Any Jamaica tips?

[aja319se]

Hi all. We're going to Jamaica and staying at an AI in Ochos Rios.

Does anyone have any tips on what to do or not do?

Also do they accept us currency at most places and where is the best place to trade currency?

Thanks!

 

[Shea&Van]

Hey there!

I'm subscribing to this one. We are planning a trip to Jamaica this fall for our anniversary (first trip without our kids!!). I'd love to hear any tips too.

Do you have a hotel picked out? We've heard wonderful things (from a few Dis'sers) on Sandals and Couples, but the price is . Trying to see how much we get back from Uncle Sam before committing.

Happy planning!!!

 

[aja319se]

We're staying at the RIU. I heard it's a happy medium between Sandals and a lower end AI.
My travel agent recommended it and she has also stayed there. The reviews on Trip Advisor are mostly very good.

 

[sunlover13]

Go on trip advisor to read reviews, things to do, etc.

There is also a forum on there where you can ask questions, etc.

We went about 5 years ago and stayed at Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay.

Best part of our trip was when we hired a private driver to take us out for the day. I believe his name was Carlton.

He drove us into downtown and showed us around, took us to a Plantation House, a lookout point for pictures, took us to see how the people lived (lower, middle, upper class). We also went to a Bird Sanctuary which was awesome. We fed hummingbirds with a bottle of sugar water. We also went to Glistening waters lagoon / restaurant.

I think he was around $100 for the day and then we paid for the things listed above. It was still cheaper then doing the excursions through the hotel.

Check out trip advisor!

 

[pink_fins]

We were in Jamaica last May for a wedding and here is what we did....I searched the Trip advisor forum up and down for ideas.... Ended up using a private guide to take us down to Kingston. He stopped on the way down at several little roadside stands and treated us to some of their fresh fruits. You think you have had fresh pineapple? NO. this was fresh.
The whole day was a great safe adventure.

Here is what Carolyn wrote to us...

If that is all right with you, We would be happy to take you on 22 May 13. From Runaway Bay it is only about an hour and a half to Kingston. We can come back through Fern Gully and stop in Ocho Rios at Margaritaville and Scotchies. It would be a very interesting day. We will tell you lots of the fascinating history of Jamaica on the way down and back and in general make the day lots of fun.

Carolyn Barrett
www.barrettadventures.com

We wanted to see where Bob Marley lived and just see the country. You can work out the cost with her. It was worth every penny. She is such a nice lady and runs a great private guide business. Check into to her

 

[aja319se]

That's awesome thank you! I will definitely check that out.
Did you pay in US Currency? I think that's my biggest concern because I've been researching and seem to find varying answers with most places accepting US currency but I don't want to assume. And they said the airport is the worst place to trade currency in.

 

[erin22]

I'm not sure if this is a family trip or an adults only trip, but we have stayed at Couples Negril 4 times over the last 8 years and we just can't get enough.

It is a resort for adult only couples. So everything is super romantic and there is no singles party scene. The food and service are amazing and the beach is to die for.

It has tons of activities included, water skiing, hobie cats, snorkeling, paddle boards, glass bottom boat cruise, catamaran cruise, resort scuba diving class. All of those things are included in your stay.

Now if you are looking for a family trip, this won't help, but otherwise, I can't recommend it enough!

Everywhere I have been in Jamaica, they take American currency, although sometimes they will give you change in Jamaica currency.

 

[mommymeg]

Hi all. We're going to Jamaica and staying at an AI in Ochos Rios. Does anyone have any tips on what to do or not do? Also do they accept us currency at most places and where is the best place to trade currency? Thanks!

We took our 2nd honeymoon to Sandals Montego Bay and can't wait to go back! Chose Montego Bay because it is right by the airport, no time wasted traveling to resort. Bad part about that is the occasional jet noise. Dunns River Falls was the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Never had a problem using American currency, bring cash if you can, travelers checks were a big hassle. The people of Jamaica were wonderfully kind and worked very hard to earn their money. Not necessarily where I would take my kids, but a lovely tropical destination.

