Young couple, 24 yrs want to go to Jamaica. We both have never been. I’m not opposed to an adults only resort like the Zilara if there’s access to I guess a family side? I don’t want to be around little kids all day but I also don’t want to be sitting in silence with old people. Right now the resorts I’ve been looking at are -Hyatt Ziva Rose -Hyatt Zilara -Hilton Rose Hall -Jewel Grande -Moon Palace Any thoughts on these? Thinking of going for 4 nights, 5 days either June or August depending on cheapest flights & matching it with the resort. August makes me a little nervous bc of rain. I’ve been to 1 all inclusive resort in Punta (got food poisoning and it was cloudy the whole time in Sept.)

Looking for things to do for an open minded, adventurous Canadian couple and our 10 year old son. Planning on a 3 day visit. Thinking Boston Beach one day, rafting on the Rio Grand another and Reach Falls. Are these all legitimate options still? I haven’t been to Port Antonio since maybe 1990!! Thanks for any help. Big up to Jamaica!

i'm booking a trip to jamaica and wanted some feedback on which resort is better for a party crowd and solo travellers. thoughts? if you have other suggestions for places, please advise. however, i'd like to keep costs down. i know hedonism II is overly priced so that's a no.

I've had a lovely family friend show me around the southern part of the island. He's taken me from the airport in MoBay to my family's spot New Market. Also taken me to family in Portland. He's taken me to several amazing restaurants in the New Market area and we're going to Negril today. I leave tomorrow and wanted to him something to show my appreciation. What would be a fair amount to give him?

I am an experienced female solo traveller, but would still like to avoid neighbourhoods that are dangerous, so any advice on that would be great. I’m also not a person to stay in a resort the whole time and will be exploring the whole country as much as I can including Kingston using public transport (will likely use Knutsford Express). I am landing and leaving from Montego Bay. I think I will stay one day/one night in Montego Bay and visit the beach (doctor’s cave beach?), and maybe Rose Hall Great House if it’s worth it. I plan to visit Kingston and Ocho Rios as well. I would appreciate any other recommendations. I’m planning a packed itinerary to see as much as possible. Thank you!

Does my passport have to be valid for 6 months or only valid during my time there?

Hello! My bf and I will be going to Jamaica winter 2023. After \~1 week of vacation there, we are going to be working remotely. I can't decide where is the best place to set up base: Port Antonio or Treasure Beach? I know they are both amazing, but here are some deciding factors I'm having issues finding answers to: \- **Internet quality**? We both have to use Microsoft Teams a lot for audio & video calls, and using browsers \- **Groceries**? We are not big cooks and will often eat out a lot, but we still need basics for breakfasts and some meals etc \- **Transportation**? We are not planning on renting a car, as we can't drive on the left. We would rent mopeds, bicycles, or walk and take buses \- **Safety**? We are well traveled and both grew up in developing countries, so we know the street smarts, but we would still take safety in consideration In terms of activities we like to do, we're big beach bums but love to do nature sight-seeing in the weekends. If we end up choosing Treasure Beach to set up base, we'd then visit Port Antonio during our week off :) Another option could be splitting the time between Port Antonio & Treasure Beach?

What it says in the title. Morning trip, one piece of luggage, leave in the morning return before night.

Hey yall, Im visiting my family in Ochi in a few months for the first time in some years. I was looking for something to do around the area, as my family is older and I don’t have many friends my age (early 20s) outside of Kingston. Any ideas? Also, does Ochi have Uber now or will I mainly have to travel by taxi?

Next week we (Americans) will be staying at a resort in Lucea for 1 week. Anything we should know about the area? Cool must-see stops while we're there? How is the area after the recent hurricane? We're very excited about the trip, but neither of us have been to Jamaica before and don't know what to expect.

Hey y’all, looking to travel to Jamaica in Oct to surprise my partner for his bday. Also traveling is fun 😛 I would love to backpack around to save money but also get a feel for the place…rather than a resort or something. But I’m unsure where to start! Love to hear any recs on locations, how to travel around (taxis, trains, buses, etc) and any lovely spots, as well as any other advice folks have! I’m a White female and he’s a black male in our late 20s for reference.

