Tag: Jamaica

Here’s Why Jamaica Is The Best Caribbean Vacation This Fall
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Proving it has made a stellar comeback from the pandemic, Jamaica has been proclaimed the Best Caribbean vacation this year at the 2022 Travel Awards – namely, the tourism industry’s equivalent to the Oscars. Hosting a number of luxury resorts and an enviable collection of pristine beaches, the country is approaching the peak of its popularity.

A well-developed tourism hub known both for its natural offer and Afro-Caribbean culture, including the Bacchanal, a world-famous Carnival celebration, the paradise island has been experiencing a surge in bookings lately. These have been attributed to Jamaica’s relaxed measures and accessibility, with numerous nonstop flights from the U.S.

Now, the continuation of Jamaica’s years-long reign as Caribbean leader has been confirmed in spite of a two-year disadvantage:

Jamaica Is The Leading Caribbean Destination This Year

Mexico may have been crowned the unofficial King of Tourism worldwide in the post-Covid travel scene, based on arrival figures, but it’s Jamaica that has come out ahead as the definite winner in the tourism excellence department. Facing off heavy competition, including from Mexico, Caribbean gem half the awards at this year’s World Travel Awards.

The ceremony was auspiciously held in Montego Bay, Jamaica’s own leading international destination. In total, the country walked away with 26 out of 52 awards, including Leading Caribbean Destination, a status it’s held for a record 16 consecutive years, warding off the Riviera Maya, the nomad hub of Costa Rica, and fellow insular competitors like the Dominican Republic.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism received the news warmly by adding ‘the feeling of satisfaction is stronger this year’ because Jamaica ‘fought’ to recover from Covid. Even though it was one of the first countries to reopen borders in the wake of the crisis, due to its heavy dependence on American dollars, Jamaica imposed stricter travel rules up until recently.

However, on April 14, the island scrapped all entry requirements, allowing unvaccinated U.S. citizens to visit without pre-departure tests once more. Naturally, the move led demand to skyrocket, with Montego Bay outpacing every single city of the Caribbean league in terms of recovery. It should come as no surprise, then, Jamaica has swept the award show.

Why Has Jamaica Won In All Of These Categories?

For Mr. Donovan White, the Director of Jamaica’s Tourist Board, this is a testament to the quality of the services provided, ‘from the largest of hotel chains’ to tour operators and other industry agents. In fact, the Round Hill Hotel and Villas has won its 14th consecutive, and 18th Best Villa prize overall.

Additionally, the country has an edge on the nature front, being home to numerous natural parks and blue flag beaches. As we have detailed before, now that restrictions have finally been abolished in a majority of countries, travelers are looking for natural world experiences and more relaxing experiences, two things that are effectively synonymous with Jamaica.

Here’s six other reasons why Jamaica is the best pick for a sunny getaway:
- Montego Bay has been named the best airport to fly into in the Caribbean
- Jamaica has the Caribbean’s top rated boutique hotel
- Port of Falmouth is this year’s leading regional cruise port
- It is the best Caribbean destination for car rentals
- It hosts the best luxury all-inclusive resort in the zone
- Jamaica is the top nature destination in the Caribbean
All of these assertions are based on the World Travel Awards results.

Booking Early Is Key When Planning A Budget Trip To Jamaica

If you were still wondering where exactly in the Caribbean you should be heading later this year to escape the looming cold, now you have your answer. On the downside, we must concede price hikes have been noted across the region, including Jamaica. Airfares, hotels, and other tourist activities are considerably pricier than they were prior to 2020.

We know the cost of living crisis and generalized inflation is biting hard, so in order to help you plan a budget trip to this year’s number one beach spot, we have rounded up 5 luxury all-inclusives for under $300 a night to book this winter – but you must act quickly to secure the best possible deal ahead of the peak season.

For more Jamaica news, please click here.

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 6, 2022
Montego Bay, Jamaica Named As One Of The Top Destinations For Americans

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The Jamaican city of Montego Bay has been named as one of the top destinations for American travelers to visit this summer.

Famed for its white-sand beaches, laid back way of life, and a whole host of water-based activities, Montego Bay has long since been a favorite for travelers from North America – and with Jamaica recently removing its Covid-19 related entry requirements, that status looks set to grow even further this summer.

Here’s a closer look at why Montego Bay has been named one of the top destinations for American travelers this summer, what type of things travelers can look forward to experiencing in the city, and which other destinations around the world are also considered to be the most in-demand destinations for Americans this summer.

