Jamaica 2024 Trip Handbook

Hello World Travelers!

This handbook is your essential companion, meticulously crafted to ensure you make the most of your time while traveling through the blissful island of Jamaica. From navigating local customs to discovering hidden gems, from indulging in delectable Jamaican cuisine to exploring iconic landmarks, we've compiled everything you need to know for an unforgettable vacation experience. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you on a journey through the stunning landscapes and cultural haven known as Jamaica. Let's make your dream vacation a reality!

Airport Pickups

Airport pickups and drop offs will happen from and to Montego Bay (MBJ) airport only.

Airport pickups will happen between 11 a.m and 3 p.m. on October 6, 2024. Our journey ends on Ocotber 12, 2024 (check-out is at 11 a.m.). We will arrange a car to drop you off at Montego Bay (MBJ) 3 hours before your flight.

Once you arrive in Jamaica, your driver will be waiting for you right outside holding a sign that says "MeWannaGo - Jamaica Island Bliss". Once you exit the airport, walk straight out and coordinate with our driver via What'sApp.

Taxi pickups from the airport will be arranged for you by us. We will be retrieving your flight information from the MeReadyToGo form submissions. Please make sure this is completed as soon as your have your flights. The taxi service at arrival and departure is included in your vacation package and thus you do not need to pay the driver for this. Please remember that tips are greatly appreciated for the driver, tour guide, and your trip host throughout the trip.

Getting Here

Check in at our beachfront resort begins at 3pm, however if the room is available you can check in as soon as you arrive. If you do arrive early, feel free to enjoy the resort and unwind from your travels. If you would like to drop off your luggage and enjoy the resort, the hotel staff will help you with navigating this lovely resort. We will meet for a welcome dinner so we can all get acquainted as we settle into our first night in Jamaica.

Currency : Jamaican Dollar

The local currency in Jamaica. is the Jamaican Dollar. Please make sure to have Jamaican Dollar cash on hand at all times. Most shops or restaurants accept debit/credit card payments yet we highly recommend you to always have a minimal amount of Jamaican Dollar cash just in case. You may need it in for miscellaneous items or in case of emergency. You exchange your money either in advance in your country of residence, or can do so directly in the airport upon arrival.  Exchanging money for Jamaican Dollars can easily be done as soon as you land.

Electricity

Jamaica's electricity supply is 110 volts alternating current (AC) at 50 hertz (Hz). This is different from the 110–120 volt AC at 60 Hz used in the United States. The difference in cycles may cause motors in 60 Hz appliances to run more slowly when used in Jamaica. To safely use appliances that aren't dual voltage rated, you can use a voltage converter or transformer. An adapter plug can also be used to make electrical connections up to 240 volts, but it won't change the voltage or current unless the appliance is dual voltage.

Consider bringing a universal adapter so that you are able to charge your electronic devices. Computers and phones chargers usually have a wide-range wattage so there is no need to worry about your devices getting damaged. A simple universal electricity adapter will usually do the job as the Jamaican plug is pretty much standard across Jamaica.

WI-FI and Mobile Data 

We highly recommend you to have mobile data at all times during the entire trip. This way you can always be up-to-date with last minute schedule changes in our group chat and/or be able to reach out to us in case of need at all times. There are different options for having mobile data on your phone while out of the country:

1. Check if your current mobile provider has Jamaican data covered and/or upgrade your plan. Many times mobile providers have week or ten-day packs you can purchase.
2. Buy a SIM card upon arrival in Jamaica and install it on your phone. Many phones nowadays have dual-SIM approved.
3. Get an e-sim card. Our preferred company for e-sims is the ‘Airolo’ app. Simply install the app and choose an e-sim for Morocco. The entire process will take just a few minutes and prices range from 15 to 25 dollars depending on the amount of data you choose to purchase. 

Link to Airolo to purchase sim.

Wifi will be available at the resort all over the property. Wifi will not be available while we drive to our activities or at the activities.

Weather

Traveling to Jamaica in October offers a unique and delightful experience as the island transitions from the rainy season to more stable and pleasant weather. During this month, visitors can enjoy milder temperatures, typically ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, which are ideal for outdoor activities. You'll want to dress in relatively warm clothing.

This period also marks the end of the hurricane season, resulting in fewer crowds. October is an excellent time for tourists to explore Jamaica's natural beauty, from the lush Blue Mountains to the stunning beaches of Montego Bay and Negrill.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS

What to wear in Jamaica
Let's keep in mind that we will be in the Caribbean so temperatures can be warm and humid. We may get a few showers, however it's fairly unpredictable and usually do not last long.

Layers, layers, layers. The recommendation is summer clothes. We will be in the water a few times, so feel free to bring coverups.

Essentials

Sunscreen

The Caribbean is hot, so you'll want to apply sunscreen before going to the beach, pool, or on tours.

Water shoes

You can bring your own inexpensive water shoes for water activities, like Dunn's River Falls, where the river and waterfall surfaces can be gritty

Reusable water bottle

Water will be available on all transportation to activites.

Jamaica is hot, so you'll probably drink a lot of water, and a reusable bottle is a good way to keep the environment clean

Waterproof camera

Many activities in Jamaica involve water, so you might want to bring a waterproof camera to take your own photos

Insect repellent

Depending on the time of year, mosquitoes and sandflies can be a problem

Lightweight clothing

Comfortable clothing made from lightweight cottons and linens is recommended, and you can avoid synthetic materials

Hats and sunglasses

Large-brimmed hats and sunglasses are also recommended

Swimwear/Waterwear

We are on an island! We will definitely be in and around lots of water. In fact, our resort is beachfront. So I hope you are ready for the island life!

Contact Details and Communications

For any questions or inquiries please feel free to contact us at anytime using the following email. hello@mewannago.com

During the trip we will have a public whatsapp group where you can share all of your questions, and we will get back to you there as soon as possible there in the chat. The whatsapp group will be created before the start of the retreat and will be communicated with all of the participants.

For urgent inquiries/emergencies feel free to call or whatsapp us at any time directly on our What's App number at +1 (818) 804-8494.

Let's go!

Cindy + MeWannaGo