Coffee Break Chat: Jamaican Travel Blogger, Nicolette Woolery
by Stephanie Koathes Dec 10, 2018
Photo credit: @troddr Instagram
Nicolette Woolery is a certified marketer who has long nursed a passion for travel and food. She turned that passion into the travel blog – TRODDR.
What led you to start a travel blog?
In the summer of 2012, I decided that I wanted to start a website. Though I didn’t know much about websites, I decided to build it myself, and that it would be home to two of my passions: food and travelling. This was perfect as people, both foreigners and locals would often come to me for restaurants and local travel recommendations and so TRODDR was started.
How did you come up with the name?
The name TRODDR did not come overnight or even right away. I started out with the name Experience876, but neither did I believe it was a great fit for what I was doing, nor did I want to limit myself and my readers. While working with my graphic designer at the time, I went through several names until (and this is a moment I distinctly remember), I typed T-R-O-D-D-R and said: “This is it.”
What’s the aim of the blog?
I wanted to start a website that would encourage Jamaicans to vacation locally, by telling them where to go, what to see and, my favourites, and where to eat. This later turned into me wanting Caribbean nationals to travel regionally, exploring their own islands as well as the neighbouring islands. That is exactly what I did and continue to do with TRODDR.com.
What have you learned since starting your blogging career?
Since starting TRODDR, I’ve learned that nothing comes before its time and patience is key to getting through it. It has also taught me perseverance. After putting in work for so many years, there are times when giving up has crossed my mind, but at the end of the day, I’m doing something that I absolutely love. Giving up on TRODDR is like giving up on me.
Many of us never explore the island. When did you become such a passionate local tourist?
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved exploring, especially in my own backyard. I’ve always lived close to the beach and I fondly remember waking up and walking down to the beach with my parents, something we would do on weekends and some weekdays.
I have a three-day vacation coming up. Where do you recommend for a staycation?
Treasure Beach and Negril are two of my most recommended options for staycations.
Where are some of your favourite spots?
My favourite spots tend to have a view of the sea. In Negril, one of the best places to watch the sunset is Sir D’s Firewater Lovenest, a two-minute walk up the road from Rick’s Café
What are your favourite restaurants?
Kuyaba, Push Cart Restaurant and Rock House Restaurant are my favourites in Negril.
Then in Ocho Rios, Ms. T’s Kitchen and Fromage Brasserie, East Japanese and Sora Japanese in Kingston.
What’s the best hotel you’ve stayed at on the island?
The Cliff Hotel is one of the most beautiful properties I have visited. I’m looking forward to seeing Jake’s in Treasure Beach and GoldenEye in Oracabessa.
What are your top travel tips?
Always be aware of your surroundings. Never be quick to judge. Embrace every moment.
Check out TRODDR for great travel ideas and tips for Jamaica and the region. And when you decide to be a local tourist and take a staycation, Find Yello has everything you need to secure the perfect accommodations.
