AboutSienna Expertise I live on the west coast of the island, in the sugar cane valley of Westmoreland parish, just outside the beach resort town of Negril, and will be happy to assist with questions that would cover the areas of the west and southwest coasts....areas such as Negril, Whitehouse, Treasure Beach.
I can help withquestions pertaining to Jamaican culture, food, places of interest, your general hotel location in regards to activities or excursions in your area, whether you're in a villa, resort, or small independent hotel.
I am however, NOT a travel agent, and cannot be of help making reservations at any all-inclusive properties.
Experience I moved here from California nine years ago, to live here with my husband, a Jamaican....his home is now my 'adopted home.' Before moving here I visited Jamaica as often as possible, staying in tourist towns and remote 'bush country'.
We have a small micro-business, offering tours for people who wish to go "off property" and choose do so in a more personal atmophere, rather than on large tour buses with 30-50 others. We go to all of the customary tourist attraction spots, and also offer some destinations you will not find offered through the hotels or large tour companies.
We believe that the people of Jamaica, both adults and children, have much to offer visitors and we strive to involve members of any community we pass through so that you can interact with them directly. Our goal is to have you enjoy your outing..to have fun while learning something new.
Expert: Sienna Date: 6/20/2008 Subject: Driving in the western parishes
Question My family and I will be visiting Jamaica during the first week of August and
we are trying to figure out the best way to travel throughout the island (i.e.,
rent a car, hire a driver, take taxis, etc.).
I have family in both Treasure Beach and Kingston and I have made several
visits to both. This will be the first visit to Jamaica for both my husband and
children. I usually take taxis or rely on family members to get around the
island. However, our upcoming trip is a little different. We will be there for
both vacation and business (we started a small nonprofit business to support
youth-serving organizations in Jamaica). We are flying into Montego Bay and
staying just outside of Negril for the first several days. On one of those days
we will need to drive back to MoBay for several meetings. We will also spend
a few days in Treasure Beach towards the end of the week, so logistically our
trip is a bit challenging.
My biggest concerns are safety and cost. Renting a car would probably be the
least expensive option (although I have concerns about road conditions and
finding our destinations). Hiring a driver would be the most convenient, but
probably the most expensive.
Do you have any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate your thoughts.
Answer Greetings from your homeland, Sandra!
The first week of August is holiday time - roadblocks are thick - drivers are in the party mood..it makes for interesting road time. We ourselves try not to go anywhere that week if we can avoid it, unless for very short runs locally.
Since it's your family's first trip, no way in the world would your husband be able to handle the driving...plus, he wouldn't get to see and enjoy the countryside at all since he'd be focused on the road at all times. So, the driving would seem then to fall on you.
I would think car rental would be a good option here...you'll not have to feel pressured that a driver is waiting for you when business meetings invariably run late. Check out this car rental site, it seems quite reasonable: http://www.hbcarrental.com/index.html
MoBay to Negril is an easy drive now...Negril to Treasure Beach isn't too, too bad...narrow roads and they're in bone jarring shape, watch the potholes just after Sav.
Check this company out...they seem reasonable, have a competitor's chart for comparison price, restrictions, etc. If you're here a week look at the 7 day rental that gives you a free night in Negril.
If you do go with this company, book now....so many Jamaican ex-pats return that week, cars might be at a premium.
There is a great road map out now...you can find them in the gift shops in Negril and you might even get one if you rent a car...it's the new edition of the Shell Gas Jamaica Road Map...I'm not sure but I believe I read somewhere that you can purchase it on line too...maybe try a google search on that....
Gas is currently running about $4.71 a gallon for diesel...it may increase by August. From Negril to MoBay or reverse, it will take a minimum of $30US for a round trip loop. From Negril to Treasure Beach figure about $35-40 to get there.
Treasure Beach is still exceptionally calm, uncluttered roads, though not in the best of shape.
Do some price calculations:
Car rental + gas for the whole stay
Driver hire = flat rate per day for each day here - "on call" for you, so would have to be based in the town you stay in and move with you...room and food would have to be included
Driver hire #2 - have your schedule worked out so you know what days you'll travel, the time of arrival expected in each city, length of time spent there, time of departure to return "home"....price is based then on each day needed rather than when not, switch to family members when in their area
Driver hire #3 = you rent the car, do the driving, and hire a guide to just ride along...would cost less that full-driver but again, room and food would have to be factored in.
I hope this helps somewhat...hopefully you'll get some time to relax!
