EDC to a Sandals resort?

[racer944]

Hey,

looking to go to a sandals resort for our honeymoon next may. Anyone have any experience what we can take with us? We're specifically looking to get one of the sailboats and some snorkeling gear and sail around. Now i'm not an overly experienced sailor, but are there any items i can take to a foreign country, not get in trouble with, that may help should **** while we're out sailing or anything else for that matter? Obviously, want to stay away from defensive items for a multitude of reasons.

Also, if you've stayed at one and would like to provide some insight into whether it's a good idea to go there or not, it all works.

Thanks!

[NEATO]

I've been to a bunch of these resorts, and honestly ... I cant think of one thing off the top of my head that I would say "dont leave this behind!"

Oh, bring a bunch of lighters if you smoke ... I've always had the hardest time finding lighters at these places! Eyedrops are also hard to find, and come in useful after a day in the sun or in the ocean.

[ReadyFreddy23]

Which Sandals resort?

I've been to Sandals twice and they were both great. Everything you need is on the resort. It depends which Island you're going to, but for the most part I would say don't venture out of the resort by yourselves. BTW, I know these are supposed to be all inclusive places but it definitely helps to sneak a few tips to bartenders and hosts/hostesses. If you want to be able to eat at certain restaurants at certain times, book all your dinners the moment you get to your room to beat the rush.

EDC items needed
gum (if you chew it)
sunblock (nothing worse than sunburn on honeymoon)
lighters
eye drops
tylenol
immodium/pepto bismol
sunglasses (bring extras just in case)
Fat Sharpie (kubaton)
film or memory sticks for camera
waterproof disposable cameras for taking pictures in the ocean
lots of money (smaller bills so you don't have to have too much foreign currency left at the end of your trip)
Currency exchange at your bank will probably work out better for you too

Make sure your rings fit properly. I've seen 4 people lose their engagement/wedding rings participating in different activities (beach volleyball, pool volleyball, snorkeling in ocean, and dancing)

If you do go off the resort to do some shopping, don't be afraid to haggle with the locals trying to sell their wares. Have a price in mind that you're willing to pay and stick to it. Don't buy precious metals or stones from locals with no storefront.

Don't drink the water or use the ice.

[racer944]

We're looking to go to Sandals' Grande St. Lucian. Any experience with this particular location?

Thank you for a good idea to go with about the carry along EDC!

[AcydFlames]

I honeymooned in Sandals Negril in Jamaica. My first and foremost recommendation is bug repellant. I didn't have much problem with the bugs (mostly just tiny fruit flies it seemed) but my wife seemed to get attacked after dark. No fun for her.

Definitely second the sun screen too.

At least in Jamaica where we were, I would stay far away from anything that could be considered a weapon. Long story short, I would do almost anything to NOT be in trouble there. It was a great experience, but the bad places make you appreciate the worst you have back home, if you catch my drift.

I would say that I was confortable leaving the resort and all, just be aware of your surroundings. Don't head out far, or for long. Definitely don't let the locals hassle you too much (to buy things and such), they're good at it, it is what they do and all.

And if you can afford it, I would recommend considering room upgrades too. A little more expensive, but they can definitely prove worthwhile. But that's off topic.

As far as the sailing goes, I know going out alone sounds fun, but I know there were guides that would be more than happy to talk you out. They have the experience, that worked for me at least. Saved me from a lot of "what if" situations.

[racer944]

hahaha, that's funny about how jamaica is a tough place. My future father-in-law is banned from the country from putting a couple police officers in the hospital one night. Needless to say, we won't be going there. Not to mention I've never really had a desire to go to Jamaica anyways... Plus, a Sharkie sharpie would be as weapon-like as I'd venture to go.

Anyone else? This is VERY helpful!

[Omega Man]

I went to Negril one year and Montego Bay the next, both at Resorts. This was back in 2001-02 mind you, when I wasn't EDCing much of anything. I didn't take my Leatherman or anything else edc-ish.

But I agree with lighters/matches, you'll end up making friends if you turn into "the guy who always has a lighter".
If I was to go now, I'd try to bring:
-Lighters/matches
-Arc with lanyard for neckware. I think I had a phauxton with me at the time.
-A handful of cheap phauxtons to give away to the bartenders and locals. Merchants at places like The Straw Markets and vendors the resorts allow on their property will haggle with you over prices and might like a phauxton. I wish I'd had about 2 dozen squeezy lights as barter back then!
BTW-A sneaky way to tip your bartender is to fold the bill(s) into a napkin and discreetly slide it to them or ask them to throw it away for you.
-Meds( vitamins/antiacids/anti-diarrhea/etc)

One of the tricks a local got on me when I was on the resort not 5 mins, was to slip and tie a bracelet to my wrist and then charge me for 2 of them. If someone starts slipping things on you for size or to see if you like it, be polite but firm. Saying no won't insult them, the next tourist is seconds away. Also, things like bracelets and necklaces like that become "markers" that identify you as someone who bought something freely or frivolously. If other vendors or even pan handlers see that bracelet/whatever, they'll assume you'll be accommodating. I'm not trying to be mean, but after having the bracelet thing done to me, you can see how works.

Just have fun, and anytime you're off the resort, try to go in groups, especially at night! Even if it's a 10 block walk to Margaritaville or something.

[AcydFlames]

hahaha, that's funny about how jamaica is a tough place. ...

I guess it can be a tough place. It goes from extremes pretty quickly. To the richest places, to slums in a single block. In the good parts, its just that, all good; but I wouldn't be one for walking around in the even slightly bad parts alone.

[racer944]

yeah, i wasn't saying that Jamaica isn't a tough place, but it's funny that father in law has already warned us that it's a tough place. Thus why we won't be going there.

[AcydFlames]

yeah, i wasn't saying that Jamaica isn't a tough place, but it's funny that father in law has already warned us that it's a tough place. Thus why we won't be going there.


I would definitely consider going back. But next run, I'll probably choose somewhere different just for the different experience.