Have fun!

 

[mamajo]

Don't take any of the drugs they offer you!! Avoid the marketplace-- the only thing they want to sell Americans are male body part carvings! We were in Ocho Rios and it was -- interesting. We got off the cruise ship to see machine gun carrying guards on the beach, razor wire around the beach, and we were offered drugs twice between the boat and the beach! The abject poverty is sad to see. People live in cardboard houses, literally. We rafted down the river from a plantation in the foothills of the White Mountains and traveled up the mountain in a rickety van-- we wondered if we were going to be sold but it really was delightful and fun!! Just relax and enjoy the culture! Beware the one eyed man manning the Jerk chicken booth!! Bon Appetit!! We got this glorious elderly gentleman-- Gorgeous George-- to take us snorkeling for $10 a head and he took us out in this "boat" to the reef beyond the cruise ship. It was so cool! And he was very sweet!!

 

[HM]

We took a trip there (timeshare) ages ago. What we learned was to not carry any cash on us and to expect every person to 'give you advise and expect a tip'. If you're in an all-inclusive you may never venture beyond the property, so you might not encounter this. Also, don't go during rainy season, there's not much to do except drink at the bar when it rains.

 

[TheDeputysWife]

I agree with Mommymeg! Dunns River Falls is a must do! It's gorgeous. And climbing up the falls is a lot of fun. The guides are all great. If you do this definitely take a waterproof camera. The guides will take your photo as your climbing.

 

[brownhaired_girl]

We stayed There two years ago for my daughter's wedding. They offered a tubing day. Bus ride up to a mountain. It was probably one of the cleanest rivers I have seen. Nice relaxing day. The scuba diving was a little disappointing. I didn't see wonderful colors like on television. The reef they took us to must not have been healthy.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

My husband and I visit Jamaica every year. Its our absolute favorite island.

With that being said, we've been to Ocho Rios once and that was enough. The majority of the cruise ships dock in Ocho so the locals can be exceptionally pushy and aggressive.

DH and I love to walk the beach. Most of the resorts in Ocho have very small beaches and the different resorts are divided by very tall chain link fences, so no ability to walk on any beach other than the small one in front of your hotel.
When we stayed at what used to be Sandals Dunns River and is now The Jewel, Everytime I got up off my lounger to get a drink , go to the bathroom or even look around, locals were glued to the fence screaming for me to buy something or have my hair braided.
If DH and I would go in the ocean, the locals would come right to the rope to try and sell you something also.

We werent impressed with Dunns River Falls. Its a huge tourist trap. The Secret Falls are definetly better, IMHO


I dont know if this is an adults trip but the Riu does allow kids.
We stayed near the one in Negril and there were always a ton on the beach. I dont mean to sound like Debbie Downer but we've had friends in the past stay in Ocho and on return cant understand why DH and I love Jamaica. We say its all about location. Who knows u may go to Ocho and absolutely love it.

Definetly have jerk chicken, rum cream and a Bob Marley shot while youre there.

DH and I usually stay in Negril or Whitehouse. Seven Mile Beach in Negril is absolutely beautiful.

Have a good time.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

Depending on when you are going, you might want to use Club Mobay or Club Kingston to speed your way through airport arrival and departure.

While not exactly budget, I found found these services a good value and well worth their cost. We arrived in Montego Bay on a Saturday of a holiday week and the line for Jamaican customs/immigration looked like it was hours long (there was a line to get into the room with the enormous line). They have a dedicated line for Club customers and you get escorted around all the regular lines and get through in a matter of minutes.

On departure, they have a similar expedited line and a lounge with free food and drinks.

 

[Debbie7452]

Another vote for Carolyn Barrett tours. We went on a tour with her while in Jamaica for the day on a cruise. We loved our private guide and it was fantastic not being crammed on a bus with hordes of other people. Our water fall zip lining plans got flooded out from recent heavy rains, but she came up with an alternate plan and we were delighted. We toured the Appleton rum factory and did an alligator river cruise.