Hello guys, I am traveling to Jamaica, but when I booked my trip they put me to arrive at Kingston’s airport m but my hotel is located at Montego Bay. And all the transfer\ shuttle quotation are very expensive! Do you guys, know any transfer/ shuttle service with a reasonable price? Thank you

Based on what I know there’s only one domestic airline in Jamaica and they mostly due private, charter flights usually connecting tourists to Mbj, negril, Boscobel, Kingston and negril. They don’t seem to entertain passenger service. As such if low cost domestic services were introduced as an alternative to cut driving time between relevant towns and the stress of public transport , do you think that might work? Public hesitancy, challenge of keeping price low/affordable and push back from ground transportation services seem to be the obvious obstacles. NB: by passenger plane I mean those that are designed for short and mid range flights like [Embraer](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embraer_ERJ_family) or [bombardier](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombardier_CRJ100/200) jets with between 35 to 50 seats. Edit: this is a hypothetical especially if rail service isn’t restored. Rail probably would render this and other current modes obsolete but rail isn’t coming back any time soon it seems.

I am going to be in Runaway Bay, and I wanted to tour around Kingston and do a food tour that I am planning. Does anyone know of a driver for a day? Please get in touch with me. Thank you!

Hello all. I and a friend will be traveling to Montego Bay in a few days. I made the dumb mistake of flying into Kingston. What would you all recommend for a safe and reliable travel to Montego Bay? I know probably the obvious choice would be to get a rental but just wanted to get some inside intel on what anyone else would do. Thanks in advance!

Me (f23) and my cousins (f28 and m26) have come from England to see our family out in the country of St Catherine’s parish. We haven’t been able to visit beaches yet but I saw there are a few in St Ann’s just north of here. Do you man know of any free(cheap up to J$600/person) beaches up in St Ann’s? Like nice water, chill, big, doesn’t have to be in an urban area/town, doesn’t have to be touristy. Can be in Ochi, but preferably want a quite area tho.

What’s up everyone. Really hoping some locals/residents can provide some insight for me. After looking through many of the Caribbean/Central America destinations, I decided that Jamaica made most sense for my family to visit for one of our final vacations before we begin to start our own careers/families. The mixture of the energetic/lively culture and breathtaking views make it seem like the perfect destination. I’m a male in my early 20’s who’s very social and active, and has a general knowledge of Jamaican culture as my great friend of the past 10 years is Jamaican and has introduced me to a lot. I listen to the classics like Vybez Kartel, Popcaan, Buju Banton, etc, have had home made beef patties, jerk chicken, and oxtail, and jokingly speak Patois with my bro. Even the scenes of TopBoy shot in Jamaica had me hyped. I lay that out just as some context, and to differentiate myself from the majority of honey-moon or suburban family oriented groups who come to Jamaica to enjoy commercialized food on the beach from the comfort of their resort (which is completely justified in certain circumstances). I have the following **questions**: * What area do you recommend? It seems Montego Bay, Kingston, and Negril are most frequented by foreigners. I’ve chosen Montego Bay based on the following – let me know if it is accurate * *Montego Bay* – great balance of resorts/vacation and culture (if you decide to pursue the culture, and venture outside of your resort). Unlike Negril where the beaches are isolated, instead you have access to a large city as well as many tourist activities such as Bamboo rafting, horse riding, and even local food spots * *Kingston* – although the history runs deep and rich, and it is a major city – the lack of beaches, views, and rumours of crime are something that have eliminated the option * *Negril* – amazing beaches, but seems far too isolated to be able to experience even a taste of true Jamaican culture. The “hotspots” just seem to be Rick’s café – how much culture can you truly experience from an established venue frequented mainly by tourists? * What will the weather be like in late August? Also what tourist “season” is late August generally referred to as - Is it a rush, empty, moderate? And lastly, is there anything special or unique going on in Montego Bay during late August? * What would you recommend we do? We plan on staying at an all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay, but my family has huge a interest in other cultures. We are well travelled, and have also lived in grimy third-world countries riddled with poverty and crime for multiple years in the past. I provide all that information to say; we can handle ourselves in high-pressure situations, and are not immediately scared off at the claims of crime in Jamaica – although a better, more authentic explanation on what to expect would be highly appreciated. Also, I would love to immerse ourselves with the locals and party/dine with them at their functions * What genuine experiences would you recommend for a family with a high tolerance and able to navigate certain situations (we’ll also have a Jamaican driver/companion to help us) – I’m personally tryna go out at night to the block parties/functions and catch a gyal wine on me n teach me summ LOL. Any thoughts? * Where would you recommend to eat? Honestly, I kinda want to avoid an all-inclusive resort just so we have an excuse to eat in the city every day and have some real, authentic Jamaican food. Whether its hidden gems, or classic street vendors. We love it all (Side note: 1 family member is vegetarian, will their be options for them? Everyone raves about the fruits and veggies in Jamaica) * What are some “classic tourist” activities that would be recommended, but actually are fulfilling/enjoyable? I definitely want to visit the Bamboo rafting, possibly the Usain Bolt museum, and horse riding on the beach. Anything else you’d recommend? * What is the best way to meet up with locals? Again, we love immersing ourselves in the culture, and we generally find trips turn out much better when a local takes a liking to you, and would like you to join them in their activities. I would genuinely appreciate any information to any of these questions. I understand I’ve asked a lot, but this is how I show respect to the country and area as I want to experience everything it has to offer in its entirety. I’d really appreciate those individuals who’ve lived there for a while, have grown up there, or have had vacations in a similar structure. If your vacation to Montego Bay consisted solely of getting drunk and eating hamburgers on the beach then I’m afraid your advice/suggestions would most likely not align with what I’m seeking.

