Jamaica What to Pack

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Simple packing for jamaica

by shell61

If you can pack just a carry on.. this is the way to go. Avoid the lines and confusion at the airport.. I over packed when I went, but being my 1st trip to Jamaica I wasnt to sure.I found that I wore lightweight sundress's every day..even shorts seemed to hot for me. I went to Jamaica in August.. very Hot.I did not take any long sleeve shirts.. no need..no sweatshirts or jackets... no need.Most hotels will wash clothes for a small fee.. I took small tide packets and handwashed in the sink..worked great..I also took a few extra hangers.. came in handy! brings LOTS of sunscreen..and bug spray...I had few bites,bugs werent an issue like I had read. I would suggest bringing those small single packs of flavor to add to water...it made keeping hydrated easier..if you are a ketchup fan bring a bottle along..I found jamaican ketchup not appealing!

What to Wear on an Island Adventure

by TravellerMel

daypack for beach/hiking Shorts, comfortable walking shoes, flip-flops for the beach, a pair of AquaSox for climbing waterfalls (and for the communal showers at the beach), lightweight rain jacket/poncho, light-weight cotton shirt and pants or skirt, and a swimsuit! Jamaica is very casual. Sunscreen, bug repellant, lotion, and aspirin for headaches after long days in the sun

Casual and comfortable

by toonsarah

You'll find that casual dress is appropriate for all but the most formal restaurants in Jamaica, and is certainly the way to go during the day. Temperatures are pleasant all year round so cotton layers work well, and shorts are fine in most situations. You may get rain at any time of year (there's a reason for all that lush scenery!) but we never found the need for an umbrella - just enjoy the cooling shower, and if it gets too heavy take shelter and enjoy a cold beer while it passes :) All the resorts are geared up for tourists so you can buy most basics, but you may not always find your favourite brand. And of course it goes without saying that you should bring any prescription medicines. We didn't have any major problems with bugs, but I picked up a few insect bites in Negril so some anti-histamine cream would be useful. And of course, don't forget a high SPF lotion - you're in the...

Tip Photo
Less is not more, it's just less.

by suegator

Bring an extra suitcase or duffel bag as it's expensive to try to pick one up there. Summer wear only. Only a few restaurants will require a man to wear a jacket, so I'd pass on that. Shoes are expensive so pack an extra pair of flip flops and sandals. Extra swimsuits are nice, you'll get plenty of use out of them. Bring a beach bag. The last place you want to go is to a Jamaican hospital. Bring all your medications and over-the-counter medications. Neosporin and bandaids are a must. Insect repellant is hard to find, so bring your own. Bring batteries. You'll pay 4 times as much for them in Jamaica. Be careful if bringing a laptop. Even in the finest hotels, it's the number one item that is stolen. Jamaica is a very poor country and theft is their biggest problem. Don't be a victim. Remember, this is an island that has to have everything imported. Don't expect to find things you 've...

Be prepared!

by travelbugcheri

Make sure your luggage locks. Keep your valuables out of your luggage. sandles, runners, comfortable clothes, bathing suit. 1 nice outfit for dinner and something sexy for the club! goldbond anti itch cream (for the mosquitos) Off or similar repellant....sun lotion digital camera...don't forget the memory stick...buy a new one if you can beach towel/matt. Flippers and snorkel...expensive to rent or buy there!! Tubes (cheap in Canada and you can give them away to the local kids...very much appreciated) Sand toys...give them away too! If you are renting a house or villa I suggest a mosquito net for your bed (Ikea sells them, so does Pier One) Houses and condos usually don't have screens on the windows.

~ Dont Forget These Items ~

by Heavens-Mirror

Make sure you attach something bright to your luggage so you recognise it easily at Montego Bay airport as we found it a nightmare trying to find our cases as they all looked the same. Bring some sensible shoes to wear for Dunns River Falls... you have to do alot of walking and climbing so a good pair of shoes is needed for this. Bring all your own toiletries as it is quite expensive in Jamaica. The only thing i found to be cheaper than at home was the Hawaiian Tropic Sun Lotions and Australian Gold. Bring any tampons/sanitary towels with you if you need them whilst away as there not as good as the ones at home. You can buy disposable cameras and underwater cameras in most shops in Jamaica but if you have a digital camera you can buy the memory sticks really cheap at duty free at the airports. Loads of shops sell beachwear, sunglasses and tshirts really cheap in Jamaica. A good pair...

Bring heavy duty sunscreen

by kyoub

Bring what ever you want but you won't need much. Cotton is the coolest fabric to wear. Short, tops, swimwear, cover-up and sandals will be about all you need here unless you are staying at a resort. Bring everything that you will be needing. You may not find it here. Bring lot of film or a large memory card, extra battery, and a sun filter. Don't forget the sunhat and sun glasses.

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Pack light

by planxty

Jamaica enjoys a pleasant climate and is warm the year round. Lightweight clothes are therefore in order, although perhaps a sweater for nights may be in order, although I never needed one. I found toiletries and medical supplies to be easily obtained. You may want to bring your own insect repellant as the local product, brand name "Off," has, I'm led to believe, been banned in many countries as being unsafe.

A couple minor packing details

by kenyatta

Pack very light. It's warm year round. A jacket or sweatshirt for a rare cool night during winter MAY be useful. Tshirts, shorts, wet/dry light walking sandals, Nike makes a great cheap one Mosquito repellant is helpful.

Take food and repellents!

by coopergirl2003

Make sure they are very securely closed...our locks were nowhere to be found after both plane journeies! 'Water shoes' if you want to climb up the Dunn's River falls (although our trainers were fine). The sea has exposed (and sharp) rocks in it so footwear is advisable (although we didn't bother...ouch!) Mosquito repellent, cream for the bites (which we forgot), antihistamines work well to reduce the swelling and constant itching!! Apparently garlic, marmite and vitamin B are really good natural repellents! A digital camera and digital video camera are must haves! Take a few bits of food if you're all inclusive and might arrive late...

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Top 3 Hotels in Jamaica

Blue Cave Castle  Negril

 5 Reviews and 131 Opinions  One of the most beautiful spots on the cliffs, Blue Cave Castle actually has its own cave, making it... 

 Hotels in Negril

Couples Tower Isle Ocho Rios  Ocho Rios

 7 Reviews and 1155 Opinions  We got married on the beach at the all inclusive Couples Tower Island on 10/2/10. I cannot say... 

 Hotels in Ocho Rios

Round Hill Hotel & Villas  Montego Bay

 9 Reviews and 342 Opinions  I got to stay one night (only one night boo!). We arrived at night and left after breakfast. I did... 

 Hotels in Montego Bay

The Place

Reviews and photos of Jamaica attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Jamaica sightseeing.

Experience Jamaica
 

Questions and Answers

darsunt profile photo

Q:  We will be stopping at Ocho Rios for one day this January on a Carnival cruise. Do you guys have any ideas for using this short... 

Agraichen profile photo

A: Well, you can do the touristy things like Duns Falls http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/3e837/19dc08/ and swim with dolphins in pools or sit on the beach and if you can... 

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