Well can’t say much more than, “It takes one person to make a trip come together!” Byron, Thank You!!!!
It may seem very little in your eyes what you do, but in mine it makes the difference in returning to paradise, or finding somewhere else to go! I can say we’ve become good friends and spending the couple days we had was very memorable and will never be forgotten. I know Charity loved it and right now that is the only thing that I’m focused on right now. Thank you my friend!!! Make your Paradise travels better with Byron Powell as your adventure specialist!!!!
I booked a hotel transfer and a trip to the Blue Hole and White River tubing for my wife and my first real vacation without the kids since our Honeymoon. We arrived early and one of Island Transfers drivers, who was there for someone else, called in for me. Odean showed up within 10 minutes, and my experience completely changed for the better thanks to him. On the way to the hotel, our lively conversation with Odean led him to offer to stop and get us some samples of the local rum. Tip #1 tip the girl giving samples, purchase something small, but buy your bottles duty free at your resort or the airport. I was feeling good by the time we left. Odean let me know we could request our driver for our excursion. I emailed the company and of course requested my number one bud out there. Odean showed up and we were off. We asked questions and he told us about local, culture, and political climate. He showed us various sites and points of interest on the way. When we got to the Blue Hole, Odean hand picked our guide. The guide Dillon was great. He made sure that my wife who is not the best swimmer was comfortable the whole time. If you're worried about not getting that perfect photo for your family's Holiday cards or your daily post on Facebook about the whereabouts of your family, worry no more! My second bud took over her camera and took great pictures of the scenery and us. When we were done we walked across to the little market place to buy towels and bless Odean's soul, he made sure we were not harrased and received a fair price. We then traveled to the white river for the tubing. As I am a huge history and culture person, Odean again provided information about the local area. He again handpicked our guide George for the trip down river. If you're down to hi ho down the river, my third bud George serenaded us with Bob Marley songs and insured we were good the whole time. Tip #2 give these guys tips they were really out here looking out for you and your safety and it just isn't fair they work hard and are paid very little. On the way back we stopped at World Famous Scottchies for some Jerk Chicken, a must do my friends. On the way back Odean suggested the tour to the beaches of Negril. I checked it out that evening and decided to book it, again requesting Odean of course as my driver. He showed up and off we were again. Of course he again answered all my questions and volunteered information, with me learning more than I have ever read about Jamaica. We asked for him to take us to a good spot for souvenirs and again he took us to a marketplace where we were not harassed and received fair prices. Tip #3 we all want to show off some authentic local craftsmanship to our family. But be careful! As is with most tourist destination these days, most things are made somewhere in Asia. We then went to Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville's private beach. This is a great place for base camp to enjoy the seven miles of beautiful beaches. You get anxiety from the watchful eyes of employees itching to ask if you need help or want to show you something? Not even a problem! Never any pressure to buy anything from them, although I did buy a few drinks, the vendors on the beach were kept off the immediate property, and adequate security. My dumb butt even left a camera in plain view for over three hours and it was not touched, all you youtubers out there will be safe. After the beach we stopped at World Famous Ricks Cafe, had some drinks, and watched the divers. Tip #4 the drinks are awesome, but wait to eat. We had such a great day and I felt it was because of all the suggestions provided by Odean, I just had to break some bread with this man. On the way back to the resort I told him this and asked him to take us somewhere he would go, somewhere locals eat. We stopped at a roadside spot and shared some Jerk Chicken, Conch, and Ting. Odean took us back to our resort and we said our goodbyes. I did not expect Odean to do the transfer back to the airport upon our departure, as I figured as good as a guide he is he would pick up a better gig. On the day of our departure, who shows up? It could be no one but my bud Odean. He took us back to the airport and it was like saying goodbye to a long time friend. My only regret is not getting a picture with him. I highly recommend Island Transfers, and Odean is the obvious choice as a guide and driver.
We hired Island Transfers & Tours for our transportation to and from the airport. When we arrived to Jamaica we met our amazing driver, Navar. It was after meeting him we decided to book our excursions through this company. He suggested the least busy day for us to do our excursions and he was spot on. We did the Blue Hole and White River Tubing and had both places almost all to ourselves. Navar is one of the nicest people I have ever met. We had a bit of a drive to our destinations and, because of him, the time flew by and we were at our excursions before we knew it. He goes above and beyond and is full of interesting information about the country. This was by far the best day of our trip! I HIGHLY recommend requesting Navar for any transportation you may need during your travel in Jamaica.