Driving in Jamaica as an American
The Editors
As an American, driving in Jamaica can be a thrilling experience, but it's important to be aware of some of the unique challenges that come with navigating the island's roads. During my trip, I drove outside of Kingston from Montego Bay to Negril on the north side of the island, and I encountered several challenges along the way.
Potholes
One of the biggest challenges that I faced was the prevalence of potholes on the roads. This is especially true when driving outside of the major cities like Kingston and Montego Bay. To avoid damaging my rental car and ensure a smooth ride, I found it best to drive at my own pace and be cautious when encountering potholes.
Night time driving
Another challenge that I encountered when driving in Jamaica was the lack of streetlights in certain areas. This can make driving at night a bit difficult, as it's sometimes hard to see the road ahead. To combat this, I found that using my high beams helped to illuminate the road and make it easier to navigate.
Driving at night in Jamaica can be especially challenging due to the lack of streetlights and the prevalence of potholes on the roads. To avoid any accidents, it's important to drive slower than you normally would during the day and to be especially cautious when encountering potholes. Driving at a slower pace will give you more time to react and avoid any obstacles in the road. While it may be tempting to drive faster to get to your destination more quickly, it's always best to prioritize safety and take your time when driving on unfamiliar roads at night.
Renting in Jamaica Best Practices
When renting a car in Jamaica, it's important to be thorough in documenting any existing damage to the vehicle. I found that the car rental companies were very thorough in pointing out any existing damage, but it's always a good idea to take photos and video of the car to ensure that you aren't held responsible for any damage that may occur during your rental period.
Local Drivers
Drivers in Jamaica can be a bit more aggressive than what you may be used to in the United States, so it's important to be assertive and make room for yourself to get into lines of traffic. It's also important to keep in mind that Jamaicans drive on the left-hand side of the road, which can take some getting used to if you're used to driving on the right-hand side.
Tipping Gas Pump
One unique aspect of driving in Jamaica is that you may need to pay someone to pump your gas for you. It's also customary to tip the person who pumps your gas. You should tip them between USD$1 and USD$2.
In conclusion, driving in Jamaica as an American can be an exciting and challenging experience. It's important to be cautious when encountering potholes and driving at night, to document any existing damage to your rental car, and to be assertive when navigating the roads. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer while staying safe on the road.
Best Jamaican Travel Guide
As someone who recently used the Lonely Planet Jamaica 8 travel guide on a trip to the island, I can say that we thoroughly enjoyed it. One of the things that stood out to us was the book's detailed coverage of Jamaica's rich history, which allowed us to gain a deeper appreciation for the island and its people.
Additionally, the guide's recommendations for food and activities were fantastic. We tried many of the food spots suggested in the book, and they were all delicious. We also followed several of the activity recommendations, and they made for some of the best experiences of our trip.
Overall, the Lonely Planet Jamaica 8 travel guide was an excellent resource for our journey, and we would highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Jamaica.
Best Travel Sunscreen
If you're planning a trip to Jamaica, sunscreen is a must, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors. The Banana Boat Sport Ultra Reef Friendly Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 30 is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality sunscreen that is also reef-friendly. The lotion is easy to apply and absorbs quickly, and the broad-spectrum formula provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
One of the biggest selling points of this sunscreen is that it's reef-friendly, which is crucial when swimming and snorkeling in Jamaica's stunning coral reefs. The formula is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, two ingredients that are known to be harmful to marine life.
Overall, I highly recommend the Banana Boat Sport Ultra Reef Friendly Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion to anyone traveling to Jamaica. With its high SPF, easy application, and reef-friendly formula, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking to protect their skin while also protecting the environment.
Best Travel Bug Spray
If you're planning a trip to Jamaica and looking for a reliable insect repellent, the Sawyer Products Premium MAXI DEET with 100% DEET is a great option. During my visit, I found the bugs to be quite ferocious, and this repellent did an excellent job of keeping them at bay. The high concentration of DEET makes it very effective, and I didn't have to worry about reapplying it frequently. While it has a strong smell, it's worth it for the added protection. Overall, I highly recommend the Sawyer Products Premium MAXI DEET to anyone traveling to areas with a high concentration of insects.
Best Wide Brimmed Hat for Travel
If you're planning a trip to Jamaica, a wide-brimmed hat is a must-have to protect yourself from the sun. The GearTOP Head Net Hat is an excellent choice for both men and women who want to stay protected while still looking stylish.
The hat features a wide brim that provides ample shade to your face and neck, and the lightweight and breathable fabric keeps you cool and comfortable in the tropical heat. The added bonus of a built-in head net means that you can also protect your face and neck from pesky insects while still enjoying the breeze.
What I love about this hat is its versatility. It's perfect for a day in the garden, a safari adventure, or just exploring the local beaches and towns. It's also easy to pack, so you can take it with you on all your adventures.
Overall, I highly recommend the GearTOP Head Net Hat to anyone traveling to Jamaica. Its wide brim, lightweight fabric, and insect netting make it the perfect accessory for anyone looking to protect themselves from the sun and insects while exploring this beautiful country.
Best Caribbean Islands Travel Guide
As someone who recently used the Lonely Planet Caribbean Islands 8 travel guide for a trip to both Trinidad and Tobago and St. Lucia, I can confidently say that this is one of the best travel guides out there for the region.
The guide was extremely comprehensive, providing detailed information on everything from the history and culture of the islands to the best places to eat, drink, and explore. We found the book's recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and activities to be especially helpful, as they were well researched and based on local knowledge.
When we used the guide for Trinidad and Tobago, we found the information on Carnival to be particularly useful, as it allowed us to plan our trip around this amazing cultural event. And when we moved on to St. Lucia, we were able to use the guide to find some of the most beautiful beaches and scenic hikes on the island.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Lonely Planet Caribbean Islands 8 travel guide to anyone planning a trip to the region, whether they are visiting just one island or several. The guide is well-written, informative, and incredibly helpful in making the most of your travels in the Caribbean.
Despite the challenges that come with driving in Jamaica as an American, I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in exploring the island on their own terms. Driving gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want, and to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. By following the tips and advice that I've shared, you can have a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Jamaica. So, if you're thinking about visiting this beautiful island, I encourage you to consider renting a car and hitting the road for an adventure you'll never forget!
Remember, go at your own pace, you don't have to impress anyone.
If you plan on doing some island hopping in the Caribbean check out my article on Driving in Trinidad and Tobago. If you're in the market for some new luggage be sure to checkout our luggage guide here.