Jamaica

The Vibe: Lively. Convenient. Social

Best For: First-timers, birthdays, groups, girls' trips & nightlife.

Montego Bay puts you close to the airport with plenty of all-inclusive resorts, restaurants, nightlife and excursions. It's a great choice when you want a mix of resort relaxation and outside-the-resort fun.

The Vibe: Laid-back. Beachy. Romantic.

Best For: Couples, girls' trips, beach lovers & relaxation.

Home to famous Sevin Mile Beach and some of Jamaica's best sunsets. Negril is for travelers who want gorgeous beaches, beach bars, good food and a slower pace - with just enough turn-up when you want it.

The Vibe: Adventurous. Tropical. Active.

Best For: Excursions, groups, families & adventure lovers.

This is your get-out-and do something part of Jamaica. Waterfalls, rivers, rafting, adventure parks and lush scenery make Ocho Rios perfect if excursions are a major part of your vacation.

The Vibe: Cultural. Urban. Authentic.

Best For: Foodies, music lovers, culture & repeat Jamaica visitors.

Kingston gives you a completely different side of Jamaica - music, history, nightlife, art and incredible local food. Less traditional resort vacation, more city and culture experience.

Choose your area before you choose your resort. A beautiful resort in the wrong part of Jamaica can mean long drives to everything you actually came to do.

Jerk chicken or pork

Oxtail

Curry goat

Ackee & saltfish

Escovitch fish

Jamaican patties

Festival

Rice & peas

Bammy

Pepper shrimp

Rum Punch

Red Stripe

Ting

Rum & Ting

Jamaican rum

Blue Mountain coffee

Montego Bay

Scotchies- jerk & Jamaican classics

The HouseBoat Grill- dinner on the water

Pier One- food, drinks & nightlife

Marguerites-upscale waterfront dining

Negril

Rockhouse Restaurant- cliffside dining

Pushcart- Jamaican cuisine

Murphy's West End- casual local food

Ivan's at Catcha Falling Star- sunset dinner

Ocho Rios

Miss T's Kitchen- Jamaican comfort food

Scotchies- jerk

Stush in the Bush- farm to table experience

Evita's- Italian Jamaican fusion

Kingston

Devon House- and yes, get the ice cream

Gloria's Seafood- Port Royal

Broken Plate- upscale dining

Usain Bolt's Track & Records- Jamaican food, sports bar vibe

Eat outside the resort at least once. Your all-inclusive may have a "Jamaican Night," but baby... that is NOT where this conversation ends. Get some jerk from a local spot, grab a Jamaican patty, try fresh seafood and don't leave without some good oxtails.

Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and Kingston are not right around the corner from each other. Plan excursions based on where you're staying and account for transfer time.

U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Bring smaller denominations for tips and small purchases. Change may be given in Jamaican dollars.

For airport transfers and excursions, use reputable transportation providers or transportation arranged through your resort/or travel advisor (me, Your Favortie Travel Agent). Don't assume you'll be ubering everywhere.

Keep cash handy for drivers, guides, bartenders, housekeeping and service staff. Check whether gratuities are already included before adding more.

Tropical forecasts can show rain even when it only rains briefly. A rainy icon doesn't necessarily mean your entire beach day is ruined.

Jamaica requires arriving travelers to complete its immigration/customs declaration. Do it online before your trip rather than waiting until you're trying to get through the airport.

Cannabis is decriminalized in limited amounts in Jamaica, but that does not mean anything goes. There are still rules around possession, smoking and purchasing-and absolutely don't attempt to bring it through the airport or across international borders.

Pack sunscreen, stay hydrated and don't underestimate the heat- especially on excursion days.

Respect the island. You're visiting someone's home- not just a resort destination. Support local businesses, be respectful when taking photos of people and communities, and don't be afraid to get outside your comfort zone. 

After all you're in Jamaica baby!!!