Jamaica Express » Jamaica

Jamaica Golf Vacations: How to Choose the Perfect Resort

admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:47:30 +0000

Do you want to plan a Jamaica golf vacation? If so, you may soon start making your travel arrangements. Before deciding on a hotel or resort, there are a number of factors you will first want to take into consideration.

Onsite golf course. On the island of Jamaica, you will find a number of resorts with onsite golf courses. You should closely examine these resorts. Why? Because they can save you both time and money. When you are able to golf onsite, your travel time and expenses are significantly reduced.

All-inclusive resorts. In addition to Jamaica resorts with onsite golf courses, you are urged to examine all-inclusive or even super-inclusive resorts. These resorts come highly rated and recommended. Why? Because they include the cost of most of your trip. At an all-inclusive resort, it is common to find food, drinks, tips, and some forms of entertainment included.

Free green fees. As previously stated, all-inclusive and super-inclusive resorts should be examined. In addition to your food, drinks, and tips, you may find green fees included in the cost of your stay. Golf courses in popular vacation destinations, such as Jamaica, are nice, but they can get expensive. You can save a considerable amount of money when your green fees are free or already included in the cost of your stay, as you may have received a discount.

Low rental costs. If you are traveling to Jamaica for the sole purpose of golfing, you may bring your own golf clubs and balls with you. If not, you will need to rent this equipment. First, it is important to choose a Jamaica resort that has rentals available. Next, look for affordable equipment rental fees.

Golf cart rentals. In keeping with equipment, you may want to rent a golf cart. Typically, this is not included in the cost of your stay. Although extra, you should find affordable rates. You may even receive a discount if golfing on the resort you stay at. The good news is that on many Jamaica golf resorts, the use of a golf cart is optional.

Available caddies. At home, you may be content with carrying your own golf bag, but remember that you are on vacation. That is why a golf caddie is recommended. In fact, some resorts require them. Although required, it is not uncommon for you to be responsible for caddie fees. This fee may include a traditional usage fee or simply just a tip. If payment is required, look for affordable options.

Distance between other courses. If your Jamaica vacation is a week or more, you may wish to golf on other courses to reduce boredom. If so, look for Jamaica resorts and golf courses that are in close proximities. For example, there is a 9-hole course at Grand Lido Braco Resort and an 18-hole course at Breezes Runaway Bay. These resorts are fifteen minutes apart and, when a guest, free transfer is provided. This can reduce your travel time and expenses, allowing for more time on the green.

Your traveling party. Are you traveling to Jamaica with a group of friends for the sole purpose of golf? If so, your resort choice should be based solely on golf. On the other hand, if your Jamaica golf vacation doubles as a family vacation, it is important to take your traveling party into consideration. If traveling with small children, look for Jamaica resorts that not only have onsite golf courses, but possibly scheduled events for children, swimming pools, playgrounds, or indoor game rooms.

Costs. Since most Jamaica resorts that have onsite golf courses are classified as all-inclusive or super-inclusive resorts, the overall cost of your stay will seem quite high. With that said, it is important to dissect your Jamaica travel package. If the cost of room, food, drinks, tips, and green fees are included, you will pay more. With that said, you will get more in return. You can easily examine individual components of your travel package to ensure you are getting the best deal. In fact, you may even see that you are rewarded with discounts.

To start planning your next Jamaica golf vacation, visit SuperClubs.com. When doing so, keep green fees, equipment rental costs, caddie fees, location, your traveling party, and travel package costs in mind. This will allow you to find the resort that is the perfect fit for your next trip.

Planning a Singles Vacation to Jamaica

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:47:30 +0000

When many travelers think of Jamaica vacations, romance and destination weddings often pop into mind. Yes, Jamaica is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or destination wedding, but it is also the perfect destination for singles vacations. So, if you are single, but still want to enjoy a vacation in the Caribbean, look no farther than Jamaica.

Before sharing tips on how to plan a Jamaica singles vacation, it is important to know what one is. Unfortunately, misconceptions are common concerning this type of travel. Often times, travelers on singles vacations are single and not in a committed relationship. In other instances, a singles vacation is when a traveler visits Jamaica on their own, regardless of their relationship status. When planning a singles vacation, you can visit the Caribbean solo or with the group of other single friends.

