Jamaica Travel Guide

Had a great time with this tour. It can be arranged from most of the hotels in Montego Bay.
It is day tour that starts with bus to pick you up and take you to Ochos Rios where Dunns River Falls is located. Since it is about an hours drive, you take lunch here that they have prepared. Then, you get on a boat that takes you out to do some snorkelling. Then to the river. Here you climb right up the middle of the river falls and then back to the boat; where they serve drinks and have a Jamaican style party as the boat returns you to catch the bus. Really good time. Irie mon.

We stayed at the Montego Bay Jamaica in August 2009. We were told going to town was a fun time, but make sure you take a taxi. They will stay with you the whole time. TRUE! We took a taxi into town. The driver was very pleasant. We told him we did not want to shop in town itself, but rather purchase from the "locals". The people of Jamaica hand make so many beautiful items it seems almost impossible to leave there without a piece of heritage from hands that put in so much time. He took us to a store on a corner and said "you will be well taken care of here". We again reiterated we wanted to see the "huts" and the actual "people of jamaica" stands. He said this is here! He kept urging us to purchase from this store as if it was the only one in town. After we kept getting "deals" (ha), the attendant said $250 please. I said NO WAY! We had to bargain down as I was about to walk out. But it was our last nite there and so we really needed a few gifts. There was a Jamaican lady that kept coming to the door, never entering as she was shunned away each time she passed. We took our things out and the taxi driver said "i will watch for you" and he put our gifts in the van. Then he directed us to go with this lady..... we did and it was not for the faint of heart where we were lead..... it was the "huts" I had asked about!! She took us to her hut and showed us many beautiful things they had made, but unfortunately we had not even a penny on us.....(they can only take cash of course) I was not happy.... I so wanted to give to them instead of that store!! The huts are made wall to wall so you walk all around.... again, you can't be a worry wort. "'smoke" in the air and children begging you to buy... So sad, but there way of life. MORAL OF THIS POST: Do not let the pressure of "store" shopping get to you. The huts are literally across the side street behind the buildings. Dirty alleys, dirt paths and a group of the most underprivileged folks I think I have ever seen... BUT, the items they have made with their sweat and imaginations are impeccable! Glass, purses, vases, shoes, trinkets, jewelry, rugs, clothing, etc..... Just so amazing the meticulous detail in each of these handmade items. Insist on the huts and take CASH!! AND I found out thru sources, the taxis get proceeds from each "storefront" if the vacationer makes a purchase. AND the government takes a piece as well...... We will go back. Take a group to town, and walk around to find our own treasures.... Not that of the taxi cab driver..... OF course, do not walk around by yourself..... always in a group and before sundown as there are no lights in the huts..... just candles. ANd it is not a safe place for westerners.

Here are some more common sense items for you Jamaica trip.

1. DO NOT CARRY LARGE AMOUNTS OF CASH WITH YOU and DO NOT FLASH LARGE AMOUNTS OF CASH AROUND. Just keep a few bucks with you in your pocket or beach bag for tips etc. And never leave your beach bag or items unattended or out of view.
2. Make photocopies of your driver’s license and passport just incase. And know who to call immediately if the come up missing (us consulate office in Kingston or montego bay).
3. If you must take a taxi have YOUR HOTEL FRONT DESK or CONSIERGE arrange it for you.
4. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHEN and WHERE your ground transfer be picking you up for you return to the airport. Try to get there at least 2 1/2 hours before your flight leaves. Very long lines and not real fast service.
5. DO NOT BUY OR USE DRUGS IN JAMAICA. IT IS ILLEGAL AND YOU WILL GO TO JAIL OR END UP LOOSING ALL YOUR MONEY IF CAUGHT. JAMAICAN JAILS ARE HELL HOLES and they DON'T CARE IF OR WHEN YOU GET BACK HOME. IT’S NOT WORTH THE RISK THERE, OR THE *** TEST WHEN YOU’RE RETURN TO WORK. IT’S JUST STUPID