Why would you be interested to know about travel tips in Jamaica?
It is hard not to be fascinated with this tropical paradise. The birthplace of reggae music, all-inclusive and world-class resorts and cream-colored beaches, frothy waterfalls and craggy Blue Mountains fringing the island – these are just a few of the reasons why millions of tourists from around the world troop yearly to Jamaica.
If Caribbean is on your bucket list, it is almost a possibility Jamaica is in it too, after all, it is in the heart of this destination. Regardless of what your reason for going to Jamaica – honeymoon, relax, go for extreme adventures, travel with family, or all of the above – there is something for everyone on this tiny Caribbean island.
Smart Travel Tips
Traveling smart is important, wherever in the world you may decide to go. If you are alarmed by the high crime rate you read in the news, you can stay safe by avoiding notorious areas and with some practical tips. No wonder Alice Newell’s parents were anxious upon learning she is on her way to Jamaica with two other female friends.
Alice Newell-Hanson shares her learning to those who has Jamaica in their list of must-visit islands in the blog Need-to-know Tips About Travel in Jamaica posted in Conde Nast – Travel.
The roads can be difficult to manage. And we had chosen to risk going during the tail end of hurricane season. But, thanks to plenty of advice from friends on the island, careful planning, and probably some good luck (at least with the weather), we were fine.
In fact, it was one of the best trips any of us had ever taken—and knowing your parents disapprove rarely makes something less fun.
She shared the lessons she learned which include:
- If you do rent a car, be prepared. If you are not ready to drive on the wrong side of a bumpy road, forget about it. If you insist you can manage, be ready. Check those tools, jack and spare tire.
- Plan your route carefully. It will be a mistake to just trust your reliable GoogleMaps, they may not work for you all the time while in Jamaica. Instead, do it the traditional way, “ASK.!”
- Go during the off-season. If you are a backpacker or traveling on a budget, certainly the hurricane season from the months of July to November would be enticing when rates dropping of accommodations and tours are rock-bottom. Just remember it’s “hurricane season.”
- Mix up your accommodation. There are a whole lot of options out there. Know your budget and find what suits you. You don’t have to stay in expensive hotels/resorts if you are seriously watching your purse.
More Tips to Save Money
While you may be short in cash, you want to make the best out of your Jamaican holiday. US News – Travel shares the following Jamaica Travel Tips:
- Learn to haggle.
- Bargaining for a better price is expected and encouraged in many souvenir shops. When visiting the craft vendors or taking a cab ride, don’t accept the first amount quoted to you.
- Pay for it all upfront.
- Jamaica is the nerve center of the all-inclusive. Many of the resorts include more than just food and drinks in their packages.
- Eat on the go.
- The tastiest food is sold by street vendors, and often costs far less than restaurant cuisine.
Culture and Customs: Jamaican Connections
Jamaican culture enjoys a very strong association with African history, and it is quite pervasive, so that its music, food and phrases are felt everywhere you go in the Caribbean. For instance, though English is a second language on the island, their idioms don’t easily translate to English-speaking tourists.
The Unique Jamaican Cuisine
Jamaican cuisine is a fusion of many influences – Africa, Spain, China, Britain, India, and its indigenous peoples. While seafood and jerk chicken/pork are staple, there’s more to its local gastronomy. Don’t leave without trying classic dishes such as callaloo, ackee and saltfish. Join food tours to sample the best of Jamaican foods.
To indulge in delicious Jamaican food, foodies will enjoy “Jamaica Epicurean Escape.” It is an annual 2-day food festival that pays tribute to “excellence in Jamaican food” accompanied with live music, performances and cultural exhibits. World-class chefs, restaurateurs, bartenders, wine connoisseurs and bartenders from all over the Caribbean and other countries converge here for cooking demonstrations of Jamaican recipes and other culinary creations.
Remember, no matter where you go in this world, safety is foremost, and having fun is next. You can have both when you do a bit of research.
