Jamaica is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. There are some great things to know about Jamaica before you head there on your next vacation:
-The Best Time To Visit
Jamaica has great weather year round but there are more ideal times to visit than others depending on what you are looking for in your vacation.
January - March
With hurricane season ending and the holidays over, beachgoers flock to Jamaica during this time for some fun in the sun. Since this is peak season, room rates are at the highest and resorts are typically at full capacity. If you don't like crowds and want a more budget-friendly visit, plan your vacation during late spring or early in the summer.
April - June
If you like to plan a vacation as soon as school is out, this is a good time to go to Jamaica. With peak season over and the heavy crowds easing up, you can get some great deals as resorts tend to offer incentives to visit during these months. You may experience a little rain during this time and it is technically the start of hurricane season.
July - October
Although amid hurricane season people still love going to Jamaica during these months because room rates are at their lowest and the crowds are minimal as well. While Jamaica historically experienced the most hurricanes in late August and early September, be sure to purchase travel insurance when traveling at this time.
November - December
With the end of the hurricane season, sunny skies, and temperatures near perfect for sunning, this is the best time to visit Jamaica. For the most cost-effective rates, go before the mid-December start of the holidays.
-The Water Is Safe To Drink
Although is considered a Third World country, Jamaica has strict health standards for its drinking water and it is perfectly safe to drink straight from the tap.
-Recreational Marijuana Is Not Legal
Despite what people have been told and the reputation Jamaica holds for its marijuana, recreational marijuana is not legal. They did decriminalize cannabis in 2015 and if caught with under 56 grams, you will be fined 500 Jamaican dollars, which is about $5 in the U.S. Locals do sell to vacationers along the beach and resorts tend to look the other way, but just know it is not legal. You can, however, be arrested if you try bringing cannabis into Jamaica or taking it out of the country, so even if you do smoke while there, make sure you do not have any on you once you reach the airport.
- U.S. Dollars Are Accepted
In tourist areas, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted and ideal. You will find that the majority of prices listed in these areas are going to be in U.S. dollars versus The Jamaican dollar. If you do venture out of the tourist areas, it is a good idea however to have The Jamaica dollar on. Most hotels can do this for you, but please be weary of airport rates and ATM fees if you plan on doing currency exchanges at the airport.
-Rum & Red Strip
The local beer is Red Stripe and is very popular amongst beer lovers. If you're looking for a cocktail, try the local rum! Some of the local rum brands are Appleton Estate, Myer's Rum, Hamilton Rum, and Plantation Rum to name a few. The best place to start is the airport with the ever-so-famous Rum Punch!
- Driving On The Left
Most people in the U.S. are surprised when they get in a taxi that they drive on the left side of the road. If you rent a car, make sure you drive on the correct side and make sure you read and understand their laws as they differ from the United States.
-There Is A Lobster Season
We all love to eat good lobster and Jamaica has lobster so fresh, that they take it right out of the ocean, cook it, and serve it to you in a matter of minutes in some places of Jamaica. But, during the lobster mating season, Jamaicans are not allowed to catch lobster, let alone serve it to you. This season starts April 1 and goes through June 30. So if you are planning to go to Jamaica and eat fresh lobster avoid going from April through June.
Now that you know a little more about what to expect on your trip to Jamaica, it is always a good idea to learn the culture and customs. I would recommend "Jamaica - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture" (on amazon) to gain more understanding about the country.
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