Sandy beaches, jerk chicken and reggae music to name a few, there are plenty of reasons to travel to the tropical paradise that is Jamaica. If you have not yet traveled to Jamaica, then it is definitely worth saving up a few extra dollars to take a trip, although there are a few things you should know before making your dream come true trip of a lifetime.
What You Need to Know Before Traveling to Jamaica
Navigation
Being a former colony of Great Britain, Jamaica follows the British driving system, and as such, you can expect to keep to the left side of the road while driving around the country. Not all of the Jamaican roads are smooth to drive on, and if you are new to the territory, it might benefit you to hire a guide or some help or just simply opt for public transport.
In addition to transport, understanding the Jamaican currency is necessary to help you with payments at restaurants, gas stations, etc. Some stations only accept cash while other establishments refuse foreign currency. If you are unfamiliar with the Jamaican monetary system, then you can always liase with your travel agent for advice.
Weather
For the most part, Jamaica’s weather is quite favorable, with many people favoring to travel to the island during the northern winter season. Unlike other countries, Jamaica does not snow and is usually quite warm with the exception of a few rainy weeks. That being said, the island is quite hurricane prone and has been hit with a few storms in past years that have wreaked havoc. It is important to get a clear and accurate report of forthcoming weather conditions before taking your trip.
Seasons
As with any other holiday destination, there are varying seasons when tourists travel to Jamaica, and each carries its own advantages and disadvantages. The peak season during winter is perhaps the busiest season with high volumes of traffic traveling to the island.
Many people choose to spend their Christmas on the island and so traveling during this time will require very early booking and might be expensive. The quieter seasons of May to August are not as busy and offer less crowded beaches and less noise, but this is usually when many people renovate their businesses, prices are cheaper, but could come at the cost of not having a lot of options available.
Customs and culture
Regardless of the country you are traveling to, each region has its own culture and customs, and it is important that you show respect and do your best not to offend the locals. This includes paying attention to dress codes and learning the polite terminology to use when communicating with local people. To put it bluntly “When in Jamaica, do as the Jamaicans do!”
As long as you are well prepared and well informed, you should have a smooth trip to Jamaica. Take care to pack appropriate clothing for the varying temperatures and carry other extra accessories such as phones, extra money, toiletries, maps, first aid kit, etc.
Have a great trip!