What you should know before going to Jamaica, 2021
Are you one of those people that envy your friends that travel abroad on a whim or because they got a good deal? Gone are those days! Jamaica is one country in the Caribbean accepting international travelers and is perfect for a getaway. There is much more to know before you get on a flight. Here are some tips to help you go to Jamaica hassle-free.
Is Jamaica safe to visit?
Since the pandemic, making travel decisions go beyond time available off work or one’s budget. Most countries have made a COVID negative test mandatory before allowing anyone within their borders. Jamaica isn’t left behind, with travelers needing to complete a negative COVID test to prepare for their trip and get the green light to travel.
Generally, Jamaica has handled the pandemic pretty well with various restrictions to curb the spread of COVID. Tourists from the USA may visit popular destinations as long as they comply with rules. Expect to wear a mask and have your temperature checked from the airport to other places you plan to visit.
Pre-travel Paperwork
Jamaica requires visitors to have the relevant travel documentation when traveling to and from Jamaica. Jamaican resorts are now providing return tests at a fee. You are expected to have health forms and authorization forms to travel, plus a COVID-19 negative test result. As of March, the valid testing period has been reduced from 10 days to 3 days. At the airport, flight attendants check all the documents, which may result in long lines at the airport.
Also, online check-in is not allowed, and many people who did not have the right papers had to leave the queue to complete them. Many people missed their flights, and some were lucky to get on another flight to Jamaica after the long wait at the airport. We were also part of those with missed flights but caught a later one and were excited to finally go to our destination for a much-needed break.
My experience in Jamaica
This is the best time to travel to Jamaica because of fewer crowds and affordable costs at high end resorts. For example, all-day tours to Montego Bay from Negril felt like private tours because of the few people in the vehicle. We felt like VIPs taking a tour of Jamaica’s favorite tourist spots without having to compete for space with others. We also got to see various sights in Montego Bay, courtesy of the city tours available throughout the week. The tour took us to the popular beaches and shopping areas filled with friendly Jamaicans.
We visited several outdoor locations such as Ocho Rios, famous for swimming with dolphins and horseback riding on the beach. Ziplining on the Mystic Mountain tropical forest is a “must-do” when in Ocho Rios, especially for adventure lovers like me. Floating down the river on a bamboo raft at Martha Brae River was both exhilarating and relaxing. The popular rafting village with a picnic and bar area was the perfect place to take a break. Later on, we visited the famous Luminous Lagoon at night, to swim in the glistening waters that gives a blue glow when agitated.
Finally, eating authentic Jamaican cuisine at a local restaurant in Montego Bay was one highlight of the trip. We got to sample several Jamaican specialties like saltfish, ackee, curry goat, and fried dumplings at the resort. But nothing compared with going to local restaurants. On the last day of our trip, we had lunch at the picturesque outdoor dining authentic restaurant, Peppa’s Cool Spot. We had the escovitch fish and it was divine. In Negril, we visited Rick’s café, a popular landmark in the city. Rick’s café is on a thirty-five-foot-high cliff, the restaurant is the perfect spot to lounge at the pool, listen and dancing to Jamaican music, test your adventurous spirit cliff jumping, or get a few drinks whiles watching stunning sunsets.
Need help planning a hassle-free vacation? Contact one of our Travel Concierge to customize your trip.
