As a Hawai’i resident I feel like I’m two timing my archipelago by writing this post. But, let’s be real, everyone has different vacation styles therefore, we have different ideal vacation destinations. And while Hawai’i has my heart & soul, it may not be the perfect place for every traveler. That’s why you may want to consider Jamaica travel for your next getaway.
I’ll be honest, other than clear warm waters & pristine sandy beaches Jamaica & Hawai’i could not be more different. Where Hawai’i thrives on the easy going, welcoming spirit of Aloha Jamaica has a more fast pace & fun groove going (outside of the hotel scene-obviously there is nothing fast pace about an all inclusive resort, unless we’re talking about how quick I can move through the buffet line). In general, Jamaica is much more affordable with hotels, meals, & rental cars costing a fraction of what you would find on Hawai’i. But Jamaica is full of hidden costs, mainly entrance fees at waterfalls & beaches. Also, Jamaica & Hawai’i specialize in very different cuisines. You’ll find kalua pig, sweet pineapples, & shave ice in Hawai’i while Jamaica offers jerk chicken, plantains, & all the coconut water you could ever hope for. There’s no doubt, both places are pretty dreamy. I guess what it really comes down to is do you want to fly to the East or to the West?
If you are debating a trip to the Caribbean let me recommend you consider Jamaica travel for your getaway.
8 Reasons Why Jamaica May Be Your Ideal Island Getaway
1. All Inclusive Resorts
All inclusive, guys I’m sold. The food, the drinks, & the activities go from sun up to way, way past sun down & you don’t have to worry about how much things cost, or carrying a credit card around. Once you’ve checked everything the resort has to offer is yours. And these resorts have a lot to offer. Each has multiple restaurants, cafes, & bars as well as a wide variety of outdoor activities & water toys all at your finger tips.
2. Private Waterfalls & Beaches
In Hawai’i all beaches are public so I was very surprised by the idea of private beaches. At first, I thought it was unnecessary but once I was there & experienced the solitude of a private beach I was an instant fan. Getting to experience nature up close & personal is hard to beat.
3. The Food
I love food, like a lot. When we plan for our upcoming getaways my husband researches all the must see’s & must do’s while I devote my time to the must eat’s. I wasn’t sure what to think of Jamaican cuisine prior to arriving on island but my first bite of a Tasty’s meat pie was all it took to win my taste buds over. The jerk chicken is unreal & they literally have coconut water everywhere. Forget bottled water, it’s all about the jelly water here.
4. Swap Meets
Who doesn’t love a good swap meet. Especially, when you are on vacation. There is no better way to interact with the locals, try authentic foods, & buy affordable souvenirs. Jamaica has some pretty awesome swap meets, the biggest in the Caribbean. They offer everything you could ever want including some entertainment & plenty of stories for you to share when you get home.
5. Unique Outdoor Activities
Jamaica has some pretty incredible experience that are unlike anywhere I’ve ever visited; like the bluest fresh water pools & waterfalls, climbable waterfalls, crazy high cliff jumping, & a bioluminescent bay. If you like to get out & explore than Jamaica will be your playground.
7. Animal Encounters
Do you love animals? Well, then Jamaica travel is something you really need to look in to. There are plenty of opportunities to get up close & personal with marine life, including dolphins & there are many places along the island to hire a horse to stroll along the beaches. Bucket list, check & check.
6. It’s Just a Hop Away
It’s hard to believe that Jamaica is less than a two hour flight from Florida when it truly feels a world away. The less time you spend in the air means the more time you get to spend enjoying your vacation destination.
8. It’s Affordable
The food, the hotels, the outdoor activities, & the rentals are a fraction of the prices I’ve seen in other countries. We were able to try so many things without breaking the bank. And my theory is the less you spend on trips, the more trips you get to take!
If you haven’t visited this island before then it’s about time you consider Jamaica travel. Have you been to Jamaica? What did you think? What would you recommend?
David from Travelscams.org says
Great article, thanks for the tips!
Indeed, as one of the most beautiful countries in the Caribbean, holidaying at Jamaica is one of the most captivating Caribbean experiences to be had. However, Jamaica also has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Although not targeted at tourists, it still pays to be careful of crime and tourist targeted scams here.
Do be wary of the unofficial tour guides, aggressive street touts, renta-rasta and rentadreds, illegal drugs, pickpockets, snatch thefts, rogue money changers, rigged ATMs and many more!