"like wanting us to get tattoos! "
Tell her that's fine, she can get Hep B or C if she wants...sheesh!
Sounds like she doesn't want to hear what you have to offer as far as your experience in traveling to a place she's never been before. If you can have the "talk" - you don't want to be traveling with a loose cannon like that in a place like Negril. She needs to understand the good, the bad and the ugly.
As far as transportation from the airport, I considered doing the JUTA bus thing on my way back from New York last year - I thought it would be fun to be with other people, new and not so new, see their reactions to the ride, etc. I don't think I'd feel like a "tourist" - I'd be more into chatting with other folks, where they are from where they are staying, and with others who have been before what they like to do etc.
But...in the end Niah picked me up. Sure, its more $$ but having my dear friend/driver and husband come and get me from the airport is awesome.