Expert Advice to Plan a Family Vacation to Jamaica

Family values are a little like family vacations―subject to changeable weather and remembered more fondly with the passage of time. Though it rained all week at the beach, it's often the momentary rainbows that we remember.
― Leslie Dreyfous

Out of Many, One People―this Jamaican motto aptly describes the people and diverse culture of the Caribbean island nation. Jamaica is not only one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of the Caribbean, but also in the world.

With pristine beaches, sumptuous cuisine, the beats of reggae music, and an extremely happening nightlife, Jamaica definitely tops the list of most sought-after leisure vacation destinations in the world.

The island offers so many things for tourists to do in there that it is also increasingly becoming a hot favorite spot for family vacations. People love to go to Jamaica with their children and elders, and return after savoring the most enchanting flavors of the island.

If you wish to experience the Caribbean verve along with your family this vacation, but are confused regarding how to go about planning your trip, you have landed on the right page. This Vacayholics write-up will help you with the task.

If possible, try to get in touch with people who have been there on a family vacation in the past. First-hand information will help you to a great extent in planning a perfect holiday with your family.

If you are traveling with children, look for spots which offer recreational facilities for them, and so on. Then, according to your preferences, make a rough list of the probable spots you would like to visit with your family.

If you are traveling independently, this itinerary will help you get around the place. If you are going through a tour operator, do not hesitate to give him your rough itinerary, and he/she will refine it for you.

However, if you are traveling independently, the Internet will be your best resource to book airline tickets. While you can book your tickets directly from the airline's website, there are several reputed websites which offer great discounts.

Make sure that you book the tickets for the entire family together, as there are also several family discounts on airfares. Don't get carried away if you find good discounts offered on one site.

Compare prices with those on some other sites, and you might indeed be able to crack a good and an affordable deal. However, do not forget to check for hidden costs and surcharges, otherwise you may end up paying much more than you had estimated.

Note: Some airlines offer special discounts for children. Check if you can avail any of them.

If your plan is to spend a lavish holiday out there, sky is the limit for you. With more money to spend at your disposal, you can book your stay in some of the most luxurious resorts across the island, eat at some of the grandest restaurants, and shop extravagantly.

However, if you are on a budget trip, there are ample options for you as well. All you need to do is plan strategically with regards to when to go, where to stay and eat, and so on, and your Jamaican holiday will be the most fulfilling experience of your life.

So, if you are planning to holiday with your family during this time, please book well in advance, as it is next to impossible to find bookings at the eleventh hour.

The good news, however, is that the Jamaican climate stays pleasant all through the year and so, even if you happen to miss your chance during the peak season, you can opt for the so-called off-season, when there will be lesser tourists and accommodations that are easily available at lower rates.

Once you have narrowed down the list of preferences according to the needs of your family members, the next major step in planning a safe vacation is to book an appropriate tour operator.

Shortlist a few of them, who best suit your preferences and budget, and speak to them personally when and where necessary. Since the safety and comfort of your family is your topmost priority, get everything cleared from your prospective tour operators in the first meeting itself.

Ask them about the family packages they may be offering, discounts, special facilities for kids and/or elders, and so on. Check if they custom design family packages according to your preferences. You can then choose a tour operator who best suits your needs.

Note: It is perfectly fine if you want to go independently. In such a case, you will have to do a very careful research with respect to accommodation(s) and itinerary. If it is the first time that you are visiting Jamaica, it is advisable that you go through a reputed tour operator who will take care of all the big and small aspects of your vacation.

The best accommodations in Jamaica, if you are accompanied by your family, are the numerous all-inclusive family resorts. If you have booked a tour operator, such an accommodation will be a part of your package.

However, if you are traveling on your own, you will need to do a bit of research. Most of these family resorts offer considerable amount of privacy to their guests.

They also provide services like nannies for toddlers, special outdoor activities designed for kids, menus for children, etc. Inquire about these facilities, ask if they have any special offers. Check if an in-house doctor is available, as you will be traveling with children and/or elders. Check if the accommodation you are about to book is disabled-friendly.

➤ Plan your itinerary keeping in mind the overall duration of your vacation. See to it that there is enough time to rest in between your journey from one point to the other. Kids and elderly people tend to get tired really fast, and you definitely don't want one of your family members falling sick during the trip.

➤ Pack your luggage with utmost care and attention. Your tour operator will provide you with a list of essentials to pack; there will be certain items such as kids' diapers and medicines, which you will have to pack on your own. It is a good idea to prepare a list of items you need to pack, before you start with your packing, don't forget anything important.

➤ Get an appropriate family travel insurance before embarking on your journey. Ensure that it covers all kinds of contingencies.

➤ Make your family take all the immunization shots required before traveling to Jamaica. Your tour operator or your local medical practitioner will be able to advise you on this.

➤ While planning activities in Jamaica, take care that everyone in the family will be able to enjoy them. See to it that the children and/or elders don't feel left out.

So, secure a chance to connect more intimately with your family by visiting Jamaica―the island with numerous personalities. This vacation is sure to leave you absolutely spellbound.