My husband & I just returned from a vacation in Jamaica. It was our second visit to Jamaica, we also vacationed there in 2013. This year, my husband’s parents gifted the whole family (8 adults total) the trip for Christmas. It was the first time we have gone on a tropical vacation together since we’ve been married and also the first time we’ve both been away from our children. We both love Jamaica and wanted to share our Top 5 Reasons To Vacation In Jamaica.

#1 Friendly Locals & Great Service

Between our two trips and meeting probably over a hundred local Jamaicans, we found them to generally be an extremely pleasant group of people. In general they seem to live by a ‘no problems, no worries’ attitude. They do say “Ya Mon” – a lot. In our experience, the resort workers, those on excursions and in the airport all were friendly, and helpful. I really felt welcomed to Jamaica and that they wanted to share their culture with us. We talked to a Jamaican called “Dr. Feel Good” on the beach, we learned his real name was Ian and he told us about diving in the reef, about spear fishing, and about his family. He was one of those people we’ll remember forever.

#2 Cuisine & Drinks

Just as you would expect for a country surrounded by ocean – Jamaica has excellent sea food options. On the trip we just arrived home from, I tried clams, mussels, crab, shrimp, swordfish, tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Calamari and Octopus. I was pleased with all of them. Jamaica is also famous for its Jerk Chicken. We found it to be perfectly spicy and delicious. At our last resort they grilled it in a little hut on the beach and it made the whole resort smell awesome. All of the members of our family tried it and all eight gave it two thumbs up! Ackee and Salt Codfish is Jamaica’s National Dish, there’s also plentiful Rice & Peas (which we know as rice & beans), Curry Goat and Oxtail.

Red Stripe is the beer of choice in Jamaica. My husband (who’s usually an American, light beer guy) really enjoys it. My drink of choice when it comes to alcohol is rum and the rum in Jamaica is some of the best I’ve ever had. It goes perfectly in all kinds of fruity drinks such as the Bahama Mamma, Rum Punch, Miami Vice, Pina Colada, Summer Breeze, Jamaica Smile, Hurricane, Daiquiris and more! I tried every fruity rum-containing drink on the menu at our all-inclusive resort (20 total) and they were all wonderful!

#3 No Language or Currency Barrier

English is the official language in Jamaica. I appreciate that I can read all of the signs, menus, brochures, etc. because they are all in English. Even though the Jamaicans do use some slang and speak English with their own cadence, it is still easily understandable. When I have visited other non-English speaking countries one of my least favorite parts of those vacations has been the language barrier. It can have beautiful scenery and great food but if you cannot read the street signs or the menu it makes things a little harder to enjoy.

On both of our trips to Jamaica we did not need to exchange money. Although Jamaica does have its own currency – the Jamaican Dollar – we were able to use American money everywhere we went. I loved that we didn’t have to worry about changing currency back and forth.

#4 Excellent Music & Entertainment

Jamaica is most famous for its Reggae music and Bob Marley. However Jamaican folk music, ska, rocksteady, mento, dancehall are also popular. During the day, there’s not much better than laying on the beach or sitting in the swim up bar with Jamaican music playing.

At night on the resorts there is always some kind of entertainment going on. We enjoyed watching the many different shows – there was a mix of music, dancing and comedy. It was so fun to watch the traditional Jamaican drumming and dancing! The Jamaicans can move their bodies (and booties) in ways I’ve never seen before. There are some really talented performers!

#5 Breathtaking Beaches & Landscape

Years ago we visited Ocho Rios. This time we stayed at a resort in Montego Bay. The Caribbean waters are the most stunning shade of aqua. Jamaica boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. We found them to be clean with relatively soft sand. It surprised my husband and I how mountainous Jamaica was. There are tropical rainforests, complete with caves and waterfalls – perfect for exploring. The tropical climate means it is hot all year round. Even in the winter, temperatures average between 80-85 degrees during the day. Lush greenery surrounds you, and flowers bloom even in the wintertime.

Tell me in the comments – have you been to Jamaica? What was your favorite part?

Asha

Hi, my name is Asha. I am 34-years-old and am a nurse by profession. Right now I am battling Breast Cancer. My husband and I have been married for 8 years and together we have a sweet seven-year-old daughter, a fun four-year-old son, and a lovable bunny named Caramel. I enjoy spending time with family, taking photographs, scrapbooking, hunting, fishing, cooking and gardening.

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