Jamaica’s Top Travel Bloggers Reveal Their Favourite Local Travel Destinations And Covid Travel Tips
Jamaica’s Top Travel Bloggers Reveal Their Favourite Local Travel Destinations And COVID Travel Tips
I’m sure we can all agree that 2020 has been a whirlwind of a year. Month after month we've been hit with natural disasters, threat of wars, horrific deaths and constant news of destruction that seems straight out of a Hollywood end of the world movie. Climaxing with the world completely shutting down due to the covid 19 outbreak. I don't know who's playing Jumanji but I feel like the game needs to end now.
As a travel blogger I thrive in the outdoors. I love the escape, the freedom, the discovery, and the adventure. I enjoy surrounding myself in the beauty and lure that nature and mankind has provided. Especially as an overworked, somewhat stressed medical doctor. So when the world was in official lockdown, I can tell you I felt well out of it. I was deprived of the adventure and it did not feel good. Particularly, in a time when I felt overwhelmed by my emotions and was in dire need of some form of escape. Whew! I feel like I have PTSD just writing about it. However, things have started to open back up in some measure. And although things are still uncertain, we do have a bit more allowances to venture out into the world some more. While of course still practicing covid measures.
I knew that I couldn’t be the only who was feeling ecstatic that things were opening up a bit more now so I reached out to some of my favourite travel bloggers and content creators to find out how they were fairing with the covid 19 and what advice they could share about how to travel while still remaining safe during these covid times. And trust me they did not disappoint. Top notch must visit travel destinations complemented by stunning photos and great advice was a perfect recipe for this post. *Chef’s kiss* It was the perfect confection. Excited to find out what they had to say? Check out their recommendations down below.
This year has been rough for most people but summer 2020 isn't cancelled! This is the perfect time to explore your own backyard, you know, all those local gems you may have heard of before but never visited. Seek out off-the-beaten-path beaches and waterfalls to cool down, or go hiking in the Blue Mountains to escape the city's heat.
My summer 2020 pick is Portland. Portland is lush and green with beautiful meandering rivers, majestic waterfalls and postcard-perfect beaches, making it one of Jamaica's most beautiful parishes. By some stroke of luck, the parish hasn't been hit with mass-tourism (yet) so it's currently the best place to beat the heat, social distance and have fun all at the same time.
My best covid travel advice is to wear masks until you've found your own little spot to distance yourself from other patrons at your watering hole and pack a bottle of hand sanitizer or alcohol spray to use after coming into contact with commonly touched surfaces like door knobs and POS machines.
Rochelle Knight
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Blogger & Founder of Jamaican Budget Travel Blog
adventuresfromelle.com
I’m Doreen Scarlett also known as Nature’s Sweet Escapes from instagram. I love solo traveling around my beautiful island Jamaica discovering beautiful waterfalls. I love taking pictures of the hidden gems and sharing my travel experiences on my blog naturessweetescapes.com. My aim is to encourage my fellow Jamaicans to explore their home.
My Jamaican travel destination pick for the summer are: Rafting on the Rio Grande, Frenchman’s Cove, and Reach Falls and Rafting on the Blue Lagoon in Portland. Turtle River Falls and Garden, Dunns River Falls, and Konoko Falls in St.Ann. Rafting on the Martha Brae in Trelawny.
My travel tips for post covid are: Travel with you mask, sanitizers, practice social distancing by visiting locations early to avoid mass gathering.
Doreen Scarlett
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Blogger & Founder | Content Creator
naturessweetescapes.com/
My top local destination picks for this summer are Thatch Hill River Park and Calby’s Hidden Beauty River. Not only are these spots less popular than their neighbour, Spanish Bridge, but they have access to portions of White River, lush greenery and lawn space perfect for a summertime picnic. What I love about Thatch Hill is that it’s reservations only- meaning that they only allow a certain amount of guests per day!
A great way to safely travel during this time is to plan weekday trips to less well-known spots. Island-trotting during the week, while most people are at work, is a great way to have a spot most likely to yourself. Now is the perfect time to explore hidden gems, as they are typically less crowded or jam-packed.
Sarah Miles
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Blogger | Youtuber | Content Creator
gomilesguide.com/
2020 has not really been a great time for travel bloggers and vloggers with the Covid 19 worldwide pandemic. Airports were shut down, flights were at a standstill and mandatory quarantine for everyone, which meant staying home. A traveler’s worst nightmare come to life.
Fast forward to summer 2020 and things are easing up and we are now allowed to go outside but with certain precautionary measures. Now you don’t have to cancel summer, you can still enjoy a staycation in Jamaica. My top destination for the summer in Jamaica is Treasure Beach in St. Elizabeth. You can enjoy the beach, enjoy Jamaican food or take a boat out to Floyd’s Pelican Bar. Just get out there and enjoy what’s left of the summer.
Here are my top tips for post covid travel:
1. Carry your mask. There are places where it’s still mandatory to wear your mask so always keep it handy.
2. Have a small spray bottle of alcohol or sanitizer in case your not able to wash your hands.
3. Do your research before going to a location such as checking if it’s open and what safety measures they have in place for Covid 19.
4. Keep your distance. If there is a crowd or just way too many people where social distance isn’t possible. Leave! It’s not worth it.
5. Avoid going on the weekends to beaches or rivers when there are more people. In the week tends to have less people.
6. A lot of places recommend reservations, so utilize it just in case it’s full you still have a guaranteed space.
These are some of my recommendations to keeping cautious but still have fun.
If you are feeling adventurous and would like to travel outside of Jamaica remember to check if the country you are going to is open and accepting visitors and what the requirements are. Also what the requirements are for returning home as well.
Have fun and be safe!