Montego Bay A Top Destination – Information For Travelers

Prior to Covid-19 putting travel plans on hold for the best part of two years now, Montego Bay was amongst the most popular destinations in the world. The year 2019 saw as many as 4.2 million travelers visit Jamaica, with the country proving popular with both air and cruise passengers before the pandemic put a serious dent in the total number of arrivals. This year however, with restrictions eased and travel appetites restored, that figure could be set to rise once again.

A recent study has shown that Montego Bay is one of the top destinations for American travelers this year. According to the Top 10 Summer Destinations review by insurance giants Allianz Partners, Montego Bay is the fourth most popular international summer destination for travelers in 2022, behind the likes of Cancun in first place, San José del Cabo in second, and Oranjestad (Aruba) in third.

Allianz Partners analyzed more than 1,175,000 flight itineraries for trips between five and eight days in length to generate their findings. Unsurprisingly, the countries featured on the list have recently relaxed their entry requirements, making travel much more appealing. Jamaica lifted its Covid-19 entry restrictions in mid-April, making trips to Montego Bay much easier for travelers.

Once in Montego Bay, travelers are unlikely to regret their decision to travel there for summer. The city has a surfeit of world-class beaches, with Doctor’s Cave Beach, Cornwall Beach, and Sandals Montego Bay Beach amongst the best – but with the destination in such high demand, travelers should get down there early in order to secure a top spot on the sand. Once there, travelers can look forward to a wide range of water sports to keep themselves busy – or they can simply choose to unwind in paradise.

Yet Montego Bay is far more than just its admittedly amazing beaches. Nature lovers can swap sand for the Jamaica Swamp Safari Village, try the topography of Cockpit Country or ride the Martha Brae River if that’s more their thing. After working up an appetite, few can resist indulging in some fiery jerk chicken or sampling some of the country’s famous patties, such can be found in abundance.

Travelers should have no problem reaching Montego Bay either, with recent months having seen several routes added to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Frontier was the most recent US airline to do so, with flights from Tampa recently added to their roster, but American, JetBlue and Southwest have also recently increased US-Montego Bay connectivity recently as well.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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May 7, 2022
Jamaica Removes All Entry Requirements For Tourists
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After more than two years of countless updates to its entry requirements and travel warnings, Jamaica is fully reopening to all travelers without restrictions.

Set to come into effect on Friday, April 15, 2022, Jamaica has decided to lift its pre-departure Covid test requirements for travelers. The pre-departure test was the last remaining Covid-related entry requirement in place for international arrivals to Jamaica.

As a result, the Caribbean island nation will be the latest country to lift all of its Covid health-related entry restrictions for international tourists.

Pre-Departure Testing Requirement Scrapped

Jamaica’s current travel restrictions state that all visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative Covid test result (antigen or PCR) no later than 3 days from travel prior to boarding their flight. This requirement will be dropped for all travelers from tomorrow, April 15th, regardless of vaccination status.

Entry Restrictions For Jamaica: Update For Travelers

As of April 15, all tourists can enter Jamaica with:
- No pre-flight testing requirement
- No on arrival or post-arrival testing for Jamaica
- No proof of vaccination is required for entry
- No quarantines
- No countries banned due to case numbers or variants
Jamaica’s Indoor Mask Mandate Also Being Dropped April 15th

Internal health restrictions are also being dropped throughout the Caribbean island nation. On the same day that the pre-departure testing requirement will be removed, Jamaica’s ongoing mask mandate for public indoor spaces will also be dropped for tourists and locals alike.

The current measures were put in place on March 18 under an official Public Health Enforcement Measures Covid-19 Order, which included the pre-flight testing and face mask requirement. The other measures included in the Order will remain in place for the time being, according to local reports. They are:
- All persons who test positive for Covid while in Jamaica (local or tourist) must self-isolate at their accommodation until they’ve recovered.
- Giving the protection of identity for persons who might test positive for Covid.
- Owners and operators of businesses (hotels, restaurants, tour agencies), places of worship, educational institutions, etc, are required to ensure the health of all patrons by making sure hand washing/hand sanitizing stations are available upon entry.
Officials want to remind everyone that while the reported Covid case numbers in Jamaica are low at this time, the issue of new variants and the potential for case numbers to increase continues to be a reality.

Jamaica Began Easing Travel Restrictions In March 2022

Following the omicron wave and a peak in cases, Jamaica began relaxing some of its entry restrictions for travelers just last month.

