1. Obtain a U.S passport:
Please refer to how to do that here.(Please allow at least 4 - 6 weeks in advance of travel time.)
2. Book your lodging:
Portland appeals to travelers within any budget. All of our suggestions are well reviewed and within 10 minutes of Norse Hill. We'd suggest booking at least 4 months in advance to secure your dates. Prices are based on double accommodation, per room.Splurge ($300 - $600):- Please refer to the Geejam Collection for a list of small, luxurious resorts; including Geejam, Trident Hotel & The Trident Castle.
(Boston Bay from our window, during our stay at Great Huts in 2010)
Mid - Range ($100 - $300)
Budget ( $30 +)
Villas:
Portland also has a number of villas which are available for rental, and may be better suited for groups. San San, Drapers and Fairy Hill would be the key words, since they're in close proximity to Norse Hill. Our coordinator at Norse Hill, Yvonne, has a number of available villas for rent on her website. Yvonne can be helpful at arranging accommodations at the best price possible.We would also suggest using TripAdvisor, Flipkey and Homeaway for looking into other accommodations than what we have listed.
3. Book your airfare (suggested 2-4 months in advance)
UPDATE : We are noticing there aren't many direct flights to Kingston from PHL or ORL, making the commute significantly longer. For those coming from those cities, we encourage you to consider flying into Montego Bay. Most flights are direct and less expensive. The direct highway (A4) connecting Mo' Bay to Portland begins at the airport, and is a smooth and scenic drive along the coastline.- To either Kingston (2 - 2 1/2 hours to Portland) or Montego Bay (3 1/2 hours to Portland)We will be tracking airfare, using Skyscanner, out of Philadelphia, PA and Orlando, FL where most of our invitees will be coming from. While we do think it'll be helpful to you to do the same, we will notify those coming from Philly or Orlando, via facebook or text message whenever airfare is being offered at a lower price. Airfare is typically cheapest to buy on a Monday. The least expensive days to fly are Wednesday and Saturday. Flights from Philadelphia are 3 1/2 hours, while out of Orlando are about 2 hours. We strongly suggest getting in earlier in the day, such as the morning or early afternoon. This is to allow you adequate travel time to Portland in the day light (and enjoy the scenic drive!), as well as have some time to relax and settle in before the welcome reception (if you choose to fly in on Thursday April, 3rd.)
4. ...or Cruise:
Although we can't recommend it due to our lack of experience on cruise ships (and our bias that time should be spent on the island rather than a boat), another option would be to cruise to Ochos Rios, which is about 1 hour West of Portland.
5. Let your bank(s) know when and where you'll be traveling to, in order to avoid a stall on your card when you try to use it or take out cash at an ATM.
6. Arrange Transport to/from the airport in Kingston or Montego Bay:
You have a few options.
Rent a Vehicle using the reputable Island Car Rentals:- In 2010, we rented a Jimney (compared to a Subaru Tracker) in Montego Bay and drove along the beautiful northern coastline. Driving on the opposite side of the road, from the passenger side of the car took some getting used to. Luckily, the stretch of highway that circles the coastline of the island was modern and freshly paved. Off the highway however, the roads can become a little more narrow and curvier, with the occasional pot hole or roaming dog to look out for. Norse Hill and most area lodges are on or just off the main, smooth highway. During the duration of our stay, we will be renting a vehicle again, and would encourage those who wish to stay longer than the weekend, and/or possibly explore other parts of the island to do the same if they feel comfortable. It is certainly the easiest and quickest way to get around, and inexpensive, at as low as $40 a day.
Arrange transport with your lodge:
- Most hotels and villas can arrange transport for you. Island car rentals also offers transfers to and from the airport at a fair rate. Check their website for details. Another idea is to coordinate with friends or family, to arrange transport together. Certainly let us know, and we'd be glad to help you with planning!Once you're settled, Portland has an abundance of taxis available and easy to flag down on the main road at cheap rates. 10 minute, local taxi rides can cost as low as $2-$4. As with most services provided in Jamaica, it is advisable to ask the rate first.
7. Let us know the details of your plans!
Please let us know if you have any questions! We'd certainly be glad to help you in anyway. It would me the world to us to have you there! If you're having trouble making to arrangements within your budget, or travel just isn't what you do, or if you just need help, please reach out!
8. Pack your bags!
- Passport
- Copy of your passport.
- Outside your daily attire and wedding attire, we suggest packing bug repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, water shoes, and a beach towel (if not provided by lodging.)