Lucie
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Blogger | Travel Agent
travellucie.com/
The world is reopening with a new attitude and tourism has to follow suit. After all that has happened with COVID, we have entered a mask era, meaning masks are required everywhere you go, unless the activity literally cannot be done with one on. I think tourism is actually more hygienic now than before so I have no complaints.
My top Jamaican Travel Destination for the summer is (almost always) Portland. It is usually less populated than other tourism spots and even more so now. You are able to enjoy multiple types of attractions alone or with minimal people, helping to stay safe from COVID.
My tips for travel in this time include :
Have your own mask/masks. You may choose medical masks or fashion forward ones.
Hand sanitizers are a must, in your car or bag.
Disposable wipes, especially if using a debit/credit card.
Follow the country’s rules even if your destination doesn’t seem to follow any.
Jean-Paul Martin
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Content Creator
Jamaica is open for travelling and adventure again. However, as the COVID-19 cases continue to rise, we must enjoy our adventures, road trips and staycations with great responsibility and as much precaution as possible.
My travel pick for this summer is the South Coast, more specifically, St. Elizabeth. Also, known as the bread basket parish, St. Elizabeth serves up a range of attractions such as Floyd's Pelican Bar, Lovers Leap, Black River Safari Tour, YS Falls, The Joy Spence Appleton Estate Tour plus much more and an expansive catalogue of boutique hotels and villas! The best pepper shrimp and crayfish soup is also found in Middle Quarters, St. Elizabeth.
Here are some tips on how you can travel safely and reduce the spread of the virus!
Always wear a mask in public- They can be uncomfortable but it’s one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of the virus.
Wash hands and sanitise often- That's self-explanatory right? Also, always have a sanitiser that has at least 63 percent alcohol on hand.
Avoid crowds- Other people will be out in their numbers. Try to stay away from unnecessary gatherings, when possible.
Sabriena Simpson
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Blogger | Content Creator
sabrienaaudriana.wordpress.com/
Many of us have a newfound appreciation of ‘outside’ following months of travel restrictions and closed venues. As the world continues turning we should remember we’re in the process of adapting to new norms, and expect to for a while. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean travel is cancelled, just shifting to safer measures!
One of my top Jamaican destination picks is the nature-filled ‘Land of Oshun’ in scenic Portland. Situated on an islet blessed with an abundance of flowing freshwater, a sparkling cave, and a quaint spot for yummy, healthy meals.
Enjoy trips responsibly; I recommend a nature walk in fresh air. Besides the satisfaction of scenic surroundings, your immune system can be boosted from this workout and possibly fruits you could probably pick along the way. Take only memories and leave only footprints, minimizing touch while maximizing your feelings.
P.S. You can ask SimplyLocal.life for a discount on your visit! http://simplylocal.life/living-akashi-guesthouses
Jhunelle Jureidini
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Blogger | Content Creator | Digital Marketer
simplylocal.life/
Yep, CoVid19 shook up our travel plans for 2020 and changed the travel game forever. As someone who got stuck abroad due to CoVid19 and has already safely taken an international flight since the pandemic, here are my top ways to stay safe while you travel, especially internationally:
Get tested for CoVid19 before you travel and self-quarantine while waiting for test results. It's truly irresponsible to travel without knowing your COVID19 status
Have a COVID19 travel kit with at least 3 masks, 1 pair gloves, 2 mini bottles of hand sanitizer
Solo travel if you can. It's one of the best ways to keep safe during COVID19
Practise social distancing at all times and wear your mask everywhere.
Research the COVID19 and social distancing protocals of the airline and place you'll be travelling. Don't wait until you get there, only to find out that you've put yourself and loved ones at risk.
As for local travel, my top Jamaican travel destination right now is Reggae Falls in St. Thomas. It's affordable, the waterfall is gorgeous with cool water and it's still off the beaten path. Go there early and on a weekday for the best views and to have the falls all to yourself.
I still believe travel and we can still travel in 2020. Just ensure you travel responsibly and safely. Safe Travels!
Diedre McLeod
Blogger
www.diedreinwanderland.com/
'Outside' is officially open again (for now) and it's time for us to go down di road responsibly! In these COVID-19 times, I believe the best destination for travel is to rivers or beaches. Jamaica has no shortfall of water bodies, and they keep you cool during this crazy summer heat. I recommend you choose one that has ample space which allows you your own area. Wear your mask until you're in your own space, bring a beach mat for added comfort, and ensure you have lots of water to keep hydrated.
My top pick for the summer is the "Unruly River" in the community of Sunning Hill, St. Thomas. Unruly River as the locals call it, is a popular spot, but the river actually flows right through the community so if you're feeling adventurous, take a small hike upstream to a more remote section of the river when you can enjoy the mini waterfalls and lots of space. The river is not too cold, and you can see right through to the bottom because it's crystal clear! You'll have the time of your life!
The most asked question I've gotten since COVID became a thing is 'how are you managing without travel'. I find it hilarious because of people's interpretation that I must be suffering since I haven't jumped on a plane in months. The truth is that travel is just one aspect of my life and since it hasn't been available I've just occupied myself with all the other aspects!
All that being said, if anyone with an itch were to ask me for a solution I'd tell them to travel locally at the moment. It always surprises me how little of Jamaica that Jamaicans have explored. Just this past weekend I did a hike from Gordon Town to Red Light District which I had never thought to do in my life! Since it's already in Kingston it's extremely close. Because it's hiking early in the morning there wouldn't be any kind of crowd. i.e. safer on both realms. I'd highly recommend focusing on what you can control and ignoring what you can’t. Use the time to get to know your surroundings better!
Matthew Chin
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Blogger | Youtuber | Entrepreneur
jamaicantotheworld.com/
I hope this post has helped to reignite some of your wanderlust and has given you some good tips on how to travel safely during these covid times.