Now that you are familiar with Jamaica singles vacations and their classification, you may be looking for more information on planning your trip. As previously stated, a singles vacation is often taken with a group of other unattached friends. If so, start asking around. A passport is required for admittance into Jamaica from the United States. For that reason, plan your Jamaica trip at least two months in advance of your intended dates of travel. If splitting the cost of travel with other members of your traveling party, have an accurate headcount before making travel plans.

If you are looking to save money on your next trip to Jamaica, examine Jamaica travel packages. These packages come in a number of different formats, but most allow you to save money. Popular packages include a stay at a hotel and airline reservations. These packages are affordable. If cost is not a factor, examine all-inclusive travel packages.

All-inclusive travel packages do vary too, but you will be pleased with what is included. Often times, a package includes accommodations at an all-inclusive resort, food, drinks, tips, and some forms of entertainment. The cost of this travel package is higher, but you do get more in return.

Whether you opt for a stay at a traditional Jamaica hotel, resort, or all-inclusive resort, closely examine and compare your options. Yes, you want to have affordable accommodations, but plan the vacation of your dreams. This is particularly true with a trip to Jamaica, as many resorts have themes or cater to specific types of travelers. For example, there are singles resorts, adult only resorts, couples resorts, and family resorts.

Those traveling to Jamaica on singles vacations, like yourself, are encouraged to examine adult only resorts. Most times, children under the age of 14 are prohibited from staying onsite. Other resorts have higher age restrictions, such as 16 or 18. This is nice, as on your vacation you may intend to unwind and have a good time. When staying at a resort that caters to adult travelers, you do not have to tailor your behavior due to the presence of small children.

Next, examine your intended activities. A popular activity on a singles vacation includes social drinking. If you want to do so it is recommended that you opt for an all or super-inclusive resort. In these instances, your drinks are included in the cost of your stay. At a luxury or upscale resort, you are not only provided with cheap alcohol, but premium drinks.

If you are a female, you may intend to use your Jamaica vacation to relax and unwind. If that is the case, an onsite spa is recommended. Even with super and all-inclusive resorts, spa visits cost extra. Despite the extra cost, it will be well worth the trip. Many resort luxury spas offer various services, including facials, massages, and more.

If relaxing isn’t your style, but adventure is, examine available onsite entertainment and activities. As previously stated, the cost of entertainment is included at a stay at many super and all-inclusive Jamaica resorts. For example, at a beach resort, you may find windsurfing, water skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving already included in the cost of your stay.

On the island of Jamaica, you will find many all-inclusive resorts that fit the bill for singles vacations, but closely examine the Hedonism II and III resorts. These resorts are designed for individuals 18 and over, offer many of the onsite entertainment and activities mentioned above, and tipping is not permitted.

Super-Inclusive Jamaica Resorts: What May Be Included

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:47:31 +0000

Are you searching for a Jamaica resort? In your search, you will find all-inclusive resorts and super-inclusive resorts. Both may sound appealing, but super-inclusive resorts should get the main focus of your attention. Why? Because of what is included.

Before outlining what a stay at a super-inclusive Jamaica resort may include, it is important to discuss variances. Not all resorts are the same. Just because tips are included in the stay at one Jamaica resort, it doesn’t not mean they will be at another. That is why you should thoroughly review all information provided to you, including the fine print, before purchasing a Jamaica travel package.

Rooms and Suites

In terms of accommodations, your decision should be based on availability and your own personal preferences. Regardless of which Jamaica resort you opt for, you should have multiple options. These options may include a resort room, honeymoon suite, or a room with a beach view or garden view.

Those who are on romantic getaways or honeymoons are encouraged to upgrade to suites.

Dining

Most all-inclusive and super-inclusive Jamaica resorts have at least two eateries for you to choose from. Often times, you are provided with a convenience style eatery and an upscale restaurant. Unless otherwise stated, the cost of dining should be included in your price. For some upscale restaurants, you may find a small surcharge. This surcharge, should it exist, will be clearly highlighted for you to see.

