The Travel Slut

10 things to remember about trips to Hedonism II all-inclusive resort in Negril, Jamaica

1. Bring or buy or borrow and then USE mid-high range SPF sunscreen-especially your 1st few days and don’t forget both to reapply often and don’t forget the SENSITIVE SPOTS! I have seen way too many red lobster-skinned people during my previous 9 trips to Hedo and spending your vacation/holiday time applying aloe vera while sitting in the shade and taking aspirin to reduce pain and swelling from sunburn cannot be enjoyable.

2. Consider bringing or buying an insulated drinking mug... but a caveat: using big cups or containers means more drinking and means more and quicker absorption of alcohol. Since trips to the various bars can take time and you might hydrate with more ice waters in between...by drinking with just one big container your hydration takes a back seat. Not necessarily a good thing in the heat and humidity.

3. Have an idea what you might like to do indoors should the occasional passing rain showers decide to linger for several hours or longer. Whether it is a game of billiards, drinks under the roofs of the pools, lobby bar area, taking a well deserved nap, socializing in a pre-planned spot or even working out in the well-equipped fitness center, have a back up plan. All that green foliage comes from the rains.

4. Consider making a beaded name necklace or have your group leader include them in your packaged trip. If you are uncomfortable using your real name, then use a nickname. The name necklaces certainly help initiate conversations and socializing.

5. Flights to Jamaica and getting to Hedo II can sometimes require almost a full travel day despite your point of origin and reconsider doing an all-nighter on your arrival date if you plan on being at Hedo a week or more. My simple flights from Florida take 8-10 travel hours doorstep to doorstep and I've seen new arrivals never pass a bar without drinking within hours of arrival and seeing them passed out early in the evening. If you are new to Hedo II, then take time to explore the various areas and if you are a veteran, then check for new developments and start the “pacing” of both time and energy so that you can make it through your entire trip with maximum fun and energy levels. A supply of energy bottles or drinks can also help.

6. If you seek quiet areas, then you may want to remain flexible and when one area gets to noisy or busy, move to another. I know a few times around the nude pool, people either moved to the nude beach or one of the clothing optional pools where the noise level was more acceptable. If you seek activities, check the board in the main dining area for the "what's happening now" schedule.

7. Consider joining or at least learning about any group or groups that will be at Hedo when you are planning to be there. A great source to see who might be there is: hedonism.com/events.php (and it includes my group). If you can't join our group in 2014, then try to find a compatible group that you might like to join or at least meet people that are members. Every June we add many people to the Krewe de Krazy Life during our visits and often see them again at Hedo the following June, one of our annual private rendezvous parties and even in Key West for Fantasy Fest every October.

8. Expect the unexpected at either the hot tub/jacuzzi or the nude pool at night. The liquor flows freely (literally) and the jacuzzi is called a "hot" tub for good reasons. :-)

9. Tipping (gratuities) are not required, expected or preferred at Hedo but it does happen on occasion. The rules state "No Tipping". IF (and a big if) you do decide to tip one or more staff members at Hedo--please do it both one-on-one and very discreet--and please explain that while the tip is from you alone for above & beyond service, that your positive feedback on your departure survey form will reflect and earn more for them job-wise.
NOTE: baggage handlers at the Montego Bay airport and your shuttle bus driver ARE NOT employed by Hedo and therefore rely on tips.

10. Rule #1 ---Hedo is about what YOU want, when you want it, where you want it, with whom you want it, and how you want it-----or NOT WANT IT. Rule #2 --- When in doubt, refer to Rule #1

I try not to dwell on the negative because I’ve often felt that just about any “bad day” on holiday or vacation is better than most good days at work.

Remember, for those that have experienced Hedo, no explanation is needed. For those that haven't--no complete explanation is possible.
In the meantime, take care, travel safe and have safe fun!

Ann, The TravelSlut
INFO: groups.yahoo.com/group/KrewedeKrazyLifers4Hedonism
EMAIL: TheTravelSlut@yahoo.com
PHOTOS, ETC: www.flickr.com/groups/hedonismresortgrouptrip