As a long time extreme budget female solo traveller, here are some things I never travel without:

solar flashlight and some candles
solar radio or some form of music
fish line and hooks (if you don't fish, trade them for some fish!)
Sun block and bug stuff
Advil, bandaids, antibiotic cream for bug bites, etc. (little things that can add up if you have to buy them there)
always bring my own towels, and sometimes sheets
about a dozen washcloths or bandanas, can be used for all kinds of things

I use a soft-sided cooler as a carry on.

for food items I just bring a small emergency stash:
green tea (Sue probably has herbal teas growing in her yard)
oatmeal packets
nutri-grain bars
granola or trail mix
ramen noodles can be augmented with fresh veggies, etc.
candy for kids (smarties, lollipops - stuff that won't melt)
usually give whatever is left over away to locals who have shown kindness (solar items are well appreciated!)


Look for good inexpensive food wherever you see the taxi drivers eating. On the beach road: Collette's, One Mile, Fatty's, box food in front of Whistling Bird - lots of good local food is available at reasonable prices (J$350-800).

I avoid most places that list prices in US dollars, although that is becoming more common these days. Seastar is probably the one exception. Check their Saturday night buffet and show (for about $20US you get dinner and a show in a hassle free environment - drinks extra) and they will pick you up for free (tip the driver please)

420 in JA is pretty much the same as in US - babylon don't like it, but dem can't seem to stop Jah works. Undercovers and tourist set-ups do exist. would not recommend public displays.