Hi mickyjo, I don't know about St Lucia as I have never been but I have been to Jamaica went two years ago for my 50th Birthday as I had always wanted to go and I was not disappointed. Yes there chatter about Jamaica not being safe, but the same could be said of Egypt.

I will say that if you are a smoker you may be approached when you land and come through customs etc and then go to the coaches, if you want to 'smoke the reefer' - I don't smoke but my son (25) is a smoker and he lit up a cig, after 10 hours flying with no fags he was ready to eat his armpits. So he was approached but firmly said no and he was left alone, I did not get offered anything anywhere.

I did leave the complex and went across the busy street to a small shaopping mall, some of the guests fretted about the locals, but I had issues and went over there once with son and couple of times on my own.Also did some trips which were the normal tourist ones.

I probably would not go to Kingston on my own, but I would happy to go back to Jamaica on holiday and plan to do so on my own.

Hope that helps

Hi there,

I have been to both of these places and most of the Caribbean islands.

I definately don't suggest Jamaica. There's not much to do and wouldnt call it a family holiday. Me and my partner are very streetwise and not offended easily but we took a taxi out to the beach at montego bay an went to the beach and we're offered everything from Magic mushrooms to crack cocaine!! We didn't feel safe really an u cannot walk round! Been Egypt and no comparison! Egypt is a lot safer!

For a family holiday go Dominican of Mexico. We stayed at sandos caracol in Mexico, you can easily get to cancun from there. We hired a car and went to all the water parks, did quad bikes an booked tours. Hotel cost less than a grand an we were pleasantly surprised. Spa pool with jets, adult pool an fun pool. We ate mainly in Buffett an it was great, lots of variety an cookin stations. Excellent hotel with huge grounds, I'd go back tomorrow.

Hope this helps xx

Definately St. Lucia. Much friendlier and safer. We have been about 4 times, just got back a few weeks ago.

Jamaica is very very friendly so I wouldn't say that would be an issue.

We have been to both with our son who is currently 6 years old.

Jamaica.... Negril is the best with beautiful beaches and AIs that cater to children. We haven't done tours in Jamaica with our son as we had been there before he was born and wanted to enjoy the beach and pool. The people were very nice and we had no troubles. I was not offered weed. However, my husband said he was when he was alone.

St. Lucia..... Beautiful island. As we had never been before and did a bit of touring and it was child friendly. I didn't find the beaches as nice due to dark volcanic sand and I found the people nice but slightly more stand offish. But, we did have a good time.

Airports.... Jamaica airport is far superior. It has changed a great deal in the last 10 years and all for the better. St. Lucia is still back by 10 years but ok.

This year we are off to Mexico. We haven't done it before. So, we will see.

I hope this gives you a balanced view.