Montego Bay?

[FutureKelley]

Well, we sat down with a travel agent today to see what we may be able to come up with for a honeymoon. Money is an issue. We have $1,000 put back in savings (an early wedding gift from FH's grandparents) and I'm expecting a nice chunk of money for my tax refund this year. Plus, we are hoping to get some money from the wedding as well... so we figure we can probably come up with $2,000 for the honeymoon without any issues.

Well, she found us an all-inclusive deal to Montego Bay, Jamaica within our budget. It's at an Apples resort (rated 4+ apples) which is also adults only, which would be awesome. It would be a 5 day vacation.

Has anyone been to Montego Bay? Did you enjoy your vacation? What all is there to do that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

I'm just curious to hear from others who have been here! If I'm going to shell out that kind of money I don't want to be dissapointed, ya know?

[NurseLau84]

Jamaica is a great place to go. We went to Negril after much research because it has the best beach on the island (7 mile beach). It was GORGEOUS. One of the reasons we did not go to Montego Bay is because the airport is right there, and there is tons of flight noise.
If that doesn't bother you, though, then I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck on choosing your trip!

[Kirby]

I haven't been to Montego Bay, but I was in Ocho Rios, Jamaica during our cruise. It was my absolute favorite place! It's gorgeous and the people are really nice.

While we were there we climbed the Dunns River Falls and swam with dolphins. We had a blast.

[FutureKelley]

Yay, we booked our trip! The deal was too good to pass up and we had to book by Jan. 11th to get it. Sooo... we are going to Jamaica on May 4th!! :whoohoo:

[Kirby]

Awesome! :)

[firespirit]

Hubby and I went to Mo Bay about 2 years ago in Feb. My suggestion would be to stay on the resort or do scheduled day trips. I had been to Ocho Rios when I was 16 so we did not take the day trip to Dunn's River Falls, we did however take a day trip to 7 mile beach in Negril and went to Rick's Cafe there for dinner (best place we ate on the island).

If you do venture off the resort in Mo Bay, be aware of your surroundings, watch for people following you and giving you "walking tours" they will demand payment for their time. Also, if you have long hair I would suggest putting it up into a bun or pony tail (otherwise women will attempt to put braids in your hair at a very steep price). My hubby and I got really tired of being harassed when we were walking around Mo Bay. If you do venture to the tourist shop area (on the same street as Margaritaville) of Mo Bay, there is a shop right across the street from the Rolex store owned buy a guy named Sony and we get got some Folex's there for only $40 a piece and they still work! He also had a great price on Blue Mountain Coffee (normally the price in the US is about $50 a pound I think we paid $25). I don't have many pics, but here are a few http://picasaweb.google.com/firespirit/Jamaica#

[Gertie]

I have been to Montego Bay and had a lovely time. We found the hotel staff friendly and helpful. Our hotel had some trips you could sign up for where they picked everyone up at a set time with a bus, like the water falls, and it was quite nice and very reasonable. We made one trip to a local "craft" sale, but were a bit disappointed as it was mostly mass produced tourist crud at exorbitant prices. Honestly we spent most of our time either snorkling, hanging on the beach (where they had both a grill and a bar very close at hand) or else water skiing as all were provided free in our all inclusive package.

[TA Lindsay]

Montego BAy is a great area for a honeymoon, my hubby and I have been there numerous times. We prefer the NEgril and Ocho Rios area more, because of the relaxing atmopshere. The only thing you have to be real careful with the resorts is that you are not too close to the airport with the planes flying directly over you. IF this doesn't bother you then I would definately go for it. Another thing that you might want to keep in mind if you want to do any of the waterfalls (Dunn's River or YS Falls) you are going to have a decent car ride to get to either of this. As for the cost, I just booked my friends for a Jamaica trip for 665/person for a 5 apple resort with air, so you are right within your budget with Jamaica.

[FutureKelley]

Thank you for all the input!

I was assured that even though the resort is close to the airport, noise is not an issue. I'm hoping they are right. I haven't read anything in the resort reviews about plane noise either, so my hopes are high.

I really can't wait to be relaxing on the beach!!