Caribbean Scooter Rentals
Exploring Blue Lagoon's Treasures
Picture your cruise ship approaching a small tropical island with a population the size of a small town, winding roads, criss-crossing beachscapes, pastures and rainforests. As you arrive at your port of call, you plan to rent a car and tour the island on your own - to truly experience the spice of this stand-alone country.
Magens Bay Beach, St. ThomasUntil you realize this island drives on the wrong side of
the road, the roads are not well maintained (how much tax base can 20,000
support for a country?), and the hills have treacherous switchbacks that look
impossible to navigate. Plans have been dashed and now you have to sit on the
beach for the day sipping margaritas ...
While a beach day is always appropriate, GoGirlfriend is here to offer some tips to help you get out and explore that island's blue lagoon treasures and national features.
Understanding the rules of the road (Caribbean-style)
National driving standardsNo matter where you call home, travel involves learning
how to navigate the many different rules of the road around the world. Almost
70% of the world's population live in countries where drivers drive on the
right side of the road (like North America), while the remaining 30% drive on
the left side of the road (like Britain).
There was even a 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic to regulate how a country chooses its standard.
Beach - no stress!Caribbean countries add another twist. In North America
we drive on the right side of the road with the driver sitting in the left hand
drive position of the car (the opposite is true with left hand side of the road
driving in the right hand side of the car). In the Caribbean they mix it up
again with the driver opposing the above rules (putting a ride side of the road
country with a right side of the car driver - and left with left).
Now try to drive and navigate a traffic circle. Very stressful for a relaxing vacation. Below are a few tourist-friendly driving countries. If your island of choice isn't listed, driving customs are topsy-turvey and caution is advised.
Island's with North American similarity (right side of the road, left hand drive):
- Netherland Antilles (Bonaire, Curacao and St. Maarten)
- French Antilles (St. Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe)
Islands with British similarity (left side of the road and right hand drive):
- Barbados
- Jamaica
- Trinidad and Tobago
GoGirlfriend's Caribbean island solution
Caribbean Scooter RentalsThe simplest, safest, most economical option that allows
you to chart your own course is a scooter rental. No matter the island's driving
style, the simple navigational ease of a scooter for two allows much more
flexibility and adaptability - and they're a lot of fun to drive. Many islands
have scooter rentals at or near the pier or airport for a day's adventures.
Typical rental is $55 (USD) per day for a 2-seater. Check before you leave if your auto insurance policy covers you or you need more insurance (approx. $25/day) and some may require a valid motorcycle license.
Check these scooter rentals out:
Barbados - Demario's Cycle World and Scooter Rental (at Bridgetown Cruise Terminal)
Barbados - Paradise Scooter Rentals
Bonaire - Rento Fun Drive (Kralendijk, Bonaire)
Curacao - Scooby ToursSt Lucia - Scotty's Scooter rentals
GoGirlfriend suggests don that bikini (and helmet), grab your partner and find your own Blue Lagoon treasures. That's what exploring the islands all are about.
Take a picture of yourselves with your scooter or in your new-found blue lagoon and send it to us. We'd love to hear where you went and a little about your experience. Drop us a line in the comments below, or on Twitter or Facebook.
Comments
There are many such spots
There are many such spots where scooters or such type of mode of transport which are found to be beneficial and feasible. These are preferred for different reasons. First of all they are easy to handle, cost effective, and enjoyable to ride. This was a great post - thanks for writing!
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