Jamaica is beautiful island I hear. How safe is it to go there? I like to drive a car all over. Are there any parts I shouldn't go to?

I went to Jamaica in 2012 for spring break. We stayed in Ocho Rios at an all inclusive. Although we stayed at the all inclusive we were all over the country doing different excursions. Each time we left the resort we had a driver and each driver told us we shouldn't be driving alone down there. Some areas looked sketchier than others but that's to be expected. Almost every trip we took we noticed that driving down there is different, not just left lane driving but drivers down there don't seem to drive safe. There were always motor bikes and people walking all over the place so you're almost always hitting someone and the conditions of most roads isn't the best. Personally for us it was easier to just have a driver who was used to those conditions. However, if you're confident in their different driving conditions go for it. **Make sure to keep all valuables, money, id, etc. locked up and in a safe place

I have been there 3 times solo and once with someone go solo it s awesome. I go to Negril. They have tons of great places But I don t prefer the all inclusive. They do not give you the "real" Jamaica. You can rent a car from the airport or you can get one there after arriving. They are of British occupation so you have to drive on the left side.There are places you should not drive at night. Ask the locals what to do. they are very friendly. Keep your personal items locked up ie: passport money. Don t wear bling whatever you do.

Is it crime FREE NO. Is it safe. YES with normal precautions one takes when they travel to any place they are not familiar.

So you are the typical RICH American with more Bling than you know what to do with. Poor people can help you with that problem. DO NOT make yourself an obvious target.

It is about about a three to four hour drive. There is some road damage because of recent hurricanes.

I assume you are aware of Jamaican traffic rules. If you are not sure you should investigate before you decide to drive.

Jamaicans do not have the best driving habits in particular the motor cycles. Drive with care and pay attention the road.

Road markings and night time street lights are not common.

All depends on your choice of route. Some roads are better driving than others.

Do you know traffic circle rules for clockwise direction?

Take a peak at a typical drive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjhzI6zV3Ds

The New Highway is very Nice PAY THE TOLL.

Sigh.....typical American!! No, it is NOT safe for a white person to drive all over. Would you do that in the black area of Detroit or Chicago?? Use your head, young lad. If you go, stay close to the hotel and hire a driver. Jamaicans of the white or light variety carry guns for obvious reasons....Americans carry them for all the wrong reasons!! I have stayed in the posh areas of Kingston and I was told not to go out ANYWHERE on my own......I was in a private home. Places not to go?? Poorer areas of Kingston (Trenchtown, Tivoli Gardens, for instance)..I would love to see Cockpit/Maroon country but not safe to go there. I can't even visit my grandmother's grave up in the country. Not safe to do that. Does that answer your question?

Everything I have read says to get a driver to take you around- do not try and drive yourself. The roads are awful and only an experienced driver familiar with the roads is recommended.

Remember to drive on the left