22 things to know before traveling to Jamaica
-
Loading... - leo sebastin
- 31 Oct 2022
- 105 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
That said, the island’s fame as a musical powerhouse goes hand-in-hand (at times) with its reputation for gang violence. As someone who worked in Jamaica for a year as a paralegal for an NGO, spending much time in Kingston’s neighborhoods and prisons, there are many things I wish I’d known before arriving.
Learning the nation's unspoken rules and etiquette goes a long way toward helping you understand what makes Jamaica such a remarkable place. Here are our top tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Planning your trip to Jamaica
Which part of the island is best for me?
Jamaica is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean, so where you decide to stay depends on what you’re into. For beaches and water sports, Negril and the north coast are your best bets.
Montego Bay and Ocho Rios combine excellent dining scenes with proximity to natural attractions and buzzy nightlife, though when it comes to the Jamaican music scene, Kingston – the capital – is king.
Treasure Beach (south coast) and Port Antonio (north coast) offer a taste of low-key, laid-back Jamaica, while those interested in traditional Maroon culture can reach the two Maroon towns from the west coast and the north coast. Hiking up Blue Mountain peak and trekking in remote Cockpit Country is best organized from Kingston or Falmouth, respectively.
Bring a mosquito net (just in case)
Jamaican mosquitoes do not carry malaria but there are occasional outbreaks of dengue fever. Some of the guesthouses and hotels don’t provide mosquito nets, so bring your own. A net can cost between USD$23–60.
The best repellent for no-see-ums (midges) – tiny biting insects that live near water, whose bites are extremely itchy – is Avon Skin So Soft.
Choose between public transportation and hiring a car
The main towns in Jamaica are served by a combination of comfortable, air-conditioned buses, crowded minibusses and route taxis.
It’s entirely possible to get around Jamaica using public transportation, though for exploring remoter destinations, you’ll need either ample time and patience, or your own set of wheels. Car hire is available at airports in Kingston and Montego Bay. Read More…
