Choosing a destination in Jamaica
Montego Bay
Visiting a new city or island for the first time can be intimidating for anyone, but if you are prepared before you go, your visit will be more than worthwhile and enjoyable. But what if you’ve never been to Jamaica before? It may seem so big and may have so many choices that you won’t know where to begin.
Jamaica is an island in the Caribbean that measures approximately 4,240 square miles in area with 14 parishes grouped into three historic counties. Three of the most popular areas to visit in Jamaica are Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios. Jamaica has coves for parasailing, roads for jogging, and duty-free shops for treasure hunting. You can get into some of the bluest waters you’ve ever seen and swim, snorkel, water ski, or windsurf. Where else can you visit that has such a wide variety of great options for today’s savvy traveler?
Montego Bay: Commonly known as MoBay, Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is located in Montego Bay and most visits to the island of Jamaica start in Montego Bay. Jamaica’s second largest city, Montego Bay has the largest number of hotel rooms in Jamaica as well as a number of tourist attractions, including Doctor’s Cove, Rose Hall Great House (home to the White Witch of Rose Hall), golf courses, restaurants, and more. Many cruise ship visitors visit the island of Jamaica for the first time when one of their ports of call is the ever-popular Montego Bay.
Negril: Known for the ever-popular 7-Mile Beach, Negril is famous for its perfect sunsets, scuba diving (with I must say a plentiful availability of scuba diving equipment vendors), and beautiful water. Located about 90 minutes from the airport in Montego Bay, the ride will be worth it once you arrive and see the pristine beach. By law, no building in Negril can be higher than the tallest palm tree. Without any towering resorts, you can find more relaxed and intimate accommodations in Negril. If you’re looking for a laid back vacation, then you must visit the “capital of casual,” Negril, as soon as possible!
Ocho Rios: Perhaps your not looking for a vacation centered around the beach, but want to enjoy the beach maybe once or twice during your visit. Consider Ocho Rios, which has great shopping, sightseeing, and two thirds of the major excursions that people partake in while in Jamaica. Ocho Rios is a green area known for its lush mountainous beauty. Located approximately 2 hours from the airport in Montego Bay, the long ride is on the newly improved main road in Jamaica. With many attractions in this area including Fern Gully and Dunn’s River Falls among others, you won’t be short on things to do while in Ocho Rios. Dunn’s River Falls, a beautiful site to visit, allows you to make your way up a staircase of cascading water. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else!
No matter where you go in Jamaica, be a smart traveler. Leave your fancy jewelry at home and be careful when taking out your wallet, smartphone, etc. Since some people will think this is the place to get high, remember that being under the influence in another country puts you at higher risk, as you’ll be less aware of your surroundings.
Think twice about what you’ll be doing when you visit Jamaica and the home of Bob Marley so you can return home safely and full of wonderful memories from your trip.
Marian Krueger is the Founder of the Travel Shop Girl blog, a blog that simply states, “Travel musings by a girl who loves to write and travel the world.” Functioning on high-octane coffee most days, her straightforward and honest approach has resulted in a worldwide following and a desire for global domination. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.