Visiting Jamaica : Tips On Keeping Safe And What to Do For Entertainment

Your Jamaica Vacation should be enjoyable and safe. Here are some tips to help with both.

1. Travel in groups - where ever you go, day or night it is safer to go with someone or in a group, there is definitely safety in numbers. A predator will think twice about approaching three or more persons.

2. Carry less cash - Carry only enough cash that you will need for the day. Budget your daily spending amount to reduce the amount you will have in your wallet. Predators will notice the bulk of your wallet and follow you, therefore making you a target. Let them think you are a cheapskate or broke, that will keep them away.

3. Get a real tour guide - If yore are staying in a hotel, it is highly likely that they would have organized some excursions. If however, you wish to do some personal sightseeing, request someone from the hotel or request a escort from the police department near the hotel. It is also advisable not to go alone with the guide or escort.

4. Register with your embassy - As understand it, each visitor should let their embassy know that they have arrived in the island, how long the will be staying and provide an itinerary. This is a good idea, if it is not mandatory then you should at least consider doing it any way. Even though this is a tiny Island you can get lost and an itinerary will let others know where you were at a particular time.

5. Dress down - when going anywhere in Jamaica (except for weddings, funerals, cocktail parties etc.) it is advisable to not be too dressed up.The normal tourist attire of shorts, Ts and sandals will do. Leave the excess jewelry at the hotel, as a matter of fact, better not take any jewelry with you. Better safe than sorry.

6. Never go out alone at night - similar point as number 1, travel in groups and/with escorts. The more the merrier.

7. Stay close to your hotel at night - not only is it dangerous going out at night but getting lost is another matter. Being lost at night in a strange place can be very traumatic. Stay as close to your accommodation at night if possible, or make sure there are more than four or five persons in the group. Also have a guide or escort with you.

Jamaica is a place of constant fun, parties and happenings. If you are not sure what you are going to be doing once you get here, check with the hotel to get an idea of happening that you might be interested in. All the major hotels will have karaoke, concerts, performers etc. performing nightly. Tours, hiking and other activities are also planned by the hotel. If you need a less formal way to have fun then here are a few tips.

1. See a real Jamaican play. There is always one happening near you. Check with the hotel and ask them to get a ticket for you and family and go see a play.

2. Live performances by international and local artistes. Other than the usual cabaret singers there is always a live stage show happening in the more lively parts of the island, usually in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril, Kingston and other busy towns.

3. Plan a family only excursion or a two family excursion into another parish. I guarantee you won't regret it. You will see the other more laid back side of the country where the smiles are friendly, the food exceptional and welcoming arms. You will treasure the visit.

4. Hiking is another way to enjoy Jamaica, it also good exercise and stress reliever. Arrange with the hotel for a map with hiking trail. Have another couple or family go with you, take the map, a guide, water and fruits. Travel light.

5. Daytime beach parties are becoming very popular.

6. Sight seeing. Get to know the Island a little, see the sights, visit our landmarks and monuments, but remember to take a guide with you.

7. Museums. Don't leave Jamaica without getting in on a little piece of its history.

Coyaba River Garden and Museum, Ocho Rios

Bob Marley Museum, Kingston

Firefly, St. Mary

National Gallery, Kingston

Institute of Jamaica, Kingston

Reggae Xplosion, Ocho Rios

Columbus Park Museum, Ocho Rios

People's Museum of Craft & Technology, Spanish Town