HOW TO SPEND 3 DAYS IN MONTEGO BAY.
Rumor has it, the summer 2019 was a #HotGirlSummer. What better way to spend a Hot Girl Summer than eating hot wings and relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Jamaica? I took a solo trip to Montego Bay August 2019 and whew chile! I absolutely loved every bit of the culture; from the food to the people to the beaches. It was worth every penny and so much more.
Did you know that Jamaica was named one of the ten places every woman should visit in her lifetime, by Essence? Yes, it made it up there alongside the Maldives and France. After my solo trip, I can rightfully recommend Jamaica as a ‘Top Destination for a Female Solo Traveler.’ Don’t get me wrong, I had my reservations about traveling to the island by myself. Would I be safe? Could I be out past 9 p.m.? Are Jamaican men uncontrollably aggressive? It is safe to say I felt welcomed. I played soccer bare feet with the local kids. I danced on the beach with total strangers. I jumped off a jetski into the ocean, trusting that my guide wouldn’t take off and leave me stranded. I had a blast and I took proper precautions to ensure my safety. I’ll share my guide to solo traveling in another entry.
Montego Bay is only 3.5 hours away, when flying from the East Coast. It could be more, depending on where you are flying from in the United States. Just about all year round, excluding December, price tickets range between $250 and $400. I flew with Spirit Airlines, and my airfare cost $350. Jamaica is a destination that you can plan one month or so before your departure, and still have a swell time.
Journeys With Kris is all about seeing the world and keeping our jobs, so time is always of the essence. I was in on a Friday and out on a Sunday! Keep in mind that you can stay for much longer, depending on your schedule. Here’s what I got up to and my top recommendations for a 3-Day stay:
6 ACTIVITIES.
All roads lead to Pier 1. You’ve landed, checked in, grabbed food and recuperated from your flight. What’s next? Pier 1 gives you a true taste of Jamaican nightlife, and it is right on the pier. Wednesdays and Fridays are the best days for dancing. However, Monday through Sunday, you can enjoy a great view of the island while eating lunch or dinner.
It is all about the culture right? Visit the local market in the heart of Montego. The resorts in Montego aren’t too far from the local market. Typically 2 or 3 miles away. Ask around and someone should be able to tell you where it is. Note that, there are already commercial shops on the Hip Strip. You may find what you are looking for an overpriced fee, and you still won’t get that transparent cultural interaction.
Try Nyam & Jam for an authentic Jamaican dining experience. As a food enthusiast, I would be doing a disservice to humanity if I didn’t mention this gem. I stumbled upon it while trekking around the craft market. It is hands down one of the best restaurants in Montego Bay. From the snapper to the jerk or brown stew chicken to the curried and oxtail with the spicy sauce, Nyam & Jam has nailed the flavors in one bite. Try Juicy Beef Patties for beef patties and coco bread. All the locals go there, so you know it is affordable and delicious.
Visit Negril’s Seven Mile Beach in one day. Imagine miles and miles of powder white sand and crystal blue water. Seven Mile Beach is what beach dreams are made of, from warm waters to the amazing boardwalk. Most restaurants are 20 feet from the water, so you can rent beach essentials and camp out at one location for the entire stay. Grab a cocktail and relax. NOTE: Outsource a driver locally, as supposed to doing it with your resort. It is half the price!
Check out Rick’s Café, because it is a vibe. Imagine swimming, diving, dancing and having the time of your life. That is how I felt upon entering Rick’s Café, the energy was contagious. It is also a staple for beautiful sunsets, because it is perched on a cliff with unobstructed views. If you are anything adventurous, jumping off the cliff is a must. I am more of a people watcher. I recommend you start your day at Seven Mile Beach and finish it off at Rick’s.
Martha Brae River Rafting is a must. When you think river rafting, think tranquility and serenity. Rafting on a bamboo across the Martha River is one of the main attractions in Jamaica because it precedes its reputation. Although it is not cheap, it is worth every penny. I highly recommend!
Summer 2019 was incredibly tough for me. I felt empty, so I booked a flight to Jamaica. Just me, myself and I. I wanted to deal with all the emotions I couldn’t explain. Traveling always finds a way to remove the pain and restore the joy. Jamaica restored a piece of my soul.
Wander with me today, wander alone tomorrow.
Xx Kris