Anyone been to Jamaica?
 

I figured I ask here since there’s such a large demo here.
I’m researching a trip to Jamaica and plan on spending 1-3 nights in different cities.
Every travel book and website forum I read says that Kingston is very dangerous and you shouldn’t even be out at night there.
Am I being ballsy is assuming people are over reacting or should I take warning?
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Some background info: I grew up in a predominantly black ghetto/projects neighborhood in New York. I currently live in what is considered a seedy-ish part of Jersey City NJ. (They recently tore down some projects buildings around the corner from my house that a friend of mine called “the worst thing to ever happen to Jersey City”.* While on a vacation in Boston a few years ago, my boyfriend and I found it too be too hoity toity and when we asked natives how to get to Southside they said stuff like “oh, no.. you don’t want to go there! It’s dangerous!” We went there and had the best time there and felt completely safe boozing up with strangers.
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I feel like people overact because they’re either expecting posh treatment or they’re middle class suburbanites who think anywhere outside of Times Sq at night is dangerous. We’re not going to be staying in any all inclusive resorts or anything near that. I want to experience the country for what it really is, not be surrounded by a bunch of tourists. Am I nuts for thinking we can handle Kingston at night and not worry about being raped/robbed/etc/etc? Has anyone been and if so, can you relate it to something? i.e. “It’s no worse than Harlem/Brooklyn/Newark/Southside/etc. at night.”

I'm asking on some travel sites that I frequent.

But my first reaction is that, “it’s no worse than Harlem/Brooklyn/Newark/Southside/etc. at night.” But I don't really know the statistics.

Then again the statistics don't matter when talking about yourself. It only takes one time to get into more trouble than you're looking for.

But like I said, I'm asking around...

Here are a couple of answers I got:

Def take warning about Kingston at night. There are SO many other places in Jamaica you can visit and really enjoy without worrying about safety issues. Why would you want to have that to worry about. Go & enjoy.

And:

Honestly, I dont know what to make of it! lol I love Jamaica and we also absolutely love getting to know locals and schmoozing with them. Having said that, you still must always be vigilant in knowing where to venture and where NOT to venture. Can I blend in with Jamaican locals, not a chance. Can the poster of the message blend in, maybe? I was raised 15 minutes outside of NYC and spent a lot of time there at one point. My kids know to always have your "NY on" when they're passing through the city on their own. But, knowing Kingston at night...there is just zero justification to have to be there at night...imho.

A guy I work with is from Kingston, He suggests New Kingston and Constant Springs as great destinations. You'll meet locals and have a blast.

He said to steer clear of down town Kingston , you'll be dealing with pick pockets and potential muggings. Remember, in an American city you are an American and can blend in with the locals. But you are a foreigner in Jamaica, you'll stick out like a tourist and they won't care if you're from the Bronx and know about tougher neighbourhoods. You will be a tourist, an American and therefore a big ass target.

Stay away from Trivoli Gardens, a very dangerous area of Kingston, even the locals steer clear.

He said that Kingston is a great city, lots of fun, in the right neighbourhoods.

heed the Kingston warnings I know ppl from JA that don't roam Kingston w/o family that lives there as escort.

Also, I've been to Jamaica. But I've never been there at night. I love Jamaica. It's beautiful there.

(Does that sound odd? Eh, you can figure it out.)

I just got back from my eighth trip to Jamaica.

I've been to Kingston, during the day. I wouldn't want to stay in the city without a well-known and trusted local as a guide. Neighborhoods change quickly from posh to ghetto in a short distance. Plus, way more importantly, Jamaica is electing a new Prime Minister on Dec. 29th. If you were planning on going soon, like next week, I'd wait. There is a long history of political violence on the island often centering in Kingston.

I wouldn't recommend trying to see too many places your first time. Find somewhere you like, relax and chill there for a while. North Coast is nice but busy touristy. South Coast is really nice and less populated. Negril is the party town and you either choose to stay on the 7-Mile Beach or the Cliffs of The West End. I like the West End best...

Remember, if you travel, don't carry ganja with you. There are frequent road blocks and you don't want to have to bribe your way out of trouble, or worse, go to Jamaican prison. You'll be able to get plenty more once you reach your destination...

I can! And I bet I know where you asked also!

I've been to Jamaica, Queens. Takes like two hours to get there. Buncha houses and highways and shit.

Where did I ask?