Solo Female Traveller staying in Hostel.. advice please?

[JamaicaLove]

Hi everyone,

I am going to Negril in September for 7 or 10 days. Trying to make this the cheapest, most authentic trip possible!

These are my ideas so far:

I was planning to bring some food with me - cans of tuna, jar of mayo, peanut butter, jam/jelly, crackers, chips, cereal, instant coffee, rice/pasta, water bottles, etc. - Is all of that acceptable in my suitcase? Any other suggestions?

Plan on cooking most of my meals- eggs/fruit for breakfast. sandwich/fruit/veggies for lunch. And dinners I was thinking of cooking myself.. buying some meats. But would it be cheaper to just grab some jerk chicken or fish and a local restaurant?

Going to buy a couple bottles of rum to make a rum punch or rum/coke, so I don't have to spend money on alcohol while out.

Going to walk as much as possible (hostel is 10-20 min walk to 7 mile beach)

Not interested in "touristy" excursions- been to Dunn's River, Mayfield Falls. Maybe just some snorkeling, and would love to rent a scooter/motorcycle for a day or two to get out into the country.

How much money should I plan on spending per day?

Would love any advice on how to keep my costs down.

Thanks so much in advance!!


Also, anyone interested in joining me?!?!?

[*vi*]

Your food list is fine, except don't waste the luggage weight bringing water. Buy it there. Very reaonable and cheap. I bring powdered water enhancers like crytal light. I also bring factory packaged lunch meats and cheese every single trip and have never had a problem. Definitely buy your rum and make your own drinks.

Do not forget mosquito repellant!!!!

[Lola]

You may find yourself with less of an appetite than normal. Also the fruits are fantastic, don't miss out on those. There are sometimes vendors along the street as well as the 'market' a few streets from the round-about.

Take-out food is cheaper than a sit-down restaurant (and they may have tables & chairs too). If you are staying where I think you are, there are a couple cook shops nearby, and several on your way to town. These can save you time as well as money over purchasing and cooking 'meat' meals yourself. Seems like the best selection is earlier in the afternoon rather than late in the day.

Perhaps some of your fellow hostelers will go in on cooking a meal with you, as well as hanging out, going to the beach, etc.. Also ask your host for suggestions.

If you go to bars during their Happy Hour, you can enjoy yourself without blowing your budget. Its really nice to get out and relax somewhere other than where you are staying. Happy Hour varies between the bars and their drink specials, plenty of info on this site about that. And a good idea to have rum and mixers at your place too.

[JamaicaLove]

Thanks for the tips vi & lola! (definitely don't want to forget mosquito repellent! lol)

I'm wanting to stay at Judy House (haven't booked yet). I'm so excited, this will be my second time to Negril, but first time alone and first time staying at a hostel, ever (In Jamaica or otherwise). I've read tons of reviews online, and there is nothing but good things said about this place.

I assume it is 420 friendly?

[Ebonyfoxx07]

I will be there with 6 girlfriends from 12-17 september

[Lola]

Judy House is very nice for a hostel, and facilities are designed toward socializing with the other guests. Sue is a great host and super-helpful. You can relax there. I stayed there before she had hostel facilities, and I was up there a couple months ago to see the latest improvements.

[johng]

JamaicaLove,

Having gone to Jamaica and Negril on a very tight budget I can offer you a few tips that worked very well for me. First let me say that traveling alone may be the best thing you could have done. Too many times on a vacation with a friend or lover it can turn into more problems than fun. Having said that I have no idea about the youth hostel where you are staying so I can not comment on that other than saying if you have not committed to staying there your whole trip you can always find another place to stay if you so choose. First tip. When I travel to JA as a budget traveler I buy a Coleman Cooler as one of my baggage pieces. The reason is that it solid, protective, and you can pack many items. Furthermore once you arrive in JA you have your own refrigerator to keep OJ cold, beer, wine, food, etc..... Before you fly home you can sell the cooler or give it away to a deserving friend. Food that easily packs in the cooler, cans of tuna, sardines, other canned fish. Soups canned or in pouches, condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc... All of which are available for sale in supermarkets but if your budget is tight you can buy what you think you will need before you leave to fly down. Second tip, buy yourself an inexpensive plastic juicer to make OJ, Grapefruit juice, etc.. By buying a bag of oranges, Grapefruit in a supermarket or town market you can always have fresh juice in the cooler. Pack a sharp Buck knife type knife in your checked luggage to cut all your fruit and vegetables. You can carry the buck knife on your side if you want some additional security. Third tip, bring an inexpensive electric blender with you for rum drinks, daiquiri's, health drinks, and save a ton on your bar bill not to mention having what you want when you want it and not needing to go out if you don't want to. The nice thing about a cooler is after you fill it with your food stock you can place clothing in to pack it completely and provide some packing material to your goods. Obviously you have to keep track of the weight and make sure it falls in the accepted range of the carrier you are flying. Although Rubbermaid makes a travel box that you can lock with a padlock when I fly with a cooler I secure it with duct tape in all directions to make sure it stays closed. I bring extra duct tape in my carry on in case security of customs wants to open the cooler to check the contents. This idea has worked for me many times so I suggest you give it consideration.

As far as 420 friendly goes do not assume anything. Always remember that Ganja is illegal in JA and getting caught smoking or possessing it will most likely get you in jail and ruin not only your vacation but quite possibly your life. Again common sense prevails so what you decide to do is up to you.

In closing I just would like to add that a vacation in Negril can be the perfect time and place for a really healthy diet and lifestyle. With the abundance of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables combined with extensive walks, runs you can easily lose 10 pounds of body fat in a week without even trying even while drinking some Red Stripes and Rum drinks!!! Enjoy!!!!!

[goldilocks]

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.