The ultimate 2024 Travel Hot Spot is Negril, Jamaica! Would you believe me if I said I would recommend you go to Negril over St. Thomas, Honolulu, or Tulum?! In this quick travel guide, I’ll share why PLUS provide you with some quick tips to help enhance your trip!
I have a history of visiting seemingly beautiful places, only to be disgusted by the way the local residents have been uprooted and left with very few resources. This was my experience when I visited St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I was super disappointed to see the way the local economy depended on the hospitality industry and the local residents had zero stake or ownership. It was very obvious that Europeans had come in, taken over and they were now being oppressed.
I had the exact same experience when I visited Hawaii! So when their land was burned (& stolen) a few months ago, it definitely reminded me of the feeling I got when I went there. I just cannot vacation when I feel like the Natives are being victimized. I want to give back to the local economy in a way that actually supports the local people.
Now, don’t get me wrong. It can be tough to find resorts / hotels on any island that are owned by the Natives, but outside of that – I like to be able to support the people in other ways. This is why I would absolutely recommend Negril over St. Thomas and Hawaii!
Visiting Negril, Jamaica gives you the best of both worlds: a beautiful island and an opportunity to impact the people positively. You’re going to spend money on vacation anyway, so why not pay it forward if possible? There are plenty of opportunities for you to do that in the travel hot spot of Negril! I honestly feel like Negril could be the new Tulum!
Everybody lied when they told you Tulum was the place to be!
So if I was planning a trip, this is what I’d want to know:
#1 Club MoBay Might Be the Move!
Emphasis on might! Club MoBay is basically a VIP Lounge & express service at the Montego Bay Airport. They come get you when you exit the plane and escort you through customs & security. I say, it might be worthwhile is because it really depends on how busy the airport is when you land. I’ve gotten there on a Saturday morning and it was a nightmare, we wished we paid for Club MoBay. But then, I’ve also landed early in the afternoon and was the only one in the line where it wouldn’t have made sense to pay the extra money. With that being said, you really are just taking a gamble.
#2 Know Where to Go
Montego Bay
Nine times out of ten, you’ll fly into Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) regardless of where you’re actually staying on the island, as flights are most affordable there. Montego Bay is the most popular tourist destination of all of the major cities and has a ton of hotels, all-inclusive resorts and airbnbs to choose from. This is a family-friendly destination and has beautiful beaches and a bunch of fun activities for the whole family. Their hip strip includes Margaritaville, a Casino, Cannabis Dispensary and Starbucks. However, most of the resorts are located away from the hip strip. In my Everyting Irie Inside Guide I shared my favorite hotel that happens to be located right in the center of the fun.
Negril
This has quickly become my new favorite destination to visit on the island! Negril has the potential to put Tulum out of business, in my opinion. It had such a low-key, fun vibe (which is typical Jamaica anyway) but this was even more of a carefree, dirt road type feel. Although people have been coming to Negril for years to visit the World Famous Rick’s Cafe, most of them visit for the excursion then drive back to Montego Bay. If you’re reading this: next time you go to Negril, stay and play! They had some really bomb food, all the fun activities, live music and all the vibes. The downside? Negril doesn’t have nearly as many upscale hotel accommodations and maybe only 2-3 all-inclusive options.
Ocho Rios
I would say Ocho Rios is the slowest city to visit, which makes it great for families! If you are looking to truly getaway and enjoy the countryside, then this is the place for you. Like Negril, Ocho Rios doesn’t have very many upscale hotel accommodations either.
Kingston
I have heard Kingston described as the “New York City” of Jamaica, but I have never experienced it for myself. And given that I kind of hate the actual NYC, I’m in no rush to visit lol. But if you have recommendations for things to do in Kingston, please send them my way!
#3 Must Do Activities
Bob Marley Tour – We had a really great time on this tour, but it was long as hell! Like all day lol. But I guess the actual time would depend on where you are staying since it includes transportation to / from the countryside where Bob Marley’s home is. The tour itself was amazing! The driver provided tons of info about Bob and Jamaica, authentic lunch was provided and you could tell the tour guides at his home were very invested in their work! I would rate this experience a 10/10
You’ll have to find out about Dunn’s River Falls yourself because I’ve never been lol. Hiking, which is what I consider it, is not my thing lol especially not on vacation. BUT, I’ve heard great things!
Rick’s Cafe is a super popular tourist spot with public cliff diving, live music & entertainment, a restaurant and gift shop. If you’re into adventure (cliff diving) then this is for you!
Bamboo Rafting was a really dope experience! My hubby surprised me and booked this when we celebrated our 3rd anniversary but I got the details and included them in my destination guide. Now I gotta admit I was slightly scared walking onto the raft, but it wasn’t scary at all once I was seated and settled lol. I can never get too comfortable because my husband is a serious thrill seeker and has been known to set me up
Anyway – It was really cool to see so many rafts out there that were built and owned by the local people! They built their rafts and then started renting out their services! As you know, I love being able to put money right into the pockets of the local people, so I especially loved this. A bonus was the limestone clay massages we got! They were complimentary, but of course, a tip is appropriate! I would rate this experience a 10/10
The Kayak Photoshoot is done in lots of Caribbean destinations and I was excited to see it in Montego Bay & Negril! Again, this wasn’t as scary as I thought lol There was a guide with us the whole time and he even helped with posing. You pay for the hour and it includes a drone photoshoot and video.
If you don’t have this 2024 travel hot spot on your list yet, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and check your schedule to see which dates work best, set a flight alert using google flights and start planning your perfect vacay! If you’re not the planning type, I have two highly recommended travel agents that I included in the Evertyting Irie Guide – and they’re not just useful for Jamaica!
Happy Vacation-ing!
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Agreed. Negril is a whole vibe.