Jamaica has always been a very popular destination for romantic travel including honeymoons and getaways for couples of all ages looking for a place to sight see and relax. In recent years, Jamaica has been growing in popularity with families and young people looking for a vacation spot that offers a little bit of everything for all to enjoy.

Jamaica is a popular tourist destination with travelers visiting, Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and many private resorts locations. Jamaica is a mountainous country with some peaks above 7500 feet. Rainfall may approach 200 inches in a year. Most resort locations are at much lower elevations or near the Caribbean Sea and receive much less rainfall. Jamaica is in the hurricane belt and has the potential to be affected by strong tropical cyclones. It is rare for any small island to receive a direct hit from a hurricane. It is more common to experience fringe effects such as sea swell, some gusty winds, and heavy rain. The most likely time to find a hurricane in the central Caribbean, especially stronger ones, would be from August into early October. Monitor the tropical weather conditions when visiting during this time of year.


Sex Tourism

Sex tourism in Jamaica is huge and a much larger part of the tourist industry in this country than many want to admit to. While tourism brings desperately needed foreign income for Jamaican Travel Guides, it has many potentially negative side effects. Sex and travel forms part of the tourist scene in Jamaica.  Whether its lazing on a nude beach or hiring a girl for the night there is always a sexual charge in the air at nights in Negril and Montego Bay.

It is often difficult to distinguish between romantic liaisons and sex-for-cash transactions. Sexual activity with a minor carries heavy penalties, as well as being morally reprehensible.

Jamaica Travel Tips

Pack light, casual, comfortable clothes. Shorts, T-shirts, skirts, sundresses and a swimsuit are must-haves. Cotton and linen will keep you cool in the very humid spring and summer months.

Remember the beach necessities: wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunblock and a swimsuit cover-up. The latter is important, as swimsuits are acceptable only at the beach or by the pool.

Bring sandals, flip-flops and a pair of walking shoes for taking in the sites.

Take simple evening attire. Women will impress in a nice cotton dress, while men may opt for long shorts and a button-down short-sleeved shirt.

Pack a few sweaters for layering, especially in the fall and winter. An umbrella is also good in fall and winter, as brief showers are likely.

Bring insect repellent.


Jamaican Holidays

Labor Day (May 23), Independence Day (6 August), Emancipation Day (1 August), and National Heroes Day (18 October). These holidays provide an opportunity for tourists to experience the true essence of Jamaica through its varied culture and active nightlife. Jamaica also observes public holidays, including Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, Christmas Day (Dec 25), and Boxing Day (Dec 26).

Jamaica vacations are moderately priced. You can find price extremes in both directions when it comes to travel and accommodations, although most airfare will run pretty high. Prices are usually higher in tourist areas like Negril and Ocho Rios. Shops in "tourist traps" usually have higher prices than native shops and you'll usually see the same items at both locations. There are accommodations and restaurants that are cheap, but you’ll get what you pay for. The luxury resorts are a very good value because the rates are reasonable for the high-end accommodations you receive.