 

[pink_fins]

We too took US dollars and only took out of the safe what we needed for the day. (on the way down we divided up the money in sox, wallets purse etc)

If you go on an off resort trip, most places will take a card for payment. I have learned years ago to only take two charge cards one for Hubby and one for me. (kept copies of the at home, Just in case)... Saved all the receipts and all went well.

Agree, the people are so friendly. I never felt it was just because we were tourists. They are just Happy people.

The internet is free so cruise it and find what you like. When you get there you may want to do something (from your printouts) or find something else to do.

Enjoy. The experience.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

I'm not sure if this is a family trip or an adults only trip, but we have stayed at Couples Negril 4 times over the last 8 years and we just can't get enough.

It is a resort for adult only couples. So everything is super romantic and there is no singles party scene. The food and service are amazing and the beach is to die for.

It has tons of activities included, water skiing, hobie cats, snorkeling, paddle boards, glass bottom boat cruise, catamaran cruise, resort scuba diving class. All of those things are included in your stay.

Now if you are looking for a family trip, this won't help, but otherwise, I can't recommend it enough!

Everywhere I have been in Jamaica, they take American currency, although sometimes they will give you change in Jamaica currency.

We love the Couples resorts too. We've done both Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away, and they are both fabulous. We are young but have no interest in the party scene when we travel, and we find the relaxing atmosphere of these resorts (and Jamaica in general) to be perfect.

Jamaica specific tips:

1. Even if your AI has a strict no tipping policy at the resort (most do) you will need to tip the baggage handlers at the airport - they will accept US currency. I have never found the need to exchange currency in Jamaica.

2. Jamaica is a very friendly place - I have traveled all over the Caribbean, and have found most islanders to be very indifferent - not the case in Jamaica. Just something nice to know

Have a great time!!

 

[taraprather]

My husband and I, and another couple went to Ocho Rios last September. It was a planned and winged pretty quickly, as we weren't planning on going there until we found a great deal ($699 pp, 8 days, all inclusive, including roundtrip flights). We couldn't pass it up!
The drive from the airport to Ocho was long, but our driver was CRAZY. Going about 85-90 miles per hour, flying around curves, etc. I was happy we made it to the hotel alive!
But once we got there, we had a blast. You will be offered drugs, EVERYWHERE! Even our drivers were offering.
We went to Dunn river falls, swimming with the dolphins, and ziplining through the rain forest. Had a blast with all of them! If you do Dunn River falls, be sure to take the party boat there (if you're into that). It was a BLAST.
We did walk to the local flea market. Never again. Everything we need is at the resort. You will be hounded at the flea market. I didn't even stop to look at anything, because of all the pressure.

 

[aja319se]

Thank you all so much for the tips.
I'll definitely check out that tour guide!
This is our first adults only vacation

 

[jmddcj]

We have traveled to Jamaica many times both as a couple and as a family. Our family trip we stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree AI, chosen for many reasons but one of the mains is the travel time from airport (10 mins), cost effective etc.. Traveling to and from the airport is beautiful on the way out but, as you will discover on your way back no one is in any hurry "no problem mon" which can be frustrating if you stay further away.
We hired a taxi to Holiday Inn, $10 I believe, then we hired a private driver for tours we wanted to take. We took our boys to the main attractions, Dunns. river cruise etc. But, also were able to visit a school in the mountains the kids came out and sang, and we delivered tablets pencils and candy to the kids. I cannot express how much this affected my boys. It is after NOT like living in America and my boys quicly saw this. The people we encountered were very very friendly. We love the island!!!!
The travel time to Ocho Rios is about 2 hours plus...
Negril almost the same. We found that staying in Montego Bay allowed us to be centrally located to all of the things we wanted to see!!

We have never had any issue with currency, your hotel can help you with any changing over. Just change what you need for the day and you should be set. American CC are accepted (make sure you alert them to your travel). The only places you will need local currency is in the straw markets, and smaller local shops!