solo travel - port antonio?

Thorn Tree forumCountry forumsCaribbeanJamaica
Enter custom title (optional)
This topic is locked
Last reply was
3.5k
…
Send as an e-mail
Send as an e-mail
akebah
akebah

I am travelling to Jamaica mid november (5 nights - ) - supposedly meeting up with a friend who can no longer go so I am no going solo (female). Short time but that is the only time we could spare (and now she cant go but hey ho, I do not want to waste the airfare)

I arrive Kingston but not until 5ish in the afternoon.

My thought is to spend the night in a hotel in Kingston (recommendations welcome) and then taxi to the bus terminal and bus to Port antonio the following day. I really dont have the budget for a taxi on my own - just wondered if this is feasible, easy (ish) and how long can I expect the journey to take.

If it is possible it would sort of be nice to see some sights in Kingston that morning - but I am not bothered about this if it will be more hassle than it is worth.

I was thinking of Ivanhoes in Port Antonio - but again other recommendations welcome before I fire off a reservation request to them. (I have chosen Port Antonio after reading through some of the posts on this forum so thanks to anyone who contributed to past threads)

Also ideas of things to do in and around Port Antonio on my own (I have travelled extensively on my own in South America but not for a long long long time - pre kids etc)

I am going to get some Jamaican dollars - but are US$ widely accepted (eg can I pay at ivanhoes for this) - and where is the best place to get the Jamaican dollars (I am uK based).

Akebah

View last reply
Report
1
ackeepod
ackeepod

Hey ..going solo is no problem. use common sense and you'll be o.k.

the bus to Port Antonio is in Half Way Tree and are loaded in front of the BURGER KING right close to the Transport Authority in Half Way Tree. The driver or person taking yu there will know where to find it.
I have taken that ride before..Sit up front so you can see and sit where ur back is supported so yu can relax. The buses dont move until they are packed. Travel lightly. I will try to get the fares for you but i am almost certain is was less that US 10. for the trip to Port Antonio..i will get back to you with the time it takes and how much .

Ivanhoes is a great place to stay and she does takes US for pymt.

others will be by to give yu more info.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
2
ackeepod
ackeepod

time to Port Antonio from half Way Tree is about 3 hours and it costs about US 4.00 =J$ 400

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
3
weaver
weaver

Ditto to all of ackeepod's info. Go early and you'll have a great trip from Half Way Tree to Port A. As mentioned, get on the bus early, bring a book or just people-watch. You'll not need a reservation for Ivanhoe.

Remember, you have to change buses in Annatto Bay. In Port Antonio, tell the driver you want to get off at the Shell gas station. Walk up Fort George (up the hill), turn left at De Montevin Hotel, go up 2 blocks to the top of the hill and turn right for 1 block to Ivanhoe.

Do NOT be side-tracked, deterred or committed in any way by the guys at the corner. ( Nice enough guys but not to be trusted...) If rafting is on your program go with Albert out of Ivanhoe's (Don't listen to Garfield from Ocean Crest!)

For more Portland info check past posts. Say Hi to Mrs. Burke, at Ivanhoe ,and Cynthia and Painter at Winnifred Beach, from me.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
4
mikeymike
mikeymike

Do not bother with trying to see some sights in Kingston. That time is better spend in lovely Port Antonio.
Keep alert at the Halfway Tree bus terminal (as with any large bus terminal anywhere in world). The place can get crowded, especially with school youths hanging around the place after school. Better if you can depart Kingston on a weekend.
If possible try to find a "mini bus" that goes directly to Port Antonio without stopping, as I think they are safer (just my opinion from past experience), then the larger "coaster bus" leaving from Kingston. The "mini bus" will not be as comfortable as the "coaster bus", but it is what I would take if departing from Kingston !
In any case, on either bus, travel lightly with luggage, as extra luggage can cost you an extra fare. And be sure to take some small bills (money) to pay with.
Ivanhoe's Guesthouse is an excellent choice for a place to stay in Port Antonio, and as Weaver said it is safe to walk from the Shell Station.
Hope you have a lovely time, as Port Antonio and the surounding area is a great place to spend time.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
5
mikeymike
mikeymike

Also.
Definitely hire a private (JUTA) taxi from the airport to where you choose to stay.
Just ask the airport employees to direct you to the JUTA taxi stand in the airport.
The fare into the city should not be more then $30US.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
6
akebah
akebah

Thanks so much for the replies - I am so looking forward to the trip and Port Antonio looks great. I will take the advice about Kingston and skip the sightseeing - hopefully meaning I can get to the bus terminal fairly early (and avoid the kids)

A few dumb questions

Do you get the bus ticket on the bus or is there some sort of ticket office?
Will the mini buses leave from the same place?

Akebah

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
7
weaver
weaver

Tickets on bus for either vehicle.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
8
daneryland
daneryland

As such there is no problem in going solo but I think you can enjoy more in a group. You may consider to stay in a hostel because here you can get opportunity to meet other travelers. These travelers can guide you. Moreover you can easily search the people to accompany if you want.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
9
weaver
weaver

#8, guest houses offer opportunities to meet other travellers, too. And hostels are scarce in JA. Personally, I find group travel beyond irritating--- hard to get a concensus on what to do and when; the group often acts as a buffer or screen between me and the local populace, and a sense of real isolation when travelling with the group. But meeting new travellers and maybe joining up for a day is often great.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report

This topic has been locked by a moderator.

Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner