy seating, restrooms and a cold drink. They take your luggage and you go relax until your name or resort is called. A porter then takes your luggage to your transfer bus to take you to your resort. Please note: The porter and bus driver will each expect a tip of about $1-$2 per bag. From then on, you just sit back and enjoy the ride to your resort.

When new clients come in to the travel agency where I work to discuss travel plans, I do suggest Jamaica if I think that it would be a good fit for them. When they say in response that they don't like or so-and-so doesn't like Jamaica, I always ask if they have been there on a cruise. Often, I get a surprised look and they say "how did you know?"

This is because cruise ports are typically not the greatest, most beautiful parts of a destination. They are often working ports for shipping, so they can just be functional and nothing fancy. Also, stopping in Jamaica wasn't the best because of how the influx of passengers to the port was handled. This is changing.