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Blessed with sunny temperatures all year round and an island paradise bordered by turquoise seas, Jamaica is a no-brainer for Americans planning a tropical getaway this winter Despite are not the most peaceful country.
According to the State Department, Americans would actually… ‘reconsider’ travel to Jamaica due to the country’s widespread gang activity and ongoing problems with crime, but this doesn’t stop US citizens from flooding into Montego Bay:
This winter alone, Jamaica is expected to receive more than 1 million visitors, with an additional 180,000 aircraft seats, not to mention the best winter season yet: of all nationalities, the Americans lead the figures, accounting for 74,000 of those new seats.
Given the serious safety warnings, What is it with Jamaica? has made Americans so addicted carelessly?
Resort areas are safe
Jamaica is not exactly the safest Caribbean country out there, but as one destination, it is relatively safe. Sounds like that confusing? Let’s explain briefly:
Although the actual crime rates in Jamaica are extremely high, as noted by Numbeoand infrastructure in some areas is lacking at best, these are issues that, for better or worse, primarily affect residents, especially those living in largely underdeveloped cities.
However, as a privileged tourist you will likely be staying in a heavily fortified, well-guarded resort, where no one enters or exits unless the staff or guests are invited, and where criminals not operate.
As controversial as it may be, although Jamaica is far from a perfectly functioning state, considering the corruption and violence, it is a paradise for visitors, and they have little or no worries at all when they go there holiday.
Luxury resorts abound
Jamaica’s wide range of resorts, especially in and around Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios plays an equally large role in the island’s popularity among Americans.
Let’s face it: if you only have 7 to 10 days of paid vacation per day, an all-inclusive resort is as good as it getswhere pampering is expected 24/7, amenities are world class and the quality of food is second to none – did we mention the private beaches?
They are also not particularly expensive, with an overnight stay in the Sea Garden Beach Resortin the heart of Montego Bay, costs $250 per night on a weekend in February, or even cheaper $193 at Deja Resortwith beautiful ocean views and meals included.
If you are the luxury type, and we are talking four figures per night, there are of course much more expensive villas in a paradise location. Round Hillor at the monumental five-star hotel Secrets St. Jameswith prices on those more expensive listings ranging from $1,044 to $2,000 one night.
Jamaica is surprisingly visitor-friendly
We wouldn’t be the first to venture unescorted outside the protective walls of a resort, unless it’s the shopping areas in Montego Bay or Negril, which are still heavily patrolled. But if being stranded for seven days straight isn’t your idea of fun, there is a way for you to explore Jamaica safely.
Just book a tour!
From Montego Bay you can visit one marijuana farm and bird sanctuary for only $81, pickup and drop-off at your preferred location includedor even go on an adults only one, ‘reggae’ catamaran cruise with an open bar along the coast, from $110.
For our fellow culture vultures among us: a must-do when in Jamaica is the Bob Marley tour of Nine Milewith a stop in St. Ann, birthplace of the music icon and Jamaica’s most emblematic figure, as well as the Bob Marley Mausoleum ($167.48).
From Kingston, the lively capital of Jamaica, yes walking tours of colorful murals ($26), or if you’re in the mood for something hippie, check this out unbelievable Story of the Jamaican music tourfrom $90 per person.
Flights there are cheap
Finally, there’s the fact that Americans can fly non-stop to all three of Jamaica’s international airports, located in Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Based on Kayaking data, the average one-way fare from the United States to Jamaica is a surprisingly affordable $90with the full list of non-stop routes below:
Direct flights from USA to Kingston (KIN)
5-6 flights per day with JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines or Spirit Airlines
3 flights per day with American Airlines
4-6 flights per day with JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines or Delta Air Lines
1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines
Direct flights from USA to Montego Bay (MBJ)
8-11 flights per day with JetBlue, Spirit Airlines or Southwest Airlines
5-7 flights per day with JetBlue, Southwest Airlines or Spirit Airlines
3-6 flights per day with American Airlines
6-9 flights per day with Delta Air Lines or Frontier Airlines
2-8 flights per day with American Airlines
3 flights per day with United Airlines
2-4 flights per day with American Airlines or Frontier Airlines
2-3 flights per day with American Airlines
- Houston-Intercontinental (IAH)
1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines
- Houston-William P. Hobby (HOU)
1 flight per week every Saturday with Southwest Airlines
1-3 flights per day with American Airlines or United Airlines
2 flights per day with Southwest Airlines
1-3 flights per day with Delta Air Lines or Sun Country Airlines
0-2 flights every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday with American Airlines, Jet Blue or Delta Air Lines
1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines
0-1 flight every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with United Airlines
0-1 flight every Wednesday and Saturday with Xtra Airways
Every Saturday 0-1 flight with Southwest Airlines
Every Saturday 0-1 flight with United Airlines
Flights from USA to Ocho Rios
1 flight every day with American Airlines
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
