Luxury hotel accommodations, lovely boutique inns and sprawling
resort complexes all provide a wonderful, relaxing experience for the
holidaymaker, but if you truly want to make the most of your stay on the
island, you'll find these tips to be useful as you explore the various
hotspots.
Seek Out Caribbean Cuisine
They say that food is one of the best ways to experience a local
culture, so why would you miss out on the Spanish, British, Indian and
African melting pot of Jamaica? Luxury hotel restaurants offer quite a
selection of famous local dishes, from callaloo to the infamous jerk
chicken - so don't be afraid to experiment!
Brush Up on Tipping Etiquette
A general rule of thumb is if there is no service charge, tip the
waiters about 10 to 15 percent of the total cost of your meal. If a
service charge is stated on the bill, leave an additional 3 to 5 percent
for good service. Being generous with the tips is not only courteous
here but also ensures that you'll get good service the next time you
come back!
Spend a Little for Private Beaches
The local beaches can be a pretty jam-packed experience in Jamaica!
Luxury hotel accommodations typically have access to their own private
beaches, so that's not a problem if you are staying in such a place. If
not, though, then you may want to part with a little money to get away
from the teeming masses of bodies on public beaches and enjoy a little
more privacy and comfort.
Be Less Reserved
If you want to breathe in the culture of the island you'll need to
get out and mingle with the locals. When doing so, you may want to drop
your usual reserve and be a bit friendlier than you are used to.
Jamaicans are more willing to reciprocate when you open up with a
casual, laid back and approach.
Dress for Dinner
Be less reserved, yes, but don't be the obvious tourist by donning
sandals and swimming trunks wherever you go. This is especially true in
most pubs, clubs and restaurants where dress codes are observed. If you
are not sure how to dress, then go semi-casual in Jamaica. Luxury hotel
staff can also provide some useful information on what to wear for a
particular venue.
Spend Time Exploring the Countryside
The island's urban centres can be a bit hectic at times, especially
when you encounter the many peddlers trying to sell you everything from
tiny trinkets to carwash services. Hiring a guide to accompany you
around the countryside, however, is the perfect way to relax and get
away from it all. Rolling hills, fresh breezes, lazy rivers, majestic
waterfalls, random goats running around - this is definitely one of the
best ways to experience the island.
Avoid 'Smokes'
Ignore what you may have heard about how drugs are widely accepted
here. Smoking illicit substances is illegal and will get you in serious
trouble if you are tempted. Remember to avoid any offers for a smoke as
well - a metaphor for drugs - as tourists are an attractive target for
setups.