What sets most super-inclusive resorts apart from traditional Jamaica all-inclusive resorts is that you receive more than a nice meal. Many upscale resorts not only include the cost of your food and drinks, but your daytime snacks as well!

Entertainment (Will Vary)

Entertainment is typically included with a stay at a super-inclusive resort. You will, however, find some variances and fees. For example, swimming should be included in the cost of your stay. In addition to a pool swimming, this should include beach swimming, if you stay at a beachfront resort. Family resorts often have onsite playgrounds for children. The use of this playground should be included in the cost of your stay.

Where you will find variances is with additional land and water based activities. For example, it is common for beachfront resorts to offer snorkeling, water-skiing, sailing, and kayaking. Although these activities are offered, you may have to pay a small fee, often for rental equipment. This fee, although small, is still at a discounted price and should be clearly outlined.

In terms of land sports, there is golfing. At many super-inclusive resorts, green fees are included in the cost of your stay. Depending on the Jamaica inclusive resort in question, it may be your responsibly to pay for a cart rental or caddie fees.

Tips and Gratuities

At all super-inclusive resorts on the island of Jamaica, you will find that tipping is already figured into your vacation costs. This means that you are not required to tip. In fact, most encourage you not to. This is one way that a super-inclusive resort is different than an all-inclusive Jamaica resort, where tipping may still be encouraged.

Amenities (Will Vary)

All hotels and resorts provide guests with various amenities, but you will be pleased with the amenities provided at super-inclusive resorts. Of course, a television and telephone are provided, but what about a CD player in every room? That is just the beginning. Although you may find some variances, depending on the resort in question, you may find arts and crafts, indoor game rooms, and much more.

Airport Transfers

On the island of Jamaica, all super-inclusive resorts include the cost of airport transfers. For your convenience, it is best to examine the nearest airports before making your air travel arrangements.

In terms of airport transfers, they are included with all super-inclusive Jamaica resorts. With that said, not all all-inclusive resorts offer this convenient service. For that reason, be sure to know the difference between super and all-inclusive.

As you can see, there is a lot that you gain access to with a stay at a super-inclusive resort. On the island of Jamaica, you will find six super-inclusive resorts. These resorts include Breezes at Montego Bay, Breezes at Runaway Bay, the Grand Lido Braco, the Grand Lido Negril, the Hedonism II in Negril, and the Hedonism III, located near Runaway Bay.

Who Else Wants 5 Reasons to Say Yes to a Jamaica Vacation?

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:47:34 +0000

There is no wonder why so many people embark on a Jamaica vacation at some point in their lives. With beautiful weather, white sandy beaches, and a plethora of activities to keep you busy, Jamaica has become one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. Here are 5 reasons why your next vacation should be a Jamaica vacation.

1. Beautiful weather

You simply cannot say it enough… the Jamaica weather is absolutely gorgeous. Jamaica is in the Caribbean so this means you’re almost guaranteed beautiful weather all year long. Generally it’s not too hot and definitely not too cool, which allows you to get maximum relaxation while on vacation. You can put on your bathing suit and lounge carelessly at the beautiful beaches Jamaica has to offer.

2. Jamaican beaches

With beautiful weather you know there are a number of beaches to choose from. In Jamaica, you’ll find it hard to run out of choices if you’re looking for a beach to enjoy. Many hotels are located right beside the beaches… so you’ll have quick and easy access. And there are numerous activities to keep you busy on the beaches from snorkeling to parasailing to just lazing under the sun. While there are many things to do in Jamaica, it is the weather and beaches that reel in most vacationers.

3. Wide array of activities

For many, the beaches alone sell because of how gorgeous they are. But if you’re looking for more than a beach vacation there’s no need to worry because you’ll be able to pick, choose and refuse from a long list of activities on your Jamaica vacation. From horseback riding to whitewater rafting to world-class golfing, you’ll never have enough time to experience everything that a Jamaica vacation has to offer.

4. Mountain ranges

While Jamaica is most known for its beaches and gorgeous water, it surprisingly has beautiful mountain ranges as well. During the day you may choose to hike through the different trails where you’ll experience scenery like nowhere else on earth. And if you wait around long enough, you’ll witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets on earth.