I can apreciate a good hustle, I even enjoy it, do it all the time as an artist. But even my white tourist ass knows 20usd for sugar cane and keneppe is way too much. So how hard are beach vendors usually upcharging, should I start negotiating at half price? Ps: I dont mind paying a little extra for things, this is how these people make a living and i respect that

The guide I talked to quoted me at $30000JMD and that is more expensive than I would like to spend. From what I’ve read, the trail itself is easy to navigate and hard to get lost on so I’m thinking of doing it on my own. Does anybody know a good way to get 4x4 transport from Kingston to Penlyne Castle?

Howdy! I'm a a single 40s male, looking to spend a week in Jamaica next month, laying on a pristine beach, going on excursions and immersing myself in the local culture. I've looked at Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios and frankly can't decide. Aside from the criteria above, I'll be traveling solo this trip and want to avoid an area and especially resort that is all or primarily couples, honeymooners, etc. Thanks so much for any suggestions.

So my family and I are planning a trip to Jamaica this summer and being completely new to the country and knowing very little other than jerk chicken and Bob Marley we are looking for some advice one the best things to see and do while in Negril. We really want to learn more about the culture, the local people, the food etc. We are likely going to stay at a resort and will be flying in from the USA. It looks like Negril is around an hour drive from the airport, does this sound right? How are things priced compared to the US if you have experience? It looks like the USD is 1vs130ish Jamaican dollar but that doesn’t tell me much about for example a cab ride or what things in shops cost. What are good things to do to safely experience the best the country has to offer? We aren’t against touristy stuff but we really like to learn about the place we travel to. I think it’s important that we and our children are able to see how others live and we enjoy teaching them acceptance and understanding of people of all kinds. We have unfortunately heard horror stories of crime from friends, is it e really as prevalent as people are telling us? Any tips for a pasty white group of tourists to stay safe and experience the area? 😁 Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

I am from the US and I am used to tipping for service. We will be going to a Couples resort that has a no tipping policy. From what I've read these resorts are pretty strict with the policy, and I certainly do not want to get am employee in trouble. But before I book, I wanted to make sure that couples (and sandals), pay their employees a fair wage to make up for the lack of tips. Do these resorts pay better than other resorts? Are their employees treated fairly?

Just curious as I read on here a while back that “Jamaica has enough tourists”

I’m soon visiting Jamaica for a vacation, and can’t find recent info on what I do with my ADHD medication. A trip advisor from like ten years ago is giving me real mixed info. I’m seeing that people “just take it”, or “have never been stopped”, and then others who are like “legally, you need to get a permit”… but, all the contact info I have is outdated. I’m panicking a little. Anyone got any experience with this?

