Sometimes it’s hard to put a vacation in words. You think about your favorite moments (maybe the few that didn’t live up to your expectations), you bask in the glow of renewed enthusiasm, and you count your pennies until you can afford the next one. You think about life. About travel. About how something as simple as boarding a plane allows you to step outside of your comfort zone and meet new and interesting people along the way.
I’m going to dedicate an entire blog post to my climb up Dunn’s River Falls because it deserves its own special mention and it’s actually what I’m referring to where stepping outside of my comfort zone is concerned. In the meantime, here are some of my very favorite moments, and a few things that I’d (personally) suggest skipping if you’re planning a trip to Jamaica (and especially if you’re staying at an all-inclusive) in the near future.
Must-dos:
Meet the locals. Jamaicans in particular are some of the kindest, good natured, and loving people we’ve ever encountered and I loved learning about their culture and lifestyle.
Participate in sunset yoga. Every beach resort I’ve ever stayed in has always offered this as an option, and I never made it. This time I made it a priority as soon as I saw it on the itinerary. Watching the sun descend over the mountains while looking out to the ocean from a pier? Life doesn’t get much better than that
Go to Ocho Rios. We went on a highlights tour, which allowed us to explore a few markets, a fern gully, a beautiful botanic garden, and Dunn’s River Falls
Lounge in a hammock. Bryan laughed at me when I told him that having a hammock at our resort was a requirement. That is, until he laid in one with me and we wasted an afternoon together, lounging in the ocean breeze
Take in the sights, the sounds, the smells, the feels. Despite some of our other vacations, I kept the camera in the hotel room most of the time to focus on living—and breathing—deeply in the moment. And it was glorious
Upgrade to Club Mobay on the return. We thought maybe this was a take-our-money scheme, but at $30/per person, we were willing to take the risk. It’s an exclusive VIP lounge at the airport that entitles you to unlimited drinks, food (including delicious vegetarian patties), and express check-in through security. Definitely worth the expense
Skip this:
Luminescent Lagoon Tour. I’m so sad this tour was a bust. We went on Valentine’s Day, and it was nice to take a ferry out on the water but at $60 a person it was kind of steep for what it was. There are microorganisms in the water that light up upon contact, which creates a really neat effect. But meh. Not as breathtaking as the lagoon tour I did in Puerto Rico which allowed us to take canoes out on the water… BUT our tour guide was HILARIOUS and made the excursion completely worthwhile
Overpriced upgrades—especially at the resort. Inadvertently, we ended up in Jamaica for Valentine’s Day (due to a giant winter storm in New Jersey). Needless to say, the extras were plentiful—from rose petals on the bed to couples’ massages and a five-course candlelit dinner on the beach. Okay, so maybe that last one sounds nice—but not at the insane rates hotels typically charge
That’s it! See and do and experience Jamaica for all it’s worth—the locals need your support and they will be ever grateful for your visit!
Have you been to Jamaica? What were some of your favorite moments?
I loved Ochos Rios!! Your tips and photos take me right back! It sounds like you had an amazing trip. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Love this! So much fun to read about your trip. I’m glad you had a great time and that you were able to relax and just enjoy the moments. 🙂 I’m looking forward to reading more about your hike!
Looks like you had an amazing trip! I like that you chose to leave the camera behind for some of it – sometimes we get so caught up in capturing everything, we miss out on the moment! I think you have inspired me to visit. Definitely adding this one to my list 😀
I have never been but it does sound really fun and relaxing. I’m glad you both had such a lovely time. I’d love to do an all-inclusive resort type of vacation someday.
Hammocks are amazing! I really wish I had one at my house. haha
-Lauren
This sounds awesome, Charlotte. Nice to share you do’s and dont’s for visitors. I have no plan to go to Jamaica but it sounds exotic and wonderful. Your photos are beautiful! I love the pic of you and Bryan. Your dress is so cute. Nice to have you back. I bet that went a little too quickly for ya?
I’ve never been to Jamaica!! This makes it looks super appealing though! I recently returned from Punta Cana and that was an amazing place too!
Thanks for the report. Looks fun. And no trip is complete with pics of your toes in a hammock!
The kitties!!! The sunset yoga! Bummer about the Luminescent Lagoon Tour. Cassidy wants to do that in Puerto Rico because of the bioluminescent awesomeness.
I would love to go to Jamaica! We are craving a vacation too, somewhere tropical, but we are also looking at greece. No better way to spend your tax return than travel 😉
Aww, looks like you had such a great time! Traveling is an experience unlike any other and each time is something different and exciting. I can’t wait until our next trip!
Looks and sounds like a great time hun. 🙂 Bummer the lagoon tour was a bust.
I hope Bryan got pics of you going up dunn’s, you know what they say, picture or it didn’t happen. 😉
Can’t wait to hear more about your trip my dear. xoxo
Sunset yoga sounds lovely as does lounging in a hammock!
that looks so wonderfully relaxing!!!
I’ve always wanted to go to Jamaica, but I’ve heard such mixed things. I’m glad to know you had a great time!