5. Many lodging options

Sometimes the lodging you opt for can have a significant impact on your vacation. But not to worry, the many lodging options available in Jamaica will allow you to plan your dream Jamaica vacation. Many people prefer the bed and breakfast option because it allows you to have a relaxing vacation… while at the same time encouraging closer interaction with the culture and people of Jamaica. In addition, a large number of mid-class hotels are available for you to choose from as well. And don’t forget the number of world class all-inclusive resorts that caters to your every need… and then some.

In all fairness, no other vacation can be compared to a Jamaica vacation. From the white sandy beaches to the mountain ranges to the varied lodging options, you will definitely leave satisfied when you take a Jamaica vacation.

Jamaica All-Inclusive Vacations: 5 Must Do Activities

admin — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:47:34 +0000

Are you gearing up for your all-inclusive trip to Jamaica? If so, your travel arrangements should be set. Your flight is booked and you booked a stay at an all-inclusive resort. Right about now, you may think that the only thing left to do is pack. Yes, this is good, but why not take the time to familiarize yourself with a few of Jamaica’s most popular activities and attractions. If you want to get out and explore this beautiful island, know ahead which activities and attractions are the best and cheapest to do. Save yourself time, money, and have the vacation of your dreams.

On the island of Jamaica, you will find no shortage of fun activities and attractions. In fact, that is just one reason why you should do a small amount of research. Choosing between them all may seem like an impossible task. If you need some assistance, continue reading on for five Jamaica vacation activities that come highly rated and recommended.

1 – Visit a Waterfall

The landscape of Jamaica is what makes it an amazing Caribbean vacation destination. There are mountains, jungles, beaches, and just about everything in between, including waterfalls. In fact, you are encouraged to visit one. Luckily, you have many options. It should depend on the location of your all-inclusive Jamaica resort. Limit your travel time and expenses by opting for a nearby fall.

If staying in or around Ocho Rios, the Dunns River Falls is considered a must stop. In addition to visiting the falls independently, you can also book a daylong Dunns River Falls tour. Not only will the sight amaze you, but you can get up close. Human chains are created with trained tour guides, enabling you to climb the falls! If vacationing more towards Montego Bay, Mayfield Falls comes highly rated and recommended.

2 – Go Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is an activity that most can do back home; however, it is still rated a must do on the island of Jamaica. Luckily, horseback riding is available all across the island. Your best option is to take a horseback riding tour. Most tours last an average of 3 hours. For tours located near the coastline, your adventure may include a dip into the Caribbean waters with your horse! These tours are often marketed as horseback ride and swim tours.

3 – Take a Boat Ride

As with horseback riding, these boat rides give you many options. If vacationing at an all-inclusive resort along the coast, look at nearby cruises. Some are classified as sightseeing tours, while others are known as dinner cruises or adventure cruises. For an adventure cruise, your boat may stop a few miles from shore where you can enjoy a few hours of scuba diving or snorkeling.

The tours on the Caribbean waters are the most popular, but boat tours are also available inland. For the ultimate adventure, forego the boat and opt for a whitewater raft! Rafting is perfect on the Great River. Slow moving water tube tours are also available for those looking for a little less adventure and for those looking to take in the surrounding landscape.

4 – Do Something Related to Bob Marley

Regardless of your taste in music, you have likely heard of Bob Marley. The Bob Marley Museum is located just outside of Kingston, but the island is home to many Bob Marley tributes. You can find unofficial museums, themed restaurants, and more. See how this legendry musician brought Jamaica worldwide attention and limelight.

5 – Spend at Least 1 Day at Your Resort

Jamaica is one of those vacation destinations you want to get out and explore. You want to see the landscape, the locals, and the great attractions. With that said, it is important to remember you are staying at an all-inclusive resort. These establishments are designed so that you never have to leave. You could easily spend your entire vacation onsite and have the best trip ever. Since most tourists want to leave and sightsee, you likely will. As a cost cutting measure, spend at least one day at your Jamaica all-inclusive resort.

