I'm thinking of going to Jamaica the first week of April and on a low budget. I'll be there for about 6 days and basically, just want to sit on a beach and eat. I'd be flying into Kingston.
1) Would I be able to spend $500 or less for accommodations, food, and transportation? I have no problem staying in hostels, eating cheaply, and taking public transit, if available.
2) What's a good beach city I can park it at for the 6 days or would I want to see different places?
Thanks!
Yep. Ivanhoes has rooms starting at $30 or so. Beach 5 mins walk, market 5 mins, taxis 5 mins....great location for budget traveler.
MUCH nicer than any hotels I've seen in that price range, that's the private room rate :)
No budget hotels really near Kingston that are on/close to good beaches.
Here's my solution!
Book at this resort I found, Lost Beach Resort. (near Negril) $69 per person per night INCLUDING 3 meals and drinks! (gotta book for 3 days) $410 for you six nights. Check it out or e-mail me about it.
Since you are arriving Kingston, it has to be Port Antonio (Porty)
To reach Porty from Kingston and stay within your budget you will definitely have to take the public bus.
I also suggest Ivanhoe's as a good place to stay.
3 Queens St. Phone (876)-993-3043.
The is a beach within waking distance. It is at the marina, however, there are other better beaches (Winnifred,Long Bay, Boston Bay and Frenchmen Cove) within a short route taxi ride (about $1-2US) from Porty.
The cheapest places to eat are the local "cook shops". There are a few in town, which is walking distance from Ivanhoe's.
Keep this in mind. YES you can do it on $500US for the week, but that is an extremely tight budget for one week in Jamaica, so you REALLY have to watch your spending !!
Personally I would suggest increasing your budget, because unplanned expenses always seem to pop up ! Things in Jamaica have a habit of not going as you planned !!!
ONE LOVE !!
Mike
Thanks for all of your advice! So the tickets I found has me flying into Kingston on Easter Sunday. I would want to get to Port Antonio right away. Just wondering the likelihood of getting on a bus to Port Antonio on that day.
Also, what's the average time that it takes from Kingston to Port Antonio by public bus?
Easter Sunday is a holiday in Jamaica, but there should be a bus running from Kingston to Porty. There will be fewer buses running as on a regular day, so it may take longer to get a bus, and it may take longer to reach Porty. Usually it takes about 4 hours by bus.
Keep in mind that you will have to get from the airport to the bus station at Halfway Tree, so this will add time on to your trip to Porty.
Also, if you are arriving in Kingston late in the afternoon are evening, then I strongly suggest that you spend the night in Kingston and go to Porty the next day. It is not safe using "public transport" after dark, especially in Kingston.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike