JAMAICA WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO VISIT

I am planning a trip to Jamaica in middle of January for 3 weeks (or longer) and want to know which cities to visit and how to get there. I will be travelign by myself, is it safe to do that? (don't get me wrong, I have searched different websites and there is not that much of information out there). I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you,

depends on what yu like doing and how much money yu want to spend..tell us a bit more and read some of the previous posts asking similar questions about travelling alone to Jamaica..

Yes it is safe as long as you follow "common sense" safety rules, as you would anywhere else.
How do you plan to get around the island (rent a car, hire private driver, public transport) ?
What type of places are you considering staying at (resorts, hotels, guesthouses) ?
3-4 four weeks you can cover most of the island.
My favorites places are Treasure Beach, Port Antonio, Blue Mountains, and Negril.
Hiring a "private taxi" is the safest and most fun way to get around, as the driver acts as your tour guide. However, it is the most expensive.
Public transport is the cheapest, but slow and a bit confusing for the first timer. Also, not safe to use after dark.
I would not advise renting a car for your first time. Driving is crazy in Jamaica, and the roads are not clearly marked.
There is a wide variety of things to do and see in Jamaica, so just do search for places and things to do in Jamaica. After taht, if you have any questions about a specific place, then let us know here on this branch.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Check the available past J'can posts on this branch,;then get back to us for more details on your trip.

Ackeepod, MickeyMike and Weaver

Thank you for your reply. I did read previous posts on Jamaica and I just couldn’t find an answer that I am looking for.

The way I travel is simple: one backpack and 4 pairs of shoes. I am not big on tours and all inclusive hotels. I do however like to stay in hostels or with the locals and learn about the culture.

_What I like to see or to do in Jamaica:_
- I love hiking and walking around the city. If there is a bicycle route I would love to explore that.
- I heard that Jamaican’s have a very good dancing (if its’ safe, I’d like to take a lesson or go to the bar).
- I read that there is a coffee plantation worth exploring (if it is, please let me know)
- Skydiving? Rope jumping? – can I do that

As for the transportation, I don’t think I will hire my own driver. Most likely I will take buses or taxis (if they are safe).

Maybe start looking at some accommodation and tour options on this site, it sounds like some of what you are looking for:

http://worldstogethertravel.com/jamaica/index-jamaica.html

...and I do travel around Jamaica by myself, as a single woman.

Well you can definitely walk around the city, but like anywhere else you will have to know what areas to advoid, and definitely do not walk around at night.
There is good hiking in the Blue Mountains, John Crow mountains, and the Cockpits country.
You can dance at any bar you are in "no problem". If the music hits you, then start moving :>)

I do not know of any place where you can sky dive nor bungee jump.
There is para-sailing and other water sports in Negril.
There is also bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae river near Falmounth, and on the Rio Grand river near Port Antonio.
Yes the "route taxis" and buses are safe to use during the daytime only.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Mike,
Thank you, Thank you!!!!

You do NOT want to bike around Kng!. \
If you have a specific coffee plantation in mind you'll either have to take a group tour or you'll have to call, arrange a private tour and hire a private taxi or rent a car to get there.

From Port Antono there are great day hikes in the John Crow foothills. Contact Albert Harley out of Ivanhoe Guest House ( 9 Queen St. Port Antonio. 978 993 3043.) as a reliable guide.

In Port Antonio you'll enjoy the Roof Club as a good small, local dancehall, provided your daughter is 16 or older. Otherwise, hit a street party for music and vibes.

If I were you (a single woman wanting to know Jamaica), I would fly into Montego Bay instead of Kingston. I lived in Kingston for two months and did not feel comfortable moving about alone, especially after dark. If you know someone there, then that's a different story.

My favorite places in Jamaica are: Treasure Beach, Portland (Long Bay and Frenchman's Cove), Blue Mountains, and Negril. My least favorite place is Ocho Rios.

I would think about your budget A LOT when considering how much to move around. Technically, you can get most places via route taxis, but it would be quite difficult to travel to Treasure Beach in a route taxi. A private taxi from Negril to Treasure Beach would cost you at least $100 each way.

From Montego Bay Airport, you can get a tourist bus (JUTA) to Negril for $25. A week in Negril is a good amount of time to explore the cliffs and the beach and to relax. From there, you could go to Treasure Beach. From Treasure Beach to Portland, a private taxi would be at least $150, but it can be done. (I actually did this...) (Or, I suppose you could stop in the Blue Mountains along the way.)

I have some posts on my blog about traveling in JA:
http://globetrottingmamita.blogspot.com/

If you are interested in the history of Bob Marley you should go see the best tour guide in Jamaica - Captain Crazy, his laugh is infectious and he is a very wise man. Guaranteed to laugh and sing.

here is a little taste of what to expect. (wedding party from Canada)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMG2ooJ2a6I

Radprof and Soajack, Thank you for your information. Now i have more idea of where to go and what to do!!!!

Best,
Violetta

There is skydiving actually.

http://www.jamaicapressrelease.com/2010/01/12/skydive-jamaica-now-open-at-boscobel-aerodrome/

But much more common are ziplines, if you want that sort of thing. Also whitewater rafting on the north coast.

Hi there just let these people know what you want and they will arrange everything.
They are fantastic I used last year that I think would really help.
check them out on www.jamaicaunseenadventures.com.

worldstogethertravel soundslike the best option for what yu want to do and how much yu want to spend...I was just there for a whole month and spent time in Negril, Portland, Accompong Town (during the Maroon Festival), Gordon Town,Mavis Bank,Kingston, Treasure Beach etc..I clocked a lot of miles walking and travelling on local taxis and buses.. Its doable using common sense... and yu have to be flexible in ur plans and schedule.... Happy Travels... if yu have questions while there , let us kno..internet cafes are cheap no more than J$ 300 per hour . Dont pay to use them in hotels. (very costly)

THank you everyone.. all the information you have given is soo helpfull... I am going to fly to Jamaica this Sunday and can't wait to experience it first hand :)

Have fun, be Safe !!

Enjoy, and please let us know it goes!

Please post a trip report when you return.
Hope you have a very IRIE time in Jamaica !!
ONE LOVE !!
Mike