Above you were provided with a list of five must do Jamaica vacation activities. These activities all come highly rated and recommend by tourists, just like you. Whether you opt for these vacation activities or others, you will never experience a moment of boredom. After all, you are on the island of fun and sun.

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Tips For Planning a Jamaica Adventure Vacation

Helpful Jamaica Wedding Planning Tips

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:33:01 +0000

Are you interested in having a destination wedding in Jamaica? If you are, you may be looking for helpful planning tips. As amazing as destination weddings are, they can sometimes be difficult to plan. The good news is that there is help available.

First and foremost, it is important to start your planning early. Yes, a destination wedding can be planned at the last minute, but do you really want your special day to be “thrown,” together? The moment you decide you want a Jamaica wedding is the moment that you should start the planning process.

As for why it is important to plan your Jamaica destination wedding in advance, remember travel rules and restrictions. You will need a valid passport to enter into Jamaica. Passports can take a few months to receive. Their costs should also be incorporated into your wedding budget. If you intend to invite a few close friends or family members, give them enough time to order and obtain their passports as well.

Speaking of inviting guests to your destination Jamaica wedding, you may not want to do so. That is the allure of many destination weddings, as they tend to be more private and personal. With that said, if you have your heart set on having a few close friends and family members present, do so. Remember, let guests know of your Jamaica wedding plans in advance. This allows them to save money for the trip. For those who may need convincing, remind them that not only can they attend your wedding, but they can also have a Jamaica vacation!

In most cases, brides plan their wedding first and then discuss their honeymoon later. With destination Caribbean weddings, this is not the approach that you will want to take. Instead, you will want to plan the two together. If you are thinking about getting married in Jamaica, you should consider honeymooning there as well. What is nice about doing so is that Jamaica is known as not only being the perfect place to have a romantic getaway, but a fun vacation as well. This is because there is so much for you to do and see. There are a number of fun activities available, including hiking, sightseeing, snorkeling, and boating. Jamaica is also home to a number of fun, romantic, and educational attractions.

In addition to having a great honeymoon, another reason why you should plan your honeymoon and wedding together is that you may get a free wedding! Yep, a free wedding. Did you know that a number of all-inclusive Jamaica resorts offer vacation packages? Many of these packages include a free wedding. Often times, only a few restrictions need to be met, such as staying five or seven days at the resort. When you honeymoon at the resort in question, these restrictions should automatically be met.

If you do decide to stay at an all-inclusive resort where your wedding is included in the cost of your stay, you are urged to examine that package. While you may get a beautiful wedding ceremony, is the reception included as well? Most resorts should outright tell you what your free wedding will include, like a DJ, photographer, or cater. The good news is that many all-inclusive Jamaica resorts allow you to upgrade your free wedding to your dream wedding for a reasonable fee. However, these are arrangements that should be made well in advance of your trip to Jamaica.

As previously stated, there are a number of Jamaica resorts that allow you to get married onsite, sometimes free of charge. As for which resort you choose, it depends. If you have your heart set on visiting a specific area of Jamaica, like Ocho Rios, look for nearby resorts. With that said, Jamaica is home to a number of adult resorts and couples resorts. You may find these resorts to be more romantic in nature. Just be sure to book a romantic honeymoon suite!

As a recap, make your Jamaica wedding plan well in advance of your special day, make sure you and your guests have valid passports, consider getting married and honeymooning in Jamaica, and examine all-inclusive resorts where you may be able to have a free wedding!

Where is the Right Place to Stay on Your Jamaica Vacation?

