I heard you shouting out jitterbug

I do enjoy renting a car, but I usually don't in Negril, only when I am going somewhere far and expensive to get to with a driver. I actually rent specifically to go off the beaten path so if that is not your intention, don't bother, I say

I've rented from Vernon's - that was just OK we had some issues with the car but they were addressed when we returned it. I have rented from Island Cruiser, that was fine. I have rented from Sparks, a small company, and that was also fine. All are based in Negril, SParks and Vernons will deliver the car to the airport if you want.

Driving on the left was really not a big deal for me to get used to at all, other than learning to "feel" the physical space to my left in relation to vegetation, the edge of the road, etc. What took longer was getting good at dodging potholes while also watching for oncoming traffic in my lane around blind curves, and making sure I was aware of the movements of all the people, animals and taxis around me. Also, getting stuck behind a truck on a curvy road stinks. Passing in the imaginary 3rd lane is OK on a straightaway, though I did get a $1000J ticket for it in Portland last trip.

My advice: If you want to go somewhere and aren't in a hurry and won't be drinking/etc., give it a try. It's fun to go to, say, Mandeville or Treasure Beach from Negril in a car. From here to there in Negril I find a taxi easier, the traffic is a little stressful there.

I wrote a blog post about driving. Need to re-upload my photos and haven't had the time but my observations are intact: http://www.travelsinjamaica.com/2010...xperience.html