Jamaica is the Caribbean’s God’s own country where you can experience authentic, vibrant, and culturally-focused ambiances. Jamaica poses as one of the most insanely popular travel destinations amongst the backpackers and the adventure-seeking families as well. It is one place where most vacationers love to come back year after year TBH. One of the best places in the world to get the images you need to generate FOMO and HIFW responses when used with a GIF or MEME on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.
From the lush-green tropical wilderness to pristine-blue sea-water, and from unruly water cascades to holiday resorts at prime locations – Jamaica caters to all! Feel like a royal prince or princess once you land on this Caribbean island. Read the nine essential tips mentioned below to experience an incredible Jamaican adventure, and make your trip a perfect one- like seeing the Caspian Sea or something rare like the oldest tree.
● Choose the off-season time for a vacation.
Jamaica experiences a tropical maritime climate, where average temperatures range between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius. And, it is relatively constant all-around the year. To make the more of this tropical travel destination and time in the water and ocean, plan to visit during the off-season. Transform your trip into a pocket-friendly and enjoyable one. Opt for July and August for your adventurous vacation in Jamaica.
These two months are the off-peak ones and are not the typical rainy season. But, you might experience an ‘on and off’ shower, while you are out sight-seeing Jamaica’s picturesque locales.
● Be vigilant
While in a foreign country, you should be well-aware of the surroundings. There are a few crucial aspects that you need to know before you land into this foreign locale –
✔ Keep your passport safe.
Keep your passport at a safe place once you reach your hotel room. Put it inside the hotel-room locker. In case of emergencies, carry a photocopy of your driving license. It helps in verification (if at all required.) To be on the safe side, bring a photocopy of your passport, though no one asks for the same.
✔ Get proper medical coverage before traveling abroad.
Do your medical insurance before planning your trip. It acts as a boon in disguise, in all these foreign countries. Keep a copy of the same, while you are out seeing the sights.
✔ Know about your stay-over.
Be up-to-date with the hotel you are staying in, in case of emergencies.
✔ Do a quick search about places.
The best way to enjoy any travel destination is to do a quick internet-survey about the places you are eager to visit.
✔ Be traffic conscious
Jamaica never caters to side-walks. So, while walking down the allies, you have to be extra cautious of the speeding cars and bikes. Walk against the traffic, to appreciate the oncoming vehicles. Most tourists have been affected by the clutch slipping of the speedy bikes or cars. So, be traffic conscious and travel safe!
● Mingle with the locals
Interact with the locals to experience the real Jamaica! Yes! You read it right. The locals are friendly people who are ever ready to guide you over their traditional cuisine and sight-seeing places. Right from pristine mountains to breath-taking water cascades and sun-kissed beaches, this island is a power-packed travel destination.
Get a lifetime experience on deep-sea diving, snorkeling, scuba-diving, cantering, and kayaking. Experienced local guides are ever ready to help you get the know-how on the same. Thus, get into the ‘relax mode’ and fix your schedule for all these thrilling adventures. Remember that Jamaica’s motto is – don’t worry, be happy!
● Pre-book your stopovers
One of the biggest islands – Jamaica has loads of activities ready in a platter. You just have to cherry-pick the same to enjoy your adventurous trip and create memories. Get down with some research work about the places that you want to visit. Plan the accommodation in accordance to make your entire trip hassle-free.
The real Jamaica is staying at the local shacks or inns, and laze on the sun-kissed beaches. Never lose a chance of the same. Hop into one of their online webpages and pre-book your room. Why waste time, when you have a ‘limited one’ and ‘unlimited things’ to explore in Jamaica?
● Survive on authentic local cuisine
Local food is like ‘thick as thieves,’ while you are vacationing. So, never step back without trying some. Sort your gastronomical delight from fresh sea-food to various tropical fruits and vegetables. And not to forget the food made with the famous traditional Jamaican ‘jerk’ spice. It is a marinade that they add to almost all food, ranging from pork to chicken and fish.
Drop into the famous Scotchies food joint to experience this world-famous sauce.
Also, order a plate of rum-tossed ribs to get a full-on experience of renowned Jamaican cuisine. Casually walk into these cozy open-air eating joints, made of palm-leaf roofs. You will witness the making of the entire dish, which the local chefs smoke right in front of you! Also, stay well-hydrated always, as too much sun, sand, and Jamaican rum cause sunburns and dehydration!
● Explore more
Who does not love lazing around the beautiful beaches? But do not be a spoilsport. Jamaica has something or the other to offer to the tourists, apart from the golden sands and frothy waves. The lush green mountains, hilly terrains, ancient caves, old hamlets, and many more – you think of, and they are there in front of you. Bring your universal roof rack tent here because it’s a great place for camping and hiking.
So, never waste your precious and limited time only lazing on the beaches. Travel further down the east coast to get the real adventurous taste of Jamaica.
● Learn the bargaining mantra
Brace your bargaining skills once you hit the local curio shops and markets of Jamaica. The Jamaicans love to bargain. And you should take advantage of the same. Right from the memento shop, to a cab driver or else any road-side vendor, all believe in bargaining. Their quoted price is all negotiable. Thus, never be a loser.
● Keep a mosquito repellent handy.
While packing for your Jamaican adventure, do not forget to pack a couple of tubes of mosquito repellent. Jamaica is the bed of a large number of mosquito breeding. All the hotels have their exteriors covered with a net, but it is better to be cautious. Keep a mosquito repellent or gel handy to stay safe.
● The local currency is in your favor.
The conversion rate of Jamaican dollars is always in your support. In comparison to the US dollar, it is far less. For instance, one US Dollar equals 126.03 Jamaican dollars. The entire equation denotes that whatever you purchase while in Jamaica, it is worth every penny! Move around like a free-bird and enjoy the adventurous Jamaican trip to the fullest. This God’s paradise has something or the other to offer for all. of course there is always Bitcoin, Tezos, and Lolli to help you manage the finances.
Relax, Relish, Reprise!
Jamaica – the land of sun and sand, is best known for the color-coded beaches, authentic cuisine and sea-food, reggae music, and friendly people. It is no wonder that this place charts the topmost position concerning the most-desired tourist destination. And the Jamaicans are famous for doing things with a twist! So, plan your next vacation to this Caribbean island and enjoy some cannabis and CBD. The above mentioned nine essential tips stand as a guiding light to complete your adventurous trip. Relax, relish, and reprise while in Jamaica. Leave your timer at home and kick-back the tiresome days. Enjoy Jamaican island’s positive vibes to the fullest!
FAQ
What are some Jamaica travel tips?
Jamaica never caters to side-walks. So, while walking down the allies, you have to be extra cautious of the speeding cars and bikes. Walk against the traffic, to appreciate the oncoming vehicles. Most tourists have been affected by the clutch slipping of the speedy bikes or cars. So, be traffic conscious and travel safe!
Do I have to bargain for things in Jamaica?
Brace your bargaining skills once you hit the local curio shops and markets of Jamaica. The Jamaicans love to bargain. And you should take advantage of the same. Right from the memento shop, to a cab driver or else any road-side vendor, all believe in bargaining. Their quoted price is all negotiable. Thus, never be a loser.
Additional Resources:
Jamaican Economic Complexities: Harvard University
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