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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Jamaica or Antigua

13 replies

kirinm · 16/08/2015 17:09

I'm struggling to decide where to go. I've been to Barbados a few times, it's great but we are going to try somewhere else. I like the idea of Jamaica because there are other things to do - such as Dunn River falls / Blue Mountain etc. But with our budget we are going to be looking at one of the massive all inclusive hotels. You also hear of how dangerous Jamaica is so maybe not safe enough to explore on our own.

Antigua looks stunning but I'm worried it doesn't potentially have as much to do as Jamaica but is probably a lot safer.

Any advice on which island to choose?

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LadyStark · 16/08/2015 17:34

I haven't been to Jamaica but loved Antigua, I didn't personally do lots as was quite happy to relax, do water sports etc.

There is Nelson's Dockyard and a party on Sunday evenings at Shirley Heights, lots of boat trips as you would expect.

FiveGoMadInDorset · 16/08/2015 17:43

Antigua, felt really safe, Nelsons dock yard is lovely, there is the rainforest and treetop walk, lots of empty beaches to go and explore.

Original poster
kirinm · 16/08/2015 17:56

Thanks both. I'll do some googling. Was it easy to get around? We used the local buses in Barbados.

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Original poster
kirinm · 16/08/2015 18:01

I'm not massive explorer. I mainly love sitting with a cocktail on the beach / by the pool but hoping to go for a full 2 weeks this time and I know after a week or so, I get a bit more up for the odd activity.

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PestoSwimissimos · 16/08/2015 18:25

You can definitely use the local buses in Antigua but have no idea about Jamaica. Stingray City in Antigua is well worth a visit, take your snorkelling gear or they can lend you some on the boat.

Lordofmyflies · 16/08/2015 20:23

I've been to both, and prefer Antigua. It feels a lot safer, less resort based and perfectly suitable to be hiring a car a do day trips. I didn't feel confident doing that in Jamaica. Antigua has fabulous beaches (365!). There is not a huge amount to do, Shirley's Heights, Stingray City, Nelsons Dockyard and St Johns. But there is plenty of watersports, boat trips and riding if you want it.

Heels99 · 17/08/2015 08:15

Antigua is lovely
Friends just returned from Jamaica found it very expensive to do anything outside the resort and no local buses, tourists are charged an inflated taxi rate too.

YonicScrewdriver · 17/08/2015 08:17

Haven't been to Jamaica but there's not loads to do in Antigua.

How about st Lucia or Curaçao? How long is your trip?

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 17/08/2015 09:24

I was going to say neither - but then I realised it's not the Baby Names topic

I vote Jamaica

Heels99 · 17/08/2015 11:39

St lucia is fab and grenada is lovely too, quieter

Original poster
kirinm · 18/08/2015 09:43

I've been to St Lucia. It al ultimately comes down to price but the warnings about Jamaica are much appreciated. I didn't really consider how expensive excursions might be.

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Original poster
kirinm · 18/08/2015 09:44

Oh we are hoping to go for 2 full weeks.

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Iwanttobeadog · 18/08/2015 09:47

we went to jamiaca a few years ago and despite being fairly hardcore 'traveller' types, well used to the attention and hassle you get in some places we found it really hard work. as soon as you left the confines of a resort it was constant, constant hassle, often quite aggresisve, offers of drugs ALL the time, prostitutes too. i wouldn't go again

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