If you love sunshine, beautiful beaches, water sports, music and lively culture, Jamaica is the perfect island for you.
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea, with lush tropical foliage and mountains up to 7,400 feet high. As the birthplace of Reggae and Dancehall music, you will hear music and see dancing everywhere. English is the official language, and many also speak Jamaican or Patois with a strong accent. You can fly to Montego Bay from the Eugene Airport on United, American Airlines and Delta. Note that passports are required for all travelers.
When to go
The weather in Jamaica is warm and sunny year-round. The average high temperature for the whole year is in the 80s with the lows in the 70s. In July and August, it can get hot and humid, and June through November is hurricane season. As with all of the Caribbean and Mexico, don’t be afraid to travel during hurricane season: just be sure to purchase travel insurance and be prepared for some tropical rain showers that generally go away quickly.
As is the case with any tourist destination, the most expensive time to travel is during school holidays such as winter break, spring break and summer. September, October and November (except Thanksgiving week) and the first two weeks of December are the lowest prices.
Where to go
The majority of tourists visit three main resort areas: Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The major airport is in Montego Bay, which is a good place for a short visit and to experience the local culture. The resort area of Negril is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It takes about 90 minutes to get to Negril from the Montego Bay airport. Ocho Rios is the opposite direction from Montego Bay and they have a smooth highway that takes about two hours.
Jamaica is 146 miles long with roads that are narrow and winding. I do not recommend renting a car for a number of reasons. They drive on the left side of the road, you need to be aware of areas that are not safe for tourists, the roads can have many potholes and people drive erratically. It is much better to hire drivers to take you to your destinations or for sightseeing tours.
What to do
In addition to lovely beaches, there are endless outdoor activities. This is the location of the famous Dunn’s River Falls where you can climb up a cascading waterfall. In the rain forests there are zip lines, horseback riding, ATVs, white water rafting tours and underground caves to explore. You can also tour historical sites and gardens. If you are staying for at least eight nights, you can do a combo trip and stay in two different areas.
Where to stay
The options for accommodations in Jamaica are endless. There are high-end boutique hotels, cozy inns and very popular all-inclusive resorts. There are over 50 all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. People love having their meals, drinks, activities and entertainment included in one price. For families, special programs for children and the security of having everything you need onsite make this the easiest vacation you can take. If you are traveling without children, staying in an adults-only resort is a splurge you won’t regret. Jamaica is home to well-known Sandals & Beaches all-inclusive resorts, with seven for couples and two for families.
There are vast differences in quality and atmosphere at all-inclusive resorts, and you can’t trust the pretty pictures and random reviews you see on the internet. It’s important to have a travel
professional help you find the perfect location for your vacation.
I just returned from visiting these areas and I would be happy to help you find the perfect resort. A complete vacation package with your flights, transportation from the airport to the resort and back, sightseeing excursions, an all-inclusive resort and travel insurance will make your trip easy and fun!
Meet Vacation MOM
Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport
Donnita Bassinger is a mom to three sons, and she lives in Eugene with her husband. She has been a travel agent for four decades and is the owner of VIP Vacations, Inc. She would love to help you plan a great vacation.
Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 or on facebook @VacationMOM
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