From March 1st, the restrictions that were eased included the travel authorization form required to be filled out before departure to Jamaica as well as any quarantine requirements. The maximum attendance for large events was also raised from 50 to 100 persons.

Visa-Free Entry For Travelers Around The World

Jamaica is a well-known and beloved vacation spot with US and Canadian tourists any time of year.

On top of travel restrictions being scrapped, visitors from over 100 countries including the US, Canada, and the UK can enter Jamaica visa-free. New flight routes from the US to popular tourist destinations in Jamaica have also been added this year, making travel to the island much more accessible.

CDC Lowers Advisory For Jamaica

Just this week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered their health risk advisory for Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Jamaica was moved down to a Level 1: Low-Risk category due to a very low daily case average of 26 reported cases.

The US State Department lowered its risk warning for Jamaica last month, putting the island nation at a Level 3: Reconsider Travel status.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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April 15, 2022
American Airlines First to Offer New Flights to Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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Further expanding its already comprehensive service to the Caribbean, American Airlines will be launching the first-ever international flight route between the United States and Ocho Rios, in Jamaica.

The resort town, which has risen to prominence in recent years, rivals Montego Bay and Negril as one of the most popular tourist hotspots on the island.

Up until this year, there were no commercial flights available between North America and Ocho Rios. This meant visitors had to fly to other major hubs instead, such as Montego Bay or Kingston, and then transfer to Ocho Rios via land, which can take up to 2 hours.

From 2022 onwards, reaching Ocho Rios’ pristine coastline from America will be much easier.

First International Flights Between The U.S. And Ocho Rios To Launch This November

Although a much smaller airport, Ian Fleming International will host the first Ocho Rios-bound flights from the United States. Located roughly 10 miles away from Ocho Rios, the airport will offer American visitors the opportunity to arrive directly at this destination, as opposed to landing elsewhere in Jamaica.

The exciting news was shared on March 31 by both American Airlines representatives and Jamaican Government officials. They both confirmed the launch of two weekly, non-stop services from Miami to Ocho Rios, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, on an Envoy E-175 aircraft with a seating capacity of between 76 and 88 passengers (including business and economy seats).

As Jamaican officials described, American Airlines is the ‘largest mover of people in and out of Jamaica‘, with the move originating from a recent meeting between senior American executives, and government and private sector representatives in Montego Bay. Among participants, Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, was one of those present.

As Bartlett said during his Observer interview, ‘this is a very valuable addition to the aviation needs of Jamaica, with non-stop service between the United States and our country’s third international airport’. Now, there will be direct flights available from the U.S. to all three major destinations in Jamaica: Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios.

According to Bartlett, the new service will ‘encourage other airlines to fly into the Oracabessa/Ocho Rios area’, while assisting ‘greatly’ in promoting tourism for less explored destinations, such as St. Mary and Portland parishes.

Ocho Rios itself will also benefit from the larger influx of tourists and more foreign investment.

Is Covid Still A Major Concern For Travelers To Jamaica?

Recently, the U.S. lowered its travel advice against Jamaica from Level 4 to Level 3, with Americans no longer being urged not to travel to the island. Instead, they are advised to ‘reconsider travel’ due to higher Covid levels. Jamaica itself is reporting an average of 21 new infections daily, or only 1% of the previous peak.

On March 1, the country removed its travel authorization form and further relaxed once-strict travel rules. In spite of that, for now, Americans are still required to present a negative Covid test result within 72 hours of arriving in Jamaica, regardless of vaccination status. Both PCR and rapid antigen tests are accepted as proof of entry.

Additionally, those unvaccinated may face harsher restrictions when leaving a ‘resilient corridor’. Jamaica’s resilient corridors are government-designated tourist zones in the country where quarantine mandates usually do not apply to unvaccinated tourists. When fully immunized, Americans are free to leave and enter these zones as they wish.

As stated on the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica’s official webpage, medical services in Jamaica are ‘extremely limited’. For that reason, we would like to remind our readers to purchase travel insurance covering Covid treatment costs and isolation prior to visiting the island.

When insured, travelers are usually better equipped when faced with adverse events, such as testing positive and/or needing treatment, especially in places like Jamaica where hospitals might have fewer professionals available and lower capacity.

Elsewhere in the Caribbean, other island-nations such as Grenada and Aruba have removed all Covid regulation at their outer borders. As more and more countries in the region reopen fully and airlines ramp up services, vacationers should monitor Jamaican news closely for updates concerning international travelers and Covid measures.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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April 3, 2022