Caribbean travel advice, specifically Jamaica.

"Voice of C. Montgomery Burns" (voiceofcmb)
03/04/2015 at 15:33 • Filed to: None

Note: Travel agencies ... why do they still exist? I got quoted for a travel package from one agency that was $200 higher than what Expedia offered.

So, I'm planning on possibly visiting Jamaica for the first time and I'm looking for the best time to buy. I know with flights that they typically are at their cheapest 6-8 weeks out from your travel date but I'm wondering if the same holds for resorts or possibly is it the opposite?

My travel date would be from June 7th to June 13th and the resort (if anyone has any specific experience with them) would be Riu Palace Tropical Bay.

Right now Expedia is showing around $1700 for the week with flight and car for that resort, how cheap could this get? Will it get any cheaper? I know it's a gamble anytime you wait, but in general I think booking this far out will result in buyer's remorse when I see I could have done it better.

DISCUSSION (11)

Party-vi > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
03/04/2015 at 15:34

Why go to Riu Palace when Rock House Exists?

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > Party-vi
03/04/2015 at 15:36

The people that I'd like to hang with booked the Riu. Do you know if Riu allows guests to enter but not stay? That would be a big deciding factor on whether or not I choose a better/more affordable resort.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
03/04/2015 at 15:41

I went to Jamaica and we booked about 6 weeks before we went. There was a price drop about 4 weeks before we left so we got about 300 bucks back so its good to pay attention even after you book.

The Riu was right near the airport if I do remember correctly. I stayed at the Grand Bhia Principe in Runaway Bay. Resort was awesome since it was in a cove and was the only resort around for miles.

As Du Volant > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
03/04/2015 at 15:42

Yapta.com is a great resource for tracking prices. Not sure if they'll track your resort hotels but they'll definitely track your flights for you. Search for flights, save them, check back periodically to see if the prices have changed.

Travel agencies ... why do they still exist? I got quoted for a travel package from one agency that was $200 higher than what Expedia offered.

You'd be amazed how many people don't know how to use the internet. I work with a ton of them. Like all the ones that come to me asking me to "put their email on their computer" (we use a webmail service) or the guy who came to me asking me to look at his computer because it wouldn't turn on (circuit breaker in his office was tripped). So as a travel agent, you market to these types of people. Find out what they want, book it on Expedia, make $200.

Party-vi > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
03/04/2015 at 15:45

I only know that you can't throw a party in a room and everyone has to be over 18 (adults only resort). I'm not sure if they have a policy on guests' guests.

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
03/04/2015 at 15:49

Thanks for the tip, about what I was thinking.

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > Party-vi
03/04/2015 at 15:50

I guess I'll have to confirm with the resort and I'll be sure to check out Rock House. Thanks for the tips.

Rock Bottom > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
03/04/2015 at 16:17

Many years ago I spent 10 days in Negril and it was awesome. It's a little further off the beaten path than Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, or so I'm told. The bay is gorgeous (as is pretty much all of the island) and the people were super friendly. I was there over Christmas, so the crowds were small and pretty much half Americans and half Europeans. Most of the resorts will help you get tours of local awesomeness, too. I toured a rum distillery and took a booze cruise to a cliff-diving spot. For the record, I stayed on the boat and drank while other people (with more courage) jumped.

The people were all really friendly and loved chatting with us. They loved talking about their lives in paradise and all had great recommendations on where to go for a nice sunset or plate of chicken. I'd love to go back!

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > Rock Bottom
03/04/2015 at 16:20

Sounds fun! Thanks for sharing your experience.

E92M3 > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
03/04/2015 at 18:14

Weed is legal in 3 states now, who needs Jamaica?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
03/04/2015 at 23:12

Stay away from the women. They will use you and leave you penniless.