Jamaica isn’t widely known for its independent travel opportunities. Most people visit via cruise ship or hunker down in an all-inclusive resort. However, making your own way around the Caribbean Island is not as difficult or scary as it may sound, as long as you go prepared. For the extra effort, you’ll be rewarded with fun cultural experiences and exquisite adventures in nature. Here are five things you need to know before deciding if a Jamaica road trip is right for you.
1. Road Conditions
Driving and road conditions vary around the Island. Along the north coast between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, we found roads to be well maintained due to the tourist trade. In the southwest and traversing the Blue Mountains, roads weren’t so friendly. Potholes big enough to swallow a small vehicle and lack of street signage were two of the greatest challenges. Know how to change a tyre yourself and if your car rental company offers reasonably priced tyre replacement insurance, take it! Local drivers range from overzealous, to really “chilled” – if you catch my drift. Plan to only travel during daylight hours.
2. Navigation
Even if you buy a local SIM card, the service may be too patchy in some places to be relied upon. Follow these instructions to download Google Maps of Jamaica, to be accessed offline. Do your research in advance and plot a preferred route but note that you may need to change on the fly if road conditions are altered. We encountered a landslide that had blocked the main route across the Blue Mountains. This caused no end of confusion and a couple of exploratory detours before a local kindly informed us that a private road through a coffee plantation was the best alternate route.
3. Safety
Do your research and note which places to avoid. Stick to main roads in urban areas. There are police blockades on roads in and out of places such as Montego Bay, due to heightened crime. Take locals’ advice if they tell you not to go somewhere.
Furthermore, don’t make yourself a target for the usual hustlers and opportunists that you find in any big tourist destination. Dress down, minimise the valuables you are carrying and don’t go flashing them around. Make use of your hotel safe to keep your valuables and travel documents such as your passport.
4. Drinking water
Tap water in most urban areas is safe for drinking. We drank tap water in Negril, Treasure Island, Kingston and Ocho Rios. If you aren’t sure, ask at your hotel, use your Steripen or go for bottled water.
5. Destinations
Wondering where to go on your Jamaica road trip? Check out these things to do and places to go in Jamaica. From waterfalls to beaches, great houses to coffee plantations – we’ve got you covered!
Note, independent travellers are in the minority of visitors to Jamaica. Therefore you won’t find every place is set up for your kind of travel. The north coast around Ocho Rios caters mostly towards day-trippers from cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts. The number of good independent eating establishments and quality accommodation is very limited and may close when there isn’t a cruise ship in the dock (which is exactly when you DO want to be there).
Negril, Treasure Beach, Kingston and I believe Port Antonio (unfortunately we didn’t make it there) are the places that have more boutique accommodation, independent restaurants and are where you can find a more local vibe.
Peace, love & jerk chicken,
Madam ZoZo