Tuesday, March 29, 2011

5 Very Important Tips to Know About the Montego Bay Airport in Jamaica

Planning a trip to Jamaica? Before you start checking out the beaches and tourist attractions, it is extremely important that you know what to expect at the Montego Bay Jamaica Airport. Going to a foreign country for the first time can be very exciting, but it could also be nerve-wracking! Wherever you decide to go, Jamaica is actually a very safe place for travelers and tourists.

You want to be able to have fun, so hopefully the following tips would be able to help you enjoy yourself to the fullest. Let’s review the following steps so that you know what to do once you land on the Montego Bay Airport:

1. Transportation arrangements. Most likely, you were able to book your flight and arrange your reservations through a travel agency or an online reservation website. When you walk outside of the airport there are several transportation companies as well as taxis, hotel shuttles and more. So, before you arrive, make sure you know exactly who or what service you made your arrangements with and ask them if they will be holding a sign (most companies do) or how will you know to spot them. If for any reason you cannot find the person who is picking you up, if you know the name and the company, anyone that is working there can lead you in the right direction.

2. Have the right currency. A common mistake that is committed by most tourists is not being able to carry money in the currency of the place that they are planning to visit. If you are planning to change your money before you arrive, I recommend changing it at the place you are visiting from just because you will be more familiar with it. In Jamaica, the locals and those in the tourism industry are very familiar with the American Dollar, in fact when you are traveling it is a good idea to come with several $1 bills which can be used for tipping.

3. Fill out the forms. Even before you land in the Montego Bay Airport, you also want to ensure that you were already able to fill out all the immigration and customs forms. Since you will be required to complete those, it might be best for you to come prepared and save time. Make sure that you write legibly and sign them. If you have something to declare, make sure you have your invoice and the item is indicated on the form for the customs officer to validate.

4. Know where you’re staying. With the Montego Bay weather perfect for a quick dip as soon as you arrive, make sure that you know the exact name of the hotel, resort or villa. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the Montego Bay Airport trying to contact the travel agency who booked your accommodation. Whoever you hired for your transportation arrangements will be very familiar with all the hotels/resorts, but just make sure you know the name and the location to where you are staying because some of the resorts have the same name but just different cities. You will also need to know this information for when you are going through customs.

5. Have a drink. When you walk outside the Montego Bay Airport, there is a bar and a food stand. While you are waiting for your ride, go ahead get a taste of Jamaica, have a “Ting” soda and Jamaican beef patty. You will love it!


montego bay jamaica resorts

Montego Bay All Inclusive Resorts

Jammin’ in Jamaica

Known as an island with a dramatic history, a passionate spirit, and an ever-buoyant partying attitude, Jamaica is an exciting and eye-opening string of sights, sounds and flavors that stretches from Kingston to Montego Bay. Natural beauty plus engaging activities equals a spectacular vacation, so head this way for a freeing, fabulous time.

Jamaica is alive with color and energy throughout, so anywhere your vacation starts will set you off on the right track. For example, the bustling capital city of Kingston will show the gritty, realistic features of this island’s identity. For travelers in search of authenticity, this is the place to go. A center for commerce and business, parts of Kingston are admittedly overcrowded and unattractive, but if you stick with it a while, or even better, if you visit during one of the many yearly festivals, you’ll find yourself steeped in a local climate that is fascinating, lively, and oh-so-different than anything you’ve ever experienced before.

More typical tourist spots won’t disappoint as far as offering up the brochure-style pictures and movie-worthy sights. Blue Lagoon is one example, as it’s likely that the stunning aqua depths of this pride of Jamaica have caught your eye before. Jacques Cousteau filmed here, as have a few Hollywood directors. The lagoon, or “Blue Hole” as locals call it, is open to the public.

Another natural wonder is known as Cockpit Country, and consists of an imposing plateau formed from limestone. It is located in the central western part of the country, and the rocky, unusual terrain makes traveling above it via helicopter the best way to safely see all the ravines and ragged edges. Thrill-seekers can take a spelunking trip if they so desire, and bird-watchers and wildlife-lovers will find themselves in a veritable wonderland.

To experience a resort town that hasn’t really lost touch with the ebb and flow of real life, consider a visit to Negril. Here, you’ll be able to take advantage of the beach, the breeze, and the beverages to your heart’s content, but you won’t be leaving the genuine article behind. Coral reefs and sunsets that stop everyone in their tracks will punctuate your stay in Negril, and laid-back locals will show you how life was meant to be lived. Take in a reggae concert while you’re here, and don’t be afraid to forget all about the rigid rules of your usual routine.

The port city of Montego Bay is brimming with life, and makes another excellent place to take in the rockin’ beat of this raw, robust country. MoBay is a magnet for tourists, as it is dotted with golf courses, resorts, museums, and happening beaches. Plenty of locals make it a hodgepodge of personalities and activities, so dive in for what is sure to be a stimulating experience.

If all of this, along with the heavy influences of rum, reggae, and Rastafarians, has your feet itching to feel the sands of Jamaica beneath their bare soles, then start planning a trip now. The experience will be shaped by where you stay, so as you go about making reservations keep a clear vision of your desired getaway in mind. If partying like a college student on spring break is your goal, a hotel will suit you just fine, but for more adult tastes, consider a vacation rental.