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:33:01 +0000

Planning convenient accommodations for your next Jamaica vacation can give you the freedom to explore any of the six mountain ranges, one hundred twenty rivers, and one hundred fifty miles of beach.
Close your eyes. You are walking through a magnificent lobby out into a waterfront village and borders the pristine emerald waters and powdery white sands of the beach. Now, open your eyes. If you are talking about the Caribbean, welcome to a luxury accommodation.
When you plan your next trip to the tropical island of Jamaica, make sure that your accommodations offer you the experience of the leading Jamaica resorts. A resort provides everything you are looking in a complete getaway so that you don’t have to worry about little details like food, entertainment, access to the beach and so on. Consider this picture. Jamaica resorts are highly rated by noted travel reviewers and authorities. You can be confident that you are getting the best for your money when you stay at a resort that is rated either 5 Star or 4 Star.
For a scenic diversion, consider the northern coast of Trelawny, where Grand Lido Braco Resort and Spa is graded a 5 Star resort. If you want to indulge in Jamaica’s rich heritage and the the charm of vintage Caribbean, stay here. The resort is the very first one to offer an inclusive visitor community complete with gingerbread architecture and town square. Dining experiences are plentiful in Piacere, La Pasta, Nanny’s Jerk Pit, Victoria Market and Munasan. Each restaurant provides a specialized cuisine prepared by executive chefs.
Jamaica hotels offer conveniently located lodging, guest amenities and even breathtaking views of the ocean front and city life that is unique to the island. Where you stay is often more important than the food you eat, the people you meet or the sites you see. Your hotel is both a launching pad to view Jamaica’s assortment of international traditions and customs, as well as a respite after a long day’s activity.
Do your travel plans include a trip to Kingston? The Jamaica Pegasus is a leading hotel for business and vacation travelers alike. Located in the heart of the New Kingston commercial district the Pegasus offers guests a balanced mix of business leisure and social engagements. The hotel includes more than 300 suites with built-in direct dial telephones coffee and tea makers along with the convenience of 100-channel cable television. Bringing your laptop? Make sure to stay in the Club and Deluxe floor rooms which are wired with high-speed Internet access. Need to arrange a conference or banquet? The experienced hotel staff can assist you sponsor a splendid event for to one thousand people. If you like to keep up on your health regimen take full advantage of the jogging track Fitness Center tennis courts and swimming pool. Then relax at any of the three restaurants and two bars.
Jamaica villas offer an excellent option for lodging. Just what is a villa? Let me explain. A villa is an upper class country home, designed for luxurious living. Some villas are located on the beach and the rest dot the mountainsides with scenic views. You can save money when you rent a villa directly from the owner and avoid commissions. There are numerous villas in Jamaica that you can choose from, vary in price, size and amenities.
Wag Water offers three-bedroom villas with pleasing views that overlook the sea and form part of the historic Prospect Estate. The villas are equipped with a spacious living room air conditioning and private bathroom. Modern amenities include a telephone CD stereo system and satellite TV. A large covered veranda has plenty of space for lounging and dining giving you the choice of outdoor and indoor living.
Exquisite amenities, scenic views and delightful accommodations. The next time you plan your Jamaica vacation, stay in a lavish villa, hotel or resort so that you can share the experience with your friends back home.

Choosing a Jamaica All-Inclusive Resort

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:33:02 +0000

Are you researching all-inclusive resorts for your next trip to Jamaica? If so, you may be overwhelmed. You have so many great options to choose from. Which all-inclusive Caribbean resort should you choose? It depends on a number of factors. After all, you don’t want a cookie cutter resort. Instead, you want one that can make your vacation dreams come alive. So, what should you consider when choosing a resort?

Age restrictions. On the island of Jamaica, you will find resorts with age restrictions. This is common with adult resorts. If you are traveling to Jamaica for a family vacation, age restrictions are very important. Some resorts prohibit guests under the age of 16 and 18.

Rooms. Jamaica resorts all have many rooms. Most all-inclusive travel packages include a stay at a standard resort room, but do you want more? If so, see if upgrades are available. Are you on your honeymoon? If so, upgrade to a honeymoon suite. Traditional suites are available for those looking for more luxury or those looking for more space.

Costs. Since there are many all-inclusive Jamaica resorts to choose from, examine them all. When you do, you will find varying costs. Of course, it is important to examine quality as you get what you pay for. On that same note, make sure you choose a Jamaica resort you can afford. For that reason, compare costs. Take your two favorite inclusive resorts and then price compare. Which one offers you the best deal? Take it.

Restaurants. Unless the fine print states you must pay a surcharge first, the cost of your food should be fully included in your stay at an all-inclusive resort. This is nice, but make sure you have choices. Having one restaurant to choose from isn’t ideal. Most all-inclusive trips to Jamaica last at least five days. Don’t get bored with the same food by the second day. Good resorts not only have multiple restaurants for you to choose from, but small cafes and bars too.

