Every year my family tries to go on a trip together. Last year we went to Cancun, which you can see my review on the resort here. We took the kids with us last year but decided until they are a little older we will only take them every other year. It’s hard to really experience a place with little kids. Plus mommy and daddy would like to let loose every once in a while (wink wink).
For this first adult trip, since having children, we decided to go to Montego Bay, Jamaica. I want to first start out by talking about the myths we were told about the country and what reality really looked like:
- Myth: You will be bombarded with the sale of weed (gonja) constantly and they are relentless. In fact they will be there to attack you as soon as you get off the airplane
Fact: Not true at all! If you’ve been to mexico where people walk up and down the beach selling bracelets, mangos, street corn, maracas, etc. then you’ll understand this next part. You will RARELY see people asking you to buy stuff. No one asked us at the airport, in fact I never was asked the entire time we were there. My husband got asked once almost every day but they were not pushy at all and were very friendly when he said “no thank you”. I told my family I feel like the people in mexico are way pushier than the couple people on their boats selling their stuff here.
- Myth: It is a very unsafe place.
Fact: I felt safer there than I do in parts of the United States. We found out while doing an excursion that in order to get a tourism license, which most places have to have, they must provide security on the premise. No matter where you go there is security everywhere and if you look like tourist they will keep eyes on you at all time keeping you safe. The natives told us we are more safe than any of them. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are major tourist spots so crime is super low. The country relies mainly on tourism, so they don’t want to mess that up.
- Myth: It’s dirty
Fact: I don’t think it’s any different from any other island. I’ve seen many dirtier places in California and the Midwest. The resorts are cleaned constantly and the city is full of lush green jungle. It’s gorgeous and the water is turquoise blue so it’s hard to see anything else but beauty.
At the end of the day the question is would I visit there again? The short answer, ABSOLUTELY! Would I recommend it to others…yes! I would recommend it with or without children. There were so many fun family things that kids would have a blast just as much as you.
Things you must do:
- Ziplining- it was an absolute blast! It was completely safe and such a fun experience. There were 5 lines we went down from slow to fast. It’s something everyone in your group could do. Make sure and take mosquito repellent with you.
- Dunn’s River Falls- there’s nothing else like it. I wouldn’t recommend it for young children or the elderly as parts can be super slippery and the water can get rapid at times. We went during their least busy season and it was still crazy at the falls. Stay clear on Wednesdays because that’s when the cruise ships are in town. Make sure and take a GoPro or buy a waterproof pouch for your phone so you can take lots of pictures and videos. You will also need to have water shoes for this excursion which you can buy there but it is pricey.
- Rick’s Cafe- we didn’t get to experience it but I heard from everyone how much fun it is. Again, it is a major tourist site so avoid Wednesdays and be prepared during busy season for it to be packed. It’s a great place to cliff jump with beautiful views.
- Rum tour- there are so many great rums on the island. I loved the daiquiris and other drinks that call for rum because of the brands they have right there on the island. Learn about the many ways you can use rum besides drinking it, like for medicine, healing, and cooking.
I have to finish my review talking about how amazing the beach was. The sand was creamy white and the water was warm. There was essentially no waves which means no under toe. I would imagine other parts of the island would have waves but where we stayed, it was calm and so relaxing. Every day we would go hang out in the ocean just floating and laughing with drinks in hand. I’ve never been able to do that in an ocean before. It would be perfect with kids because you wouldn’t have to worry about them being taken by waves.
Stay tuned for a review on our resort, Iberostar Rose Hall Suites.