Imagine a beach side villa, decorated with seashells and furnishings made from native woods, that is located right on Negril beach. French doors lead to a deck that will give you front row seats to the sunset, and a kitchen will allow you to prepare cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to create the ultimate experience. Air conditioning and ceiling fans will keep you cool at night, but if the weather permits consider leaving the windows open in order to fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves.

Take a cheap taxi to explore the island, or simply amble down the beach towards the open-air markets to pick up some unique local goods. Your days will be filled with sweet, easy beats set to the tune of Jamaica’s favorite songs, so stay in the groove by treating yourself to a Jamaica Vacation Rental that will bring you no worries.


montego bay jamaica resorts

Montego Bay All Inclusive Resorts

Portland – Jamaica Romantic Wedding Destination

Port Antonio, the capital of Portland, has a glamorous history of catering to royalty, the wealthy, and the famous. Its tropical splendor of palms trees and ferns, laced with the brilliant reds and yellows of tropical flora, are just some of the reasons why you need to visit this romantic vacation spot for your destination Jamaica wedding.

With romantic venues like:

Frenchman’s Cove resort – so fit for royalty that Queen Elizabeth relaxed there with her family in the 1970s. Known for its fresh water stream, its own sheltered white sands beach and hide away villas, Frenchman’s Cove Resort is perfect for weddings and honeymoons. Secluded villas with recessed baths are just some of the may features you will enjoy there.

The Fern Hill Club Hotel; a family operated hotel, nestled among the lush and colorful foothills of the Blue Mountains overlooking the Caribbean sea is just a short walk from Frenchman’s Cove and San San Beach. You have your pick of rooms, suites and grand suites with spacious tastefully decorated interiors. The breath taking vista overlooking the Caribbean sea makes its terrace a beautiful wedding spot.

Ahhh the famous Trident Castle, many a celebrities like Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise, Glen Close, just to name a few have have graced its halls and laid in its beds. Its uninterrupted view of the Caribbean sea allows for a glorious background to any wedding and wedding pictures taken there.

Port Antonio’s rustic charm, waterfalls, river rafting, is perfect for any nature lover. Did I mention Port Antonio has a castle. Portland in my sentiment is one of the most amorous places to visit and get married in Jamaica. Therefore when planning your Jamaica weddings consider Portland as your perfect tropical destination wedding experience. This is but just a short list of some of the romantic Jamaica wedding venues available for your wedding planning when you come to Jamaica.


montego bay jamaica resorts

Montego Bay All Inclusive Resorts

Jamaica Resorts

Among the different islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica has set itself as the premiere or ultimate honeymoon destination. One of the biggest reasons for this is that Jamaica is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and other notable sites. This atmosphere often provides couples with the ideal setting in which they can enjoy their romance. There are numerous resorts across the island that offer the best amenities and excellent service to their guests. Moreover, these resorts organize activities so couples can do exciting things together.

Some of the most popular honeymoon resorts in Jamaica include the Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort, the Sans Souci Resort and Spa, the Coyaba Beach Resort and Club, the Sandals Resort, and the SuperClubs Breezes Resort. These resorts have become popular because they offer some of the best amenities to their guests, which include full spa facilities, sports facilities, indoor pools, and comfortable and luxuriously decorated rooms. In addition to this, these resorts also offer superb Jamaican cuisine to their guests through the various restaurants that are located in most of these resorts. There are many activities that people could do at these resorts, which include snorkeling, water skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, beach ball activities, and golf.

However, these honeymoon resorts are not only designed for couples who just got married. Most resorts in Jamaica also offers packages for couples with children to gain access to a wonderful way to enjoy their second honeymoon even if they bring their children along. This is because most resorts offer daycare services, babysitters, and activities that children could do during their stay.

Jamaica is considered as the premiere honeymoon destination in the Caribbean. Because it is home to some of the best resorts, guests can enjoy all types of vacations–from a honeymoon to a family vacation.


montego bay jamaica resorts

Montego Bay All Inclusive Resorts

Runaway Bay Jamaica is Becoming More Popular

Runaway Bay Jamaica is situated 10 miles (16km) west of the resort of Ocho Rios and has grown in popularity with tourists to the island. But although popular it is a much quieter resort than Ocho Rios as you do not have to deal with the crowds who are traveling on the various cruise ships which stop off at its port.

It is well known for being the first part of the island of Jamaica to be seen by Columbus and is also the site of the first Spanish settlement. This is also the location where the last of the Spaniards were to leave Jamaica from after they had been defeated by the British.

There are plenty of interest attractions one can visit whilst staying or visiting this part of Jamaica. There is the Columbus Park Museum which is located at Discovery Bay and has numerous exhibitions that you are able to wander around at look at for free.

Another favorite attraction being visited by many is the Bob Marley Center and Mausoleum which is open each day from 9.30 until 6.30 in the evening and costs just $12 to enter. But do not be too surprised if the hours of opening change without warning or they charge you less to enter.

Whilst at this attraction you have the opportunity to wander around the two room shanty (house) that he lived in from the ages of 6 to 13. Plus inside you will find all kinds of memorabilia relating to his family. Then after this you can immediately visit the museum where Bob Marley is buried as it is located right beside it.



montego bay jamaica resorts

Montego Bay All Inclusive Resorts