Facilities. Even though you are on a vacation, you may have daily activities you need to continue doing. Whether it be working out, getting your nails done, or checking your email, make sure you can ahead of time. Luckily, this should be easy. Many Jamaica resorts have onsite fitness centers, spas, and internet cafes.

Onsite activities. All-inclusive resorts are designed so that you do not have to leave to have a good time. For that reason, you should have many onsite activities to enjoy. Even still, examine them. Do you like to golf? Opt for a resort with an onsite golf course where the green fees are included. If on a family vacation, look for resorts that have onsite activities for your children. Yes, your children will enjoy swimming and playing on the beach, but why not opt for a resort with scheduled events for children, a beach playground, and a childcare service for you?

Inclusions. When examining all-inclusive resorts, their cost may be a turnoff at first. This is because you get more in return. Since a stay should include room, food, drinks, and tips, you will pay more. With that said, you get a better value in the end. What you do want to do is examine entertainment inclusions. Some beachfront resorts may include the cost of wind surfing, snorkeling or water skiing. If you enjoy these activities, look for them. The more your all-inclusive resort package includes, the more you should save at the end of your trip.

Weddings. If you are traveling to Jamaica for a destination wedding or a special romantic getaway, look for all-inclusive resorts that have free weddings available. These are included in the cost of most inclusive travel packages, provided the minimum stay requirement is met. Luckily, it is usually as few as five or seven days! So, if you want to do more than just travel to Jamaica, but get married there too, find a resort that allows you to do so and for free!

In short, there are many factors you should take into consideration when choosing an all-inclusive Jamaica resort. Honestly, whichever resort you choose, you will have an amazing time. Take a few extra minutes to find the resort that is the perfect fit.

Rafting on a Couples Only Jamaica Vacation

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:33:03 +0000

It’s easy to find an all inclusive vacation in Jamaica but the majority are for families. That’s great for people with kids and fine for those who don’t mind having kids around at their holiday resort. Many couples with grown up children, enjoy being freed from the demands of family vacations. The last thing these couples want is to have to spend their holiday with other people’s children around them instead of their own.

There are however, several very good couples-only vacation resorts in Jamaica that can be booked on an all inclusive basis. Three are owned by the same company and are called “Couples”. One is in Negril, one in Sans Souci and the other is in Ocho Rios. We enjoyed a glorious sixteen day holiday at Couples, Ocho Rios a few years ago. Being naturists, we were attracted to this hotel because it has a clothes-optional facility in the form of a tiny island, a hundred metres or so out from the hotel opposite the main beach. The island is served by a beautiful swim up bar and a boat to take you there and back at any time you want throughout the day. Most of the island is covered with decking on which sun loungers and hammocks are set out to furnish guests with comfortable seating. There is exactly the right amount of coconut palms to provide the sunbathers with a perfect combination of sun and shade at all times of the day. The island is an idyllic place to do nothing all holiday except sunbathe, swim and enjoy the drinks and snacks provided at the swim up bar. But even fanatical sun worshippers like ourselves will want to take some time out and see a bit of Jamaica during their stay.

Without any doubt, the most enjoyable excursion for us was a raft trip on the Rio Grande, Jamaica’s longest river that runs from the Blue Mountains into the sea. Tours,organised by the hotel, start with a fascinating coach journey to Port Antonio, calling in at the famous Blue Lagoon along the way. This was the setting for the film Castaways and it is indeed the most beautiful and peaceful place you could ever wish to swim in. Don’t expect a beach however. The Blue Lagoon hasn’t got one and the film’s beach scenes were shot elsewhere.

The starting point of the raft trip is at Berridale, six miles by road and nearly three hours by raft from the sea. The rafts are thirty two feet long and constructed from bamboo poles lashed together. The deck area has a seat for two passengers at the stern whilst a dreadlocked boatman, stands further forward and steers the raft with a long, bamboo pole.

