First Timer Question

[cpgecko]

My partner and I will be headed to CSA in December.

This will be our first trip to Jamaica and our first Couples trip.

I know there are a lot of vets around that have a TON of knowledge about Couples and all-inclusive resorting.

My question for y'all is: what do you wish you would have known before you took your first trip?

Is there something awesome you've found? Some item you can't travel without now? Something you screwed up the first time and now know to never do again?

I appreciate whatever advice you have to offer. Thanks for making our vacation even better.

[Kerlyran]

Nope... Because I never book a resort without doing a ton of research before I go... I especially rely on TA and will private message members who have extensive knowledge of certain locations and properties.

[redinthehead]

Wander across the street and get a friut smoothy, we didn't do this our first two trips and I was kicking myself for not experiencing them sooner.

[fawnridge]

You will not need as much clothing as you pack. Search the message board for threads that deal with this. I have been to CSA more than 20 times and for years I would go with a carry-on bag for the 9 days we are there. (My girlfriend talked me out of that habit on her first trip.) You'll spend more time in a bathing suit than any other article of clothing.

Try all the Jamaican cuisine that's available, even if it's just a small taste. You never know what you'll like unless you taste it.

Go for a walk south on Seven Mile Beach. There is much to see and it's great exercise. And yes, it's safe. Bring small bills - nothing bigger than a $10. There's great food, cold beer, and souvenirs galore.

You will be back to CSA, so don't worry about not doing something. Spend a lot of time relaxing, that's what you're there for.

[softail19]

Call me a dork but I don't remember tipping the shuttle bus driver or bringing a little tip money for the catamaran cruise people, DOH!
Have a great trip, it's paradise!

[NashVegas]

My partner and I are returning to Couples Swept Away this December for our 2nd time! We LOVED it the first time. And it is our babymoon, as I will be 21 weeks/5 months pregnant when we arrive (the 9-16).
Some things to know before you go:
-Right after you check in, go directly over to guest services to book your reservations for dinner at the 2 reservation only restaurants. You might want to skip a reservation for Friday night, so you don't miss the food at the Beach party (it's on Fridays) because that food is really delicious. Also, you ought to start thinking about your activities- like snorkeling trips, the catamaran booze cruise, etc... I know the catamaran trip is fun, but it is only certain afternoons. You don't want to wait too long and get to a time where there aren't any more trips before you go home.
- Pack lots of sunscreen and bug spray- you really will need them both.
-Sea Grapes has an amazing lunch menu- so fresh. Try the grilled snapper or the fish tacos.
- Definitely Definitely Definitely walk the 7 mile beach. If you are facing the ocean, go to the left, you might want to bring a few dollars with you, and stop in at a local place and have a drink, meet some locals, they are all SUPER friendly and cool. We walk on the beach for hours and it is one of our favorite memories at CSA.
- Mingle. Everyone at Couples is nice and really excited to be there. We ended up meeting two other couples 3 years ago, and we are still friends now!

Hope that helps! Maybe we'll see you there!

[cpgecko]

Do you have a particularly awesome piece of advice that you've gotten that you'd like to pass along?

[Pamela]

CSA is very spread out. Take the orientation tour early in your trip to ensure that you become familiar with the resort's layout and don't miss anything.

[Fluffin]

The best advice I have ever received and then passed on was, once you have packed your suitcase turn around and take out 1/2 of what you put in it since you will NEVER wear 1/2 of it!

It is sooooo true. Even after 25 years of traveling I am still over packing even though I am still following this advice

Oh and make sure you have a black or blue pen with you on the airplane to fill out the forms!

Other then that just relax and have a fabulous time at Couples!

[drbcwp]

1. after you pack, take about 1/2 out, you do not need that many clothes
2. enjoy the resort, you do not have to take a tour every day
3. get the "no problem" attitude as soon as you land at Mo-bay

[cpgecko]

Thanks for the help all.

I appreciate it and we can't wait for the trip.