With the recent travel alert issued by the U.S. State Department, many travelers have been second guessing their vacation to Jamaica.
While I am not one to take travel advisories lightly, I do my research and make my decisions accordingly. In this case, the U.S. State Department advised Americans to be cautious when traveling in and around Kingston, Jamaica.
No foreign travelers were harmed in any of the civil unrest that was taking place in an isolated area of Kingston back in May. In fact, Kingston is quite a distance from the three main tourist destinations– Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril.
I traveled across the northern coast of Jamaica this past week and not once did I feel unsafe in any area- day or night.
I believe Jamaica is as safe as any other destination as long as you are aware of your surroundings.
- Only take a taxi with a red license plate (means they are insured)
- Travel in groups when possible
- Avoid wandering the streets at night
- Book tours and excursions directly though your hotel or other reputable sources
- Leave your valuables at home, only carry the amount of cash for what you need
Because of the recent activity in Jamaica, there will be some excellent travel deals from now until the end of the year. It’s a great time to take advantage of these offers at some of the best all-inclusive resorts. Whether you are traveling with your family or on a romantic getaway, Jamaica has something for everyone.
Special thanks to the Jamaica Tourist Board for hosting my visit. For more travel advice and inspiration be sure to check out TravelingMamas.com travel tips and MommyMusings.com.