Jamaican Hidden Gems Require Local Knowledge
Often while traveling you want to find a hidden gem:one of those places you will never forget, the one with the amazing view, intimate privacy or the happening local gathering place. It is a very satisfying feeling and makes you feel like you are in the right place at the right time.
I have stumbled upon such places but more often than not it has come about with the help of a local friend I have made or taxi driver I have trusted.
When travelling to Jamaica many fellow travellers surveyed tell similar stories. A bonus is, when looking for things to do in Montego Bay for instance, you will also be protected from price gouging and worse. The chance of being hustled is often eliminated as well.
Local language – Patois
When visiting Negril many years ago I remember spending more money in the first two days of my vacation than I did the remainder of the 14 day trip! Once you learn what things cost and how to ask for it with a little touch of patois thrown in like – “Mi ere fi pay de local rate an y’ dun kno!” (I’m here to pay the local price and that’s all you need to know!) you are good to go on your own.
Hiring a Jamaican taxi and tour business like found at Jamaican Routes is and easy way to find your local friend and tour guide even for a first time visitor. It doesn’t matter if you arrive at the Montego Bay airport (Sangster international ie., MBJ) just needing an airport transfer, or if you then ask your driver, Denton Gabby Martin, about things to do in Negril or about heading to Ocho Rios, YS Falls, and the Bob Marley museum, or about how to say “what’s happening man” (“wappen dada”) you will benefit from the experience.
Most drivers you find on the side of the road can be helpful, most Jamaicans are, but there will be lots of haggling and you may never know if the price is as reasonable as it can be with an established transport company.
Another hidden gem is one of the featured tours I know about. Morgan’s Harbour, a new location which has
I have stumbled upon such places but more often than not it has come about with the help of a local friend I have made or taxi driver I have trusted.
When travelling to Jamaica many fellow travellers surveyed tell similar stories. A bonus is, when looking for things to do in Montego Bay for instance, you will also be protected from price gouging and worse. The chance of being hustled is often eliminated as well.
Local language – Patois
When visiting Negril many years ago I remember spending more money in the first two days of my vacation than I did the remainder of the 14 day trip! Once you learn what things cost and how to ask for it with a little touch of patois thrown in like – “Mi ere fi pay de local rate an y’ dun kno!” (I’m here to pay the local price and that’s all you need to know!) you are good to go on your own.
Hiring a Jamaican taxi and tour business like found at Jamaican Routes is and easy way to find your local friend and tour guide even for a first time visitor. It doesn’t matter if you arrive at the Montego Bay airport (Sangster international ie., MBJ) just needing an airport transfer, or if you then ask your driver, Denton Gabby Martin, about things to do in Negril or about heading to Ocho Rios, YS Falls, and the Bob Marley museum, or about how to say “what’s happening man” (“wappen dada”) you will benefit from the experience.
Most drivers you find on the side of the road can be helpful, most Jamaicans are, but there will be lots of haggling and you may never know if the price is as reasonable as it can be with an established transport company.
Another hidden gem is one of the featured tours I know about. Morgan’s Harbour, a new location which has