Insider Tips for Jamaica Family Vacation

insider tips for Jamaica with kids; img. courtesy of; strictly-vegan.com

Are you thinking about planning a family vacation to Jamaica? Looking for some insider tips? Yeah mon! You’ve come to the right place mon! If you are still thinking about which destination to choose, that’s best for kids, either  Negril, Ocho Rios, or Montego Bay, see this post.

Jamaica offers gorgeous long beaches, protected coves, rugged mountains, waterfalls (like the famous Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios), amazing caves and plenty of sunshine. You can take your family on horse riding excursions, scuba and snorkeling, or  swim with dolphins, the choices are limitless.

Insider Tips for a Jamaica Family Vacation:

Many villas and resorts offer child care services so this is always a plus. Many times parents just want a little adult time, so a nanny would be ideal.  Most of the nannies at the resorts are trained in emergency procedures, first aid, child care and so on. They go through a HeartTrust Program (sponsored by the Gov’t.) to make sure that they are qualified as caregivers. Also, about traveling with kids, a suggestion would be to bring along baby’s pillow case or cotton sheet, for comfort in a strange bed. Our children watch us closely for clues on how to think and act, even more so in an unfamiliar place, so don’t say negative things about the people or place in front of the kids, even if that is how you feel.

More insider tips!

Lonely Planet’s Travel With Children recommends to bring the following;

medical checklist

• – acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin
• – adhesive or paper tape
• – antibacterial ointment (eg Neosporin) for cuts and abrasions
• – antibiotics (if needed)
• – antidiarrheal drugs (eg ­loperamide)
• – antihistamines (for hay fever and allergic reactions)
• – anti-inflammatory drugs (eg ­ibuprofen)
• – bandages, gauze and gauze rolls
• – DEET-containing insect repellent for the skin (see a recipe for natural repellent here)
• – iodine tablets (for water ­purification)
• – oral rehydration salts
• – permethrin-containing insect spray for clothing, tents and bed nets

They also have a great book Travel With Children (Lonely Planet Travel With Children), especially for those traveling with younger kids.

More Insider Tips for Jamaica Family Vacation:

Be sure not to forget cover-ups, sunblock and aloe spray (or some type of sunburn cooling treatment) and water shoes for you and the kids. If you’d rather use natural repellents or make your own see this article for best essential oils to use for insect bites and natural insect repellent recipes. Also, see this one for How to Make a Natural Travel Kit here, where you will find recipes for; Sunburn Relief Spray, Jet Lag, Migraines, Stress Headaches, Nausea, Travel Sickness, Queasiness, Fear of Flying, and Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis. Also be sure to bring a car seat as I’ve heard they are hard to find in Jamaica.

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Bill Evans wrote a nice piece about traveling with kids in Jamaica along with some great tips, see it here. Thanks Bill!

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Kid Friendly Resorts and All Inclusive family Resorts & Hotels in Jamaica;

Find the TOP HOTEL DEALS IN JAMAICA here at BestKidFriendlyTravel.com OR

Save up to 50% at Riu Montego Bay Hotel All Inclusive in Montego Bay!!

Riu Montego Bay Hotel is the perfect place built along a shimmering beach surrounded by gardens. Less than 3 miles from downtown Montego Bay, 2 miles from the international airport and next door to a shopping center, this island oasis offers a wide variety of activities and deluxe accommodations in a beautiful setting.Facilities include sun loungers on the beach, swimming pool w/ adjoining Jacuzzi, kids pool, playground & mini-club, sun terrace, free Wi-Fi in lobby, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, gift shop, conference room (fee), games room w/ slot machine and video games, 2 lighted tennis courts, non-motorized watersports, catamaran, 1 introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool, daily entertainment programs for children (ages 4-12) and adults, shows or live music, Pacha night club.All inclusive meals, snacks and drinks at Rose Hall main restaurant (buffet style), Kalu Asian cuisine, Little Italy restaurant, Mahoe Bay poolside restaurant/grill and steak house, Exodus lounge bar, Coconut bar, Tai-Tai poolside & swim-up bar, Sports bar and 24 hour snacks & unlimited local and imported beverages. A la carte restaurants require previous reservation and specific dress code.701 rooms split up into standard, family rooms and suites equipped with A/C, bathroom, ceiling fan, hairdryer, iron & ironing table, radio alarm clock, satellite TV, direct dial phone, regularly restocked mini-bar & liquor dispenser, electronic in room safe (laptop size 15 inch) and balcony or terrace. Suites adds bathroom with hydro-massage bathtub, shower cabin and bidet, integrated lounge area w/ 2 steps between levels w/ sofa. All current hotel taxes, gratuities and service charges are included in the room cost.

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Save up to 35% when you book before Sept. 30, 2011 at the Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica All-Inclusive Runaway Bay Jamaica

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Also be sure to check out these helpful posts:

Best Montego Bay Family Resorts

Montego Bay Family Activities

Best Rated All-Inclusive family resorts in Jamaica

Jamaica with Kids: Which is better – Ocho Rios, Monego Bay or Negril?

Family Activities in Jamaica; Luminous Lagoon Montego Bay

If you’ve visited Jamaica with kids on your family vacation, leave us a comment, we’d love to hear your opinion!

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