Jamaica, located almost directly south of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea has been a vacation destination to the rich and famous for years. Its Montego Bay boasts luxurious villas and resorts with astonishing prices as well as several celebrity homes. However, Jamaica also caters to those on a much lower budget, with tourists towns throughout the island that are more suited towards the average traveler. Hotels and resorts in these towns can prove to be just as beautiful as those that are frequented by celebrities and sometimes even more fun!
The towns of Ocho Rios and Port Antonio both offer several beautiful all inclusive resorts at amazingly good prices. Including air fare from either New York City or Los Angeles, a one week stay in these resorts would cost about $900.00 per person. For an all inclusive tropical vacation, this is an extremely good deal. Most resorts not only include three meals a day and unlimited drinks, but they also include free beach and pool access, a variety of water sport activity for both adults and children and of course child care. All of these resorts also provide nightly entertainment with choices ranging from jazz concerts to theatre shows to dance clubs. Because the areas outside the tourist towns are not the safest places, resorts make themselves into small towns of their own; as a result everything you could ever want to do is right outside your door. While, these all inclusive packages are definitely a good option when traveling, when Jamaica is the destination; they are not your only option!
Due to the strength the US dollar has against the Jamaican dollar combined with the fact the goods and services aren't that expensive in Jamaica to begin with, booking your own vacation may be an even better option. It all depends on what kind of deals airlines and hotels are offering given that food and entertainment is extremely inexpensive. An average dinner costs around 180 Jamaican dollars which is about $3.00 US dollars at the current exchange rate and a more luxurious meal at a fancier restaurant costs around 300 Jamaican dollars. (Around $5.00 US dollars) This means that if you stay for a week and eat three meals a day, food would cost under $100 US dollars even if you were eating at the fanciest restaurants in town. When you book your hotel, take into consideration your safety and book at a hotel or resort where everything you could ever want to do or need is present in the close surrounding areas. Tourist towns are very safe in Jamaica with special police presence for tourists, but outside these areas, things can be a little less safe. Whether you are booking an all inclusive resort or planning out your own trip, Jamaica is an excellent option for those on a low budget.
