How to Plan a Trip to Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the most popular island destinations in the world. The mild climate, pristine beaches, deluxe resorts and exciting nightlife attract spring breakers and honeymooners alike. With dozens of companies offering Caribbean travel deals, planning the perfect Jamaican vacation is a breeze.

Instructions

1. Decide when to visit. During the high season, from mid-December to mid-April, travel to Jamaica is expensive and its attractions are crowded. For deep travel discounts, vacation in Jamaica during the off-season when hotel rates are often cut in half. The biggest disadvantage of the off-season is a general decrease in available services. Look for last-minute deals on travel websites like Expedia. Traveling on a weekday or staying overnight on a Saturday can often reduce air fares and hotel rates.

2. Book a flight. The largest Jamaican airports are in Montego Bay and Kingston, but the country has several small airports for inter-island travel. Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines offer frequent flights from major U.S. cities to Jamaica.

3. Reserve a room. A popular choice for Jamaican tourists is the all-inclusive destination, which consists of deluxe accommodations, three meals per day, entertainment and organized activities. For large groups or families, reserve a cottage or condo where you have privacy, can prepare meals and relax comfortably. Jamaica also has dozens of luxury hotels which feature deluxe accommodations and services.

4. Take a Caribbean cruise. Major cruise lines, like Carnival, offer frequent trips from Miami to Jamaica's ports of call. Jamaica is one of the most popular cruising destinations, so travelers can find a liner and vacation package to fit virtually any budget or timetable. The biggest disadvantage to cruising is that passengers have limited time in Jamaica, as much of your trip occurs on the water.

5. Reserve a rental car. Public transportation in Jamaica is scarce, so you must have a car for sightseeing. Keep in mind that Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road, speed limits are typically higher than in America and most gas stations only take cash. Although a handful of Jamaican hotels have rental car desks, the airport is the most convenient and least expensive car pick-up location.

6. Find a package deal. Large airlines and travel companies usually offer impressive discount rates to Jamaica that include airfare, hotel and rental car. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is, so do research. Before booking a deal, get information about travel restrictions, flight duration, hotel quality and return or exchange policy.

7. Although regulated taxis in Jamaica are supposed to have meters, many do not. If riding in an unmetered cab, negotiate a rate before departure. Jamaica cabs raise fares by 25 percent between midnight and 5 a.m.

8. Understand exchange rates. Find out the value of the Jamaican dollar against the U.S. dollar. These values fluctuate. Carry some Jamaican currency for incidentals, but in most cases the U.S. dollar is the desired form of currency. Credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted at most establishments, so it's not necessary to exchange much currency.