4th trip to jamaica, first time NOT at an AI

[Rn71klp22]

Due to arrive in negril in nov. Staying at treehouse, first time trip not being at an all inclusive. Our transport is included by Kenny tours. Wondering if any one has ideas for us upon arrival. Such as exchange money or not?? At treehouse or elsewhere?? If anyone knows if driver will stop at a store on the way for intial stock up on red stripe, rum, water, pop snacks etc. and if they will stop, what's the best place for that stuff?? And I guess in general any ideas on places to eat and drink, near treehouse . ANY words of advice or ideas would be GREATLY appreciated 😀, thanks!!! Definately looking forward to soaking up some real culture and adventure on this trip!

[Packrat]

Enjoy your trip, read through the forum and you will find most of the answers to your questions regarding the many places to eat and drink. Your driver will stop anywhere you want him to, the MegaMart in MoBay is a good place to get started with liquor, beer and food. Change your money at the Cambio but not at the airport for a good exchange rate. Have Fun

[M&G Montreal]

Let the adventure begin! Welcome to the Real Negril! You're gonna love it - and never go back to AI!!! Good advice from Packrat - read through the forums. You can stop at Mega Mart or trip down to Hi Lo in Negril when you get in. Treehouse is a lovely spot! Can't wait for our trip staying there in Feb!

Follow the webcasts, and you'll meet a zillion boardies with a zillion ideas. Not sure where you're from, but if it's Canada (especially Canada) or the US, beer and liquor prices are cheap even in the places people tout as expensive compared to home. So you can't lose even if you pay the highest price in Negril, IMO>

Many Boardies have said it and it's true - Never had a bad meal in Negril! Go out of Treehouse and walk and see what there is. There are twice as many good places to eat as there are opinions on this board! And that's saying something! Personally, Canoe is "don't miss", Sky Bar, Swordfish, .. and on the beach? The list is endless! Walk. When you feel the need for Red Strip (or rum punch), stop, look, see which place in the next 4 or 5 or 6 appeals to you, and pull up a beach chair and order a drink! If you don't like it - move on to the next!

Oh - and take the One Love Pub Crawl! It's uber fun! If you can't find Linbert's number on the board, PM me. And follow the webcasts! You can't go wrong.

Amusez-vous bien! It's impossible not to!

And to quote Packrat again- HAVE FUN!

[Ktans]

Fantastic! You are in for a treat....ask and you shall receive is my motto....definitely read through this forum, you'll be planning your next non AI stay before you even arrive pon di rock! Do not exchange your money at the airport....and don't let anyone outside of the bank exchange your currency to JA. The staff at Treehouse will be a great resource. Enjoy!

[Reggae Roy]

I'd suggest you make a stop at Jerky's in Montego Bay for some delicious jerk pork or chicken. There is a Scotia Bank right next door (atm is free if you use a Bank of America card). The Mega Mart is right there too.

[Mark & Deana]

DON'T eat an entire pot brownie, a 1/4 will do - though our days of that are done.

[rocknrollfarmer]

This is so cool . Your first time non-AI. We started out that way, I guess quite a few do, but our first time non-Ai was at Cocolapalm. Since then, we have not done AI . Have stayed at 4 other places. Will be at Treehouse in Dec. and Feb. Enjoy yourselves. Myrna's little {likkle} grocery store on da beach is a good place to stop. Just keep exploring mon' Have FUN

[saeyedoc]

Unless you need groceries to cook with, don't bother with MegaMart, it gets crowded and will take some time to get through there. There are plenty of small stores near Treehouse to pick up what you want, or you can go into Negril to one of the markets there. Your driver may be able to change enough money to get you started, or just have him stop at a Cambio.
If the timing is right, have your driver stop at Bigga's in Green Island (town before Negril) for the best jerk chicken.
There are plenty of places to eat within short walking distance of Treehouse.

[Teek]

Going in nov too for me and my wife's first non AI trip also. Been 3 times and looking forward to a more "real" experience. Can't wsit

[Misti1]

You should love Treehouse, you will not miss the AI thing at all once you step out on faith