So, this is your first trip to Jamaica huh? Have you covered all of your bases when planning this vacation? One thing many visitors to this enchanting isle forget to look into is transportation to your resort or hotel. And don’t forget about trips around the island and towns or tours to observe the local attractions. Although the roads have improved over the last few years, they still are not as smooth and wide as what most of us are used to in the states.  So a safe driver with a smooth riding vehicle is a must for traveling around Negril.

If you booked your trip as a package deal, the commute to Negril, Ocho Rios, or other popular destinations are usually included in the cost. The shuttle van or bus is usually driven by a competent driver with a well maintained and comfortable vehicle. You may use this same mode of travel for tours around the island or trips to the local points of interest. Rates are set and you know what the cost will be before getting on the bus or van. But for the independent minded planner, this means more expense and trouble.

It seems as if everyone with a car in Jamaica offers taxi rides to almost anywhere on the island.  Not true of course, it just seems that way, but there is no chance of getting stranded as you travel about this exotic isle. Because of the many entrepreneurs with vehicles, there will always be a tooting horn as you walk along the roadside and an offer of a ride. Making a choice of which offer you accept is a lesson one learns quickly.

If you are from America, or anywhere else drivers keep to the right, it is unlikely that you will rent a car or motorcycle to travel around the island with. The traffic is too hectic to be able to concentrate on staying in the left lane, especially while making a turn. This is why having a dependable driver is so important to the success of your visit. Whether it be a trip shopping, touring, or getting to and from the airport, a timely safe driver is worth every cent you pay them.

These drivers are also your ticket to the real Jamaica, where to go, what to see, or to answer questions about the hidden beauties of the island. Most will help in finding great deals on tours, activities, merchandise, or best of all, great food spots. They know the best places to go on certain nights for music and excitement, which club has the best reggae performers and the best drinks. In a way, they are the activity directors if you need them. Most are polite and honest.

How does one find such a person, you ask? Usually the resorts themselves will vouch for certain drivers, but these drivers, although good, are more expensive to hire as the resort gets a percentage of the fee. Not a lot more and for some people this is satisfactory enough to use them during the visit. Some of these same drivers can become your driver without going through the resort, no matter which resort you are currently staying. If you are a seasonal visitor this is a win-win situation for both you and the driver. This usually turns into a lasting friendship of mutual satisfaction.

My favorite driver, Tyrone, drove a taxi in Massachusetts to earn the money to buy his comfortable van. I was impressed as I watched him cleaning and detailing it across the street from our resort. After arranging for him to carry my wife and I to the airport at Mo Bay we were so pleased with his service and demeanor we consider Tyrone our driver while we are in Negril. Most of the drivers are very interesting people.

Taxi drivers in Jamaica are easy to find, but finding good ones take a little more effort in order to make your visit to this exceptionally beautiful island as good as it could be. Always err on the side of caution when hiring a driver. The cardinal rule from someone who knows: Always ask if the A/C is working and if they plan on using it during the drive. No problem and Respect.