The fourth largest island country in the Caribbean, Jamaica is the perfect spot for families in search of an easy getaway and a rich reggae-infused culture. As one of Jamaica’s most famous sons once wrote, “Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing gonna be all right.”
This is the land of jerk chicken and reggae, beaches and rainforests, blue mountains and blue lagoons. With a range of hotel options (all-inclusive resorts, stylish boutique properties, lavish hideaways), there’s something for everyone. The easy-going atmosphere is ideal for little kids (there’s even a hotel that has a fleet of free nannies on staff). Teenagers love the 24/7 energy and all the adventure sports, from Zip lining to scaling one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful waterfalls. And did we mention? The weather’s warm and sunny most of the time.
There are tons of direct flights to Jamaica from most major U.S. cities. Most travelers fly into Montego Bay, but you can also fly into Kingston.
High season runs from December to March, but the weather’s warm and sunny year-round, save a passing shower on summer afternoons. But there’s a bonus in summer: It’s low season, so that means that prices are also low.
Jamaica has over 50 stunning public beaches, including Negril’s action-packed Seven Mile Beach, Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay, with its crystal-clear water, and quiet Frenchman’s Cove near Port Antonio, which is one of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean. Montego Bay’s Cornwall Beach has some of the safest swimming on the island for younger kids. And of course, there are myriad private resort beaches, just calling your name.
If you like spice, Jamaica’s your place. Jerk chicken is the island’s most famous dish, and you’ll find it being cooked in steel drum pans wherever you go. Our favorite place is Scotchie’s, a not-so-fast-food spot with locations around Montego Bay. Want to see the home of jerk chicken? Head to the jerk shacks along Boston’s Beach, where the dish was invented. Wash it all down with a cold Red Stripe.
There’s much to see beyond the beaches. Jamaica is home to the sprawling Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided hiking tours in Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park are a thrilling way for teenagers to explore some of this magnificently wild UNESCO World Heritage sites; one of the most bio-diverse environments in the Caribbean. Another experience not to miss: rafting on the Martha Brae River in Montego Bay.
Jamaica’s two main airports, Kingston and Montego Bay can be found on opposite sides of the island. Kingston is known more as the commercial center of Jamaica while Montego Bay is known for its resorts and family activities. A great area for families is Ocho Rios, located in the Parish of Saint Anne. About half way between the two airports, it offers great beaches, lush jungles, family friendly resorts, and a variety of attractions and amenities.
Callaloo: This spinach-like vegetable will be served together with other steamed vegetables and is delicious!
Patty: Patty is difficult to describe, so you’ll just have to try it for yourself! Found in Jamaica, like you would find a burger, the patty has a thin, crusty pastry shell with spiced meat inside. You can have it served in with coco bread or eat it plain, but either way it will be a tasty experience. There are three main Patty chains on the island: Juici, Tastee and Mother’s.
Ox Tail: Don’t let the name scare you, this might be the best thing you’ve ever tasted!
Festival: This tasty fried bread made of flour, cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder, is kneaded and then fried in oil to create a tasty, savory and sweet bread. Kids usually love this!
Fresh Fruit: The tropical climate of Jamaica produces some of the tastiest fresh fruits ever! The streets of Jamaica are lined with local fruit sellers where you’ll find bananas, passion fruit, akee, coconut, cassava (yams), sorrel, mango, papaya, sugarcane and more. Stop by these stands and grab some fruit for your drive.
You wouldn’t think of rafting as educational, but sailing on traditional Jamaican rafts down the mysterious Martha Brae River in Montego Bay is great fun for kids and local navigators double as history experts so learning is squeezed into the adventure without anyone noticing.
Whichever way you choose to get around Jamaica, it can be easy, fun and an adventure. Renting a car from the airport is a good option if you’re interested in exploring Jamaica on your own. If you plan to spend much of your time at the resort, hiring a driver can be less expensive and a great experience. Paradise Travels offer airport transfers or custom tailored tours of the island for a flat day rate. The guide will not only drive you, but also knows the best areas and will be sure to keep you safe. They provide car seats as needed and a cell phone to communicate with you throughout the day.
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