Mini-Vacay on a Budget

In the past two or three months persons have reached out to me asking for assistance to plan vacations, weekend getaways etc. and I have been doing just that for FREE.. It gives me pleasure!

Often I am asked "How do you manage to get away so often Dee.. ?"

Well, here are a few of my secrets. Its not much but I will share...

Let me start with how to maximize the little you have and explore our beautiful Island...

I utilize GREAT DEALS, Deals and more Deals ..... yup

We all have the use of the internet and so we should use it to our benefit.

(Welcome to the beautiful Mayfields Fall in Westmoreland. On my Road Trip List for 2017)

My first Deal spot is (Drum Roll) Airbnb... YES..
On this site whereever in Jamaica I plan to visit I can find accommodation with a wide variety of pricing to choose from. $50usd to $100usd (on the lower end) and yes there are cheaper ones but that’s for the tourists who wants to stay in a hut on the hillside...and these accommodation go for $15usd per night.. NAWWW I WILL PASS 

My second deal spot is Guztazos.. Deals are out everyweek for small hotels. Currently eyeing a deal for Sea Star Inn, Negril for Two Days one Night at $6500jmd.

My Third deal spot is Brawta Living which offers similar deal packages like Gustazos. Make sure you sign up on these sites. 

Before you run off to a weekend retreat know what you plan to get out of the weekend as in what do you really want to experience? The beach, the hillside, the river, the food, the restaurants... be clear what you want to get out of your experience. Once this is clear or you have an idea then its time to go searching..

Hold up.. don't book as yet! Read the reviews. Read as many as possible. Look at the pictures of the villas. Call if you can.

 Do not be afraid to ask questions..

1. Is there a restaurant on property?
2. Is there a swimming pool?
3. What other amenities do you offer?
4. Are you close to or on the beach?
5. Check in and check out times?
6. Does my booking come with breakfast?
7 How far is the nearest town?
8. Are you located close to public transportation, gas station?
9. Room views, what do you see when looking out the window?
10. What is the discounted rate for locals?

You may wonder why ask so many questions. Some seem very irrelevant… I agree it is but in order for you to have a better understanding of the area you will be staying overnight it is best to ask and not assume. Many advertisers crop, edit and manipulate photographs to make it appealing to the unsuspecting “booker”. SO BE WARNED!

FOOD, we must eat!

My weekend retreats are not for high price meals so staying at a villa where only breakfast is provided you will then have to purchase food on the go while you explore the area.. For these occasions, unless you are visiting from foreign lands “across the waters” and miss the taste of our local sea food, or unless you really have additional cash to splurge do not rush to buy expensive meals. Remember you are taking a mini vacation on a budget. Stick to your budget. Think experience... Jerk Food or affordable meals.

Arrive at your resting place early. WAY BEFORE THE SUNSETS

Whats the sense having a road trip that does not entails stopping on the way to the villa. There is so much you can see and explore which will make the day worth the ride. Regardless of your plans make sure that no matter what you plan to do on your way to your accommodation you will arrive the by the latest 3pm. The sun is up, you can check out the property and check in so you can view your room. Just in case you are not 100% satisfied you have a few hours before nightfall to find somewhere else to overnight or request for a new room. Don’t sacrifice your happiness staying somewhere you are not comfortable. You saw the pictures, read the reviews so you had expectations. Let them meet them.

All checked in at Villa Juanita, Hector's River Portland 

BE A GREAT GUEST!

There are perks to this weekend Road Trip that I never knew existed. It all starts with being a Great GUEST. Between Monday and Yesterday I received three calls from villas Garfield and I have stayed in the last few months. They were all asking what we were doing this upcoming weekend and as expected an offer was made for a discounted stay for two night. One was as low as $5000 per night plus breakfast. Two of the places in Negril, one is Portland.

(Views at Villa Juanita, Hectors River, Portland visited April 2016 upcoming article)

Be a great guest.. leave the property just as how you found it. Be courteous always even if you should lose your cool. We know the customer is always right but as humans we don't always get it right so allow your host to correct any challenges you are experiencinG.  Airbnb also has a review process, so remember that not only are you able to review your hosts/hotel your hotel/hosts will also review you as a guest. a bad review for you may hamper future booking on this website so thread cautiously.

YES YOU CAN!

Stop telling yourself you can’t afford to take a mini vacation. You too deserve to enjoy the simple things life has to offer. You too can watch the sunset sink in the sea in Negril or go hiking up the Whiteriver…

Last but not least.. enjoy Jamaica safely.. Its is nice to stop at local shops and speak with natives/fellow Jamaicans but it is not wise to give information about where you are staying and for how long. Also, for me night is for staying on the property not for visiting the towns and checking out the clubs. We want to experience our island but we also want to do so safely.

So as night draws neigh FIND WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO SLEEP. Go lounge by the pool and have a drink on the property. Stay in. Mi a warn unnu... :) Also, do not play brave.. If you can not swim or even if you can swim request and wear a life jacket. Going snorkeling - request a life Jacket. Going swimming in the river on the property, request a life jacket. The aim is to go out enjoy and return the same so PLEASE DO NOT JUMP OFF THE CLIFF AT RICKS CAFE UNLESS YOU ARE AN EXCELLENT SWIMMER..

I hope this blog encourages someone to start experiencing the beauty of our island and acknowledges that No Visa Is Required to do so as often as you wish. I personally do not fancy large chain hotels but if I get a pass I do visit. Pricey and boring unless it is a weekend to only relax and do not lift straw where you just want to stay one place and sleep and do nothing fine but for me (Yawns) too boring. I hope someone will see that it doesn't have to break the bank or get a loan to enjoy life and explore the beauty in life. I hope someone will realize that this is how many persons do so much with little... :)

OK.. now where will I be off to this weekend...... Let’s see! HOME.. well my second home in the Garden Parish… Love my sweet Jamaica. 

Remember, No Visa Required Jamaica. Walk Good!

Dee Hunt