You are taken at a leisurely pace for most of the way, occasionally picking up speed to cross stretches of the river that might be described as minor rapids. The boatman provides his own brand of constant entertainment, telling many far-fetched yarns about the rich and famous people he has transported in his raft or by singing some Bob Marley favourites to you.

The photo opportunities of the voyage are virtually incessant. As well as some beautiful scenery and wildlife in the form of vultures and other exotic birds, your navigator also creates many pictures worth snapping as he stylishly poles the raft, guiding it through its tricky course. There is always a colourful array of tropical plants to admire on the banks of the river and your guide is most eager to tell you their local names and provide interesting stories or folklore about their uses or associations.

Along the way, you will pass other rafts selling refreshments and the boatman will suggest that he stops for you to buy a can or two of Red Stripe lager or some trinket souvenirs. He is also likely to invite you to take a swim in a particularly inviting part of the river where it is perfectly safe to do so.

The big advantage of going on a trip organised by the hotel is that when you get to your destination at St Margarets Bay, your coach will be awaiting you. If you organised the trip yourself you would have to find some way of getting back to Berridale to pick your car up.

As well as rafting, there are many more wonderful places to visit and things to do in Jamaica but if you prefer not to go on excursions full of kids and want to enjoy your vacation as an exclusively couples only experience, my best travel tip is to book your vacation at one of the “Couples” all Inclusive Hotels. The best time to go is between December and April, when Jamaican weather is at its best and the waters of the Rio Grande are not too swollen or rapid.

Plan a Jamaica Family Vacation Without Breaking the Bank

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:33:04 +0000

Isn’t it time that you rewarded yourself? You work hard so now it’s time to play hard. Get away from the stress and hassle of your job for awhile and take the whole family on a vacation to Jamaica, which is the closest thing to paradise on the planet. And you can do this without breaking the bank in the process.

Jamaica was the first place to offer the all-inclusive resort idea. Instead of being nickel and dimed to death for everything, how about a luxury vacation where virtually everything is included at a single price after you arrive? In fact, these types of resorts, which are plentiful in Jamaica, are huge and offer almost anything you could want right on the resort property, so you do not even need to leave the resort after you arrive, and could leave your wallet in your room or in a safety deposit box at the front desk if you want to.

Many of these resorts also cater to the family vacation, and not just to the business traveler or the honeymoon couple. Many of these resorts offer babysitting services with certified and qualified babysitters who can entertain your kids for hours while you and your significant other enjoy some time together just getting to know each other again. Your kids will have the best time they have ever had, exploring the beaches, searching for treasure, and learning more about the culture of Jamaica and what makes Jamaica a premiere vacation spot.

If shopping is your thing, you will not be disappointed there either. Virtually all the area of Jamaica offer shopping in very unique gift shops, most of which offer items that are not available anywhere else in the world. And if you enjoy haggling, you will find that the typical Jamaican shop owner will be disappointed if you do not haggle with him to get a better price on that item that you have been looking at. This type of haggling is something that you have to become skilled at, and it only adds excitement and a bit of adventure to the task of shopping.

If you plan ahead, even a few weeks, you can usually find great deals on airfare. The Jamaican airports are served by many commercial airlines, and cheap seats can usually be found with a bit of digging and planning. If your travel schedule is flexible at all, the cheapest seats are usually flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If a luxury resort is just outside of your budget right now, do not let that disappoint you because you have a lot of other lodging and hotel possibilities. There are many upper end and middle rated hotels available at very competitive prices, and many of these also provide special interests for the kids as well as the whole family. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, there are also several bed and breakfast options available to you, where you can really get a chance to mingle with the locals and learn more about the Jamaica history and culture.

Your choices within Jamaica are plentiful. You can choose the bigger cities of Jamaica for your vacation, or you can opt for a bit more quiet time with quieter and less crowded beaches at other areas of Jamaica, like St Thomas, St Lucia, and Montego Bay, each of which offer their very own unique flavor of relaxation, sight seeing, and yes of course, as much night life and dancing as you may care to do.

If you have never been to Jamaica, make a point to plan a vacation there in the near future. You will wonder why you never vacationed there before, and it will almost certainly become a part of your regular vacation planning.

Jamaica Express » Jamaica

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