Planning a trip to Jamaica does not have to be only about snorkelling, hotels and beaches. Although those are wonderful winter activities, there are other ways to enjoy Jamaica Holidays. For something truly unique, why not plan your next holiday around a road trip?
It’s no secret that Jamaica is lined with warm waters and sandy beaches as far as the eye can see. Past all these shorelines lies something deeper. The island is known for its warm hospitality and friendly folks, so exploring the off-beaten paths by car could be the beginning to a unique Jamaica experience.
Where to Stay
Along the roadways are numerous private Jamaican cottages, villas and apartments that can be reserved for a night, a week or longer. These comfortable quarters are often the best choice for a home away from home experience. You can use your new Jamaican home away from home as a base while you explore the territory.
Where to Go
Enjoy some of the exotic places the island has to offer. Take in the full flavours and participate in the local markets. There are 14 parishes on the island that can easily be explored as you make your way through the many mountainside villages and tiny town that you discover along the way, not to mention the breath-taking scenery along the coastlines.
A place of interest to explore is Portland and Ocho Rios. This area is where you will find beautiful vistas in amazing surroundings. Along the roads, be sure to stop and enjoy some of the items for sale, such as Jamaican delicacies that include jerked pork and chicken. For the perfect dinner, try a plate of jerk food at Buff Bay’s Blueberry Hill Jerk Shop or at Portland’s Boston Jerk Centre.
What to See
If you continue along the south coast you should run into Treasure Beach, which is a great hotel area. If you stay long enough to enjoy a boat ride along the Black River you may be fortunate enough to see some of the alligators that call this place home.
This same road will see you past YS Falls where you can visit a papaya plantation then dive into the falls using a rope. After YS Falls is Negril. Here there are a great many choices for seafood and beachfront dining. For a truly unique dining experience, be sure to check out Alligator Pond’s Little Ochie. This is a restaurant that serves customers their meal on a boat that rests on stilts, which is covered by a beautiful thatched roof and offers a magnificent sea view.
The roadsides in Jamaica will be dotted with a variety of craft market stalls, farmers selling their product and food stands that have sour sops, local fruit and waters. Jackfruit and cold jelly are a common food choice. These jellies are a combination of boiled root wine and herbs mixed with honey or molasses and served cold. It is an island favourite.
If you plan to buy local souvenirs, be on the lookout for bamboo shakers, hand-painted wood items and a variety of vibrant reggae CDs.