Hello! My boyfriend and I want to go to the caribbeans for 4-6 weeks next winter (jan-march, exact dates undecided) to work remotely and travel. Last year we went to Puerto Escondido in Mexico and loved it, and this time we really want to go to Jamaica, as I've always been fascinated by it. People keep saying how dangerous Jamaica is - is it really that bad in 2022? We wouldn't want to stay in a resort or stick to all-resort strips, only visiting jamaica with hotel tours... It's really not our style. With some good intelligence (not walking around with lots of money, staying somewhere safe, etc etc...), would it really be that unsafe still? Also - recommendations are the most welcome!!:) edit: for reference, we are both well-traveled and have grown up in developing countries, but we know each country is different. thank you!

I have family in Jamaica and come to visit them periodically (usually about 3 times a year in normal times). My family is upper middle class in Jamaica and they live very comfortably in a gated villa. We interact with locals regularly but I know there is a large part of Jamaican society that I’m completely sheltered from. Every so often we go and stay at the resorts. I’ve stayed at maybe 7 or 8 resorts in various parts of Jamaica. There is a question that has been gnawing at the back of my mind that I’d love to get peoples’ thoughts on that I feel like my family hasn’t been able to answer adequately. All the people working at these resorts seem very respectful and cheerful, etc. I know they’re paid to do that, and I also see some of them play up the whole Jamaican act (ie. “Yah Mon!”) for tips. Some of them seem to genuinely enjoy their jobs. So my question is how much do the resorts serve to increase the quality of life for these folks? They’re constantly exposed to foreigners with money, see how they live, see how they’re served, and see massive amounts of consumption that may not be the norm in their day to day lives. Does all of this have a positive impact on their lives? Does it create potential resentment? Is it just a job that they believe is detached from an unattainable reality? Or does it inspire them to achieve more? Not sure if there is a right answer, hence why it has a discussion flair. Would love your thoughts!

Hello, American born here looking for some insights. Both my parents were born in Jamaica including my oldest brother. I (24M) have always loved the Island since a child where my mom would occasionally take me there in the summers. I fell in love with land, the people, the beaches, just about everything you can think of. It’s to the point i want and will retire in Jamaica one day. So the point i’m tryna get is, is it worth getting a dual citizenship? Any input would be lovely, thank you!

I've heard that when you travell to Jamaica it's highly recommended that you do not leave the hotel especially for white people. Is it true because I think Jamaica is a beautiful country and it would be a big shame if I ever travell there for basically nothing.

We're taking a delayed honeymoon since it wasn't in our budget when we got married last year. So, after widdling it down from 7,000 islands to just a few, we decided on Jamaica. It has everything we want to do, including swimming with dolphins, scuba/snorkeling, hiking, off-road jeep tours, etc. So we're looking at RIU Palace Tropical Bay in Negril. It's within our budget, right on the beach, and has everything we would need. Is there any reason we wouldn't want to stay there? Sometimes reviews online can't be trusted. It looks great for the price, but before we commit, I just wanted to double check through you all in case there's something we should know. Also, and more importantly, is Negril a good place to stay to begin with to see the actual culture of Jamaica? From what Inread, it's better than Montego Bay for what we're looking for. Yes, in Negril we'll still be at a resort on the beach. It's obviously a tourist destination, and we do want to relax and be tourists because we're going on our honeymoon. But we also want more than just the beach experience -- we can do that in the U.S. We're interested in the awesome parts of Jamaica you don't see in vacation/honeymoon advertisements. We'd also like to know of any common tourist mistakes or annoyances. We don't want to be assholes when visiting, but we don't know much about hit country. So please, I'm all ears. Also, if you all just don't want any American tourists at all, and if you hate us all before we even arrive, I'd like to know that, too. I get it and understand. Americans suck sometimes. Anyway, I'm at work and typed this quickly, so I didn't get all of my thoughts out. But please, tell me anything that comes to your mind that you think a visitor should know. Planning a trip to a country you've never been to is realky difficult without the help from those who have. So we greatly appreciate any info you're willing to provide. Thank you all im advance!