Anonymous wrote:Make sure nobody walks alone at the resort—especially women/girls/kids. And be careful what you drink.

No flashy jewelry. A lot of women leave their engagement rings, anything worth reselling at home. Take costume jewelry if you must, but nothing that resembles a Diamond.

Personally, I’m done with Jamaica, the Bahamas, and T&C. The crime isn’t worth the risk.

Even in the posh resorts?

I doesn't really matter either way. You are going to a gated resort. You can go there or switch to another gated resort elsewhere. The experience will be the same. Gated tourism is the same across the world, but occasionally some "undesirables" intrude.

L O L Jamaica has always been dangerous and all the tourist there only stay in gated and protected areas or all inclusives and enjoy completely inauthentic experiences while the unseen locals around you suffer. Your experience will be no different, whether it’s a two or a three. Enjoy!

I am from Jamaica... If you are at one of the high-end resorts you are good. Some lower all-inclusive resorts probably get hit but the bigger ones are more than likely not. Also, somebody mentioned that the beaches are open-- they are not. From the airport, you can call them and schedule a shuttle to the resort, do not need to be in the hustle. When I go home I stay at Airbnb in a gated community and I feel safe, I also rent a car and drive around the country but I am from there and know where to go and not.

Anonymous wrote:Change plans OP

They are hitting inside the resorts.

Link?

I think it depends on the quality of the resort. A high-end, non-all-inclusive resort probably has better security.

I posted earlier but my new suggestion is to see if you can find another place for your group and the cost. Then discuss with your group on what you find. Also see how long you can hold off with making a decision to see if things improve.

Change plans OP

They are hitting inside the resorts.

Meghan and Harry just went to Jamaica.

We were just there, and were at an all inclusive resort. We stayed on property each evening, and we're on the beach most days. We did go on a couple of tours off property during the day (highly recommend Dunn River Fallas/Blue hole).

Felt safe (we had grandparents and kids with us - all felt safe)

Anonymous wrote:I would pass. So many nicer islands to go to.

Eh, Jamaica is one of the few places thats easy to fly to, affordable, and the drinking water is safe . And it's still the beautiful and calm Carribean.
Hence the appeal.

It's hard Op especially since the beaches are "open" so anybody can walk the beach or be in the water (albeit they can't use resort items like floats or lounge chairs or trespass on property).
And you'll have the usual folks soliciting pot and other passers-by calling out...but that happens with low advisory level so not sure what to think given the increased level.

Tourism is Jamaicas bread and butter. They don't want headlines from something happening to a tourist so they're going to do all they can to keep the resorts safe.

Call the resort and find out the safety plans, be vigilant when out and about, don’t let the children out and about without a responsible adult, watch your drinks, stay in contact during the day and I would bring some extra locks for the doors. Try not to be flashy and made of money.

Look I’d be reconsidering the trip but you’ve already spent the money and you are in a group so go but be watchful.

I would go. Especially staying in a gated resort which I'm sure has security.

I would not go. I want to relax on vacation and not be worried about my physical safety or the safety of my family.