rent a car for a day?

Hi all. Have really enjoyed this forum. Thanks to all for the amazing tips (and stories:) My husband and I will be staying in Negril (on the beach) in 12 days to be exact, not that we're counting. We are adventurers. I've been to 12-13 islands, some more than once. We almost always rent a car, even if just for a day to do a little exploring. I know from what you've all said that the red plates are easily accessible, BUT, the option of having a car, just for a day, and if only to explore the coast for a bit on our own time, is appealing. We are not kids (as I will pass a 50th something birthday in Negril). We know not to venture far off "the beaten path" (although we would like to). But just to have the freedom to roam up and down, stop when drawn in, leave when ready... Your thoughts? Thank you!! Soon come.

"But just to have the freedom to roam up and down, stop when drawn in, leave when ready..."

Most drivers will do that for you, plus they know the roads and the runnings. Hire them for the day and they'll take you wherever you want to go; it may not even cost more than a rental and you may actually enjoy it more. Personally I would never consider driving a car in Jamaica, it's not like home for sure, and add to that the fact that they drive on the other side of the road...

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Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel

"But just to have the freedom to roam up and down, stop when drawn in, leave when ready..."

Most drivers will do that for you, plus they know the roads and the runnings. Hire them for the day and they'll take you wherever you want to go; it may not even cost more than a rental and you may actually enjoy it more. Personally I would never consider driving a car in Jamaica, it's not like home for sure, and add to that the fact that they drive on the other side of the road...

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yes, most drivers will do that for you, but then, you are stuck with this driver on your "journey" . . .

dragonfly,

You would be well served to get acquainted with a private driver/guide to help you get acquainted with Negril.

I will unabashedly recommend my son Linston. He has a licensed and insured PPV (taxi) and has spent 16 years in the States. He is my adopted son and I can promise you he will treat you fairly and show you an enjoyable time outside the AI.

Here's his web site www.redplate-negril.com

I've lived in Jamaica off and on for 40 years and most of the folks on this board know me.

Regards,

Captain Dave

PS. When you go to the web site I'm the fat white guy in the pictures
PPS. If you really want to get off the beaten track he'll take out out to my yard. About 7 mi from town but very different

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renting a car is a good value vs. a hired car.It is not for the faint of heart. you will be lost. you will be scared. It will take both of you to manage.The reward is priceless adventure.

This is making for a great "discussion" here on the homefront. Thank you all for your responses thus far. My husband (a musician among other things - and aren't there plenty of us in that category?) is now belting out a song that includes some funky reggae progessive vibe "can't take a wronga turn man, i not driving...") More like this; "Can't take a wronga turna man....i .. not ... driving." Would attach the sheet music but.. By the end of the night maybe we'll have a music video. Thanks for the i & i (info. and inspiration).

What a wonderful memory Captaind!! Wish I were there now...:)
Dragonfly...I can tell you that Linston is really a great guy and quite a safe driver. Having a car (which I have done one time for one day) is nice....but it is much nicer to just kick back, have drinks or whatever, and not have to worry about driving. Whatever you choose, have fun and be safe.

If you need a driver, check with Shayne. He hangs out at Kuyaba most days and is a hard working young man who will take good care of you. We used him many time while in Negril and he also carried us back to the airport. Great cabbie!!

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Originally Posted by pine tree john

renting a car is a good value vs. a hired car.It is not for the faint of heart. you will be lost. you will be scared. It will take both of you to manage.The reward is priceless adventure.

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i agree it's the best value . . . and not for the faint of heart . . . i started driving in ja at 54, i'm a woman, drove around, up and down and across the island a lot in the last 8 years alone a lot of the times . . . yes, it takes balls, but worth every mile!!! . . . can't compare being driven to driving yourself!! . . . priceless!!

While having a driver is great and a fair value in itself I long for the day I road trip it across Ja. Just make sure you get a map and GPS for the rental car and all should be good. And please post about your experiences to inspire those like myself.