Passport to paradise — 10 Jamaican travel tips

Jamaica is the land of wood and water and an inspirational island nation just a stone’s throw from many US locations.

But spending two weeks within the walls of a resort won’t let you experience the authentic, awesome vibes of Jamdown.

So if you want a passport to paradise, these 10 Jamaican travel tips offer an immersive adventure.

1. Mosquito protection 

Mosquitos can be problematic in Jamaica and occasionally carry nasty viruses like Dengue, so protect yourself and your family by buying Avon Skin So Soft bug spray — it’s very effective.

2. Sunscreen 

Jamaica’s hot and humid, so sunscreen is mandatory — make sure you carry a rated product like Coola Classic sunscreen lotion SPF 50 or Olay Sun facial sunscreen SPF 35+.

3. Strawberry Fields Together

Want to spend a romantic weekend in rural St Robin’s Bay, St Mary Parish? Then book a chic cottage at the sublime Strawberry Fields Together resort and enjoy a private beach, azure seas and hidden waterfalls.

4. Blue Harbour 

Late, great British playwright Sir Noel Coward was so taken by Jamaica’s beauty that he bought a party pad near Port Maria, christened it Blue Harbour and welcomed Hollywood royalty. Staying at Blue Harbour lets you sample a slice of that lifestyle — visit blueharb.com to book.

5. Zion Country

In a nation blessed with an embarrassment of natural attractions, Portland parish might be the jewel in the crown. And staying at Zion Country eco-cabins at Long Road offers the chance to switch off from electronic distractions, sleep in a treehouse cabin and see manatees swim past the beach.

6. Country Country, Negril 

Negril is Jamaica’s most isolated tourist town — perched on the west end, it boasts a world-famous Seven Mile Beach and dramatic seaside cliffs and caves. Staying at Country Country beach cottages allows you to wake up and step right onto the sand. Their locally-sourced food is fab too!

7. Blue Mountain Peak 

Jamaica’s not all about sun, sea and beaches — the interior is vividly verdant and mountainous, with rich soil that produces some of the world’s best coffee. Book a guided hike of Blue Mountain peak at limetreefarm.com and you’ll see the coast of Cuba from 2256 meters high on a clear day.

8. Bob Marley museum, Kingston 

There’s a Bob Marley museum in Nine Miles, St Ann where Bob was born and it now houses his mausoleum. But 56 Hope Road, Kingston is less commercial and more intimate — you’ll see the yard where he played football and the bullet holes from the 1976 assassination attempt.

9. Reach Falls 

Reach Falls in the John Crow Mountains is one of the most serene spots on Earth — you can hike, swim and climb inside the porous rock falls. It featured in the Tom Cruise classic Cocktail and is a must-see.

10. Getting there 

You can grab cheap flights to Jamaica from practically anywhere on Kayak.com. And whether you depart from Sacramento, California or Sydney, Australia, finding airport parking at Looking4.com facilitates a hassle-free pre-flight experience.

That’s our list! Add your own Jamaican travel tips in the comments section.

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