Whether your kid loves soaring above rainforest canopies or will happily spend the day splashing in the waves, there's something for them in Jamaica – the island nation is not just a playground for adults.
26.12.2023 - 15:39 / lonelyplanet.com
With dozens of luxurious all-inclusive resorts and some of the most popular attractions in the Caribbean, a trip to Jamaica can be pricey. But it doesn’t have to be.
Jamaica offers myriad experiences that don’t put a strain on your wallet, from free street dances to inexpensive concerts and stunning secluded rivers and beaches. Jamaicans have crafted their own cultural experiences and way of life that are both enriching and affordable.
Here are the top tips on how to enjoy the best of Jamaica without draining your finances.
Average daily cost: JM$14,000-$23,000 per person for a basic room, plus three meals a day at low-end restaurants and inexpensive entertainment.
Jamaica offers a range of different types of accommodations from luxury resorts to motels. Low-budget hotels are the middle ground: lesser-known, typically two- or three-star accommodations that provide basic amenities.
Properties such as the Shirley Retreat Hotel in Kingston, Toby’s Resort in Montego Bay, Pineapple Court Hotel in Ochi Rios and Lashings Boutique Hotel in Treasure Beach are a step up from guesthouses and motels, but still extremely affordable. At most of these hotels, you’ll also be able to get some meals on the property.
Guesthouse rooms are a cheaper option, but they aren’t always the most comfortable and some have a tainted reputation.
The most affordable option for getting around Jamaica is public transportation. If you’re in or near Kingston, state-owned JUTC yellow buses operate throughout and beyond the city. Payment is by cash upon entry, or you can purchase a JUTC Smartercard and use it as you travel.
There’s a bus park in every town and a bus stop on almost every main road. Route taxis (with red license plates) and minibuses or coaster buses are also popular methods of transportation, all costing around JM$200 per ride.
If you’re on the west, north or south coasts, you won’t find JUTC buses – route taxis and minibuses are the main way to travel for Jamaicans. For route taxis, you can also pay a little more for drivers to go off their usual route (for example, if your destination is a little further than their final drop-off point).
If you’re traveling from town to town, consider taking the Knutsford Express bus, which operates in most towns in Jamaica. This is more comfortable (and a bit more expensive) than other forms of public transportation, but still cheaper than getting a private driver or renting a car.
If you find yourself craving authentic Jamaican food, don’t think you need to go to an upscale restaurant to get the best – most locals take advantage of the thousands of cookshops on the island. The running joke is there’s one on almost every street in Jamaica.
These small food establishments serve hot meals in
Whether your kid loves soaring above rainforest canopies or will happily spend the day splashing in the waves, there's something for them in Jamaica – the island nation is not just a playground for adults.
Emmy-winning travel expert Samantha Brown is constantly on the move. The host of Samantha Brown’s Places to Loveon PBS, which recently kicked off its seventh season, spends more than 150 days a year crisscrossing the globe exploring cities big and small.
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