need advice for family vacation to Jamaica
 

We are first-timers taking our 2 children, ages 11 and 12, to Jamaica for a week in March. We need advice on where to stay and how to get around. We've traveled with the children quite a bit (St. John, Mexico, etc.) and have always had good luck renting a villa or condo and driving ourselves to the beaches and various sites. However, not sure if we can/ should use the same "MO" in Jamaica. We are definitely NOT organized-tour/ AI-types... we prefer a bit more independence... but we don't want to expose the kids to any really unsafe conditions, either. Any comments, insights, advice, helpful suggestions?

While I'd advocate Jamaica for a family vacation, March may not be the right time. You're talking smack in the middle of Spring Break.

You're right - but we're stuck with those dates. Knowing that, is there someplace we should definitely NOT stay, in hopes of avoiding the naked college partiers?

You could stay on the cliffs, not much Spring Breakers up there. Spring break could be hit or miss. This year was apparently very slow, but I went 7 years ago and can not imagine bringing your kids there. If it is a busy year for spring break, the beach will be busy all day and night

We were there this year for the first four days of Spring Break and it was non-existant. I think this was obviously due to the passport rules. How ever if concerned the cliffs would be great or a property further north up the beach. Even if it is busy with breakers I don't think they get much past Margaritaville.

It seems that Rasta and myself naturally assumed you would be going to Negril. The south coast is beautiful and not much further from Mobay than Negril. Quieter but worth it. Mobay and Ocho Rios would not get my reccomendation due to the mass tourism feel to the medium end properties and the exposure to the hustlers if you go budget. Port Antonio is gorgeous but that drive, Ah yi yi! We've been five times now, always including Negril and only Negril three of those times so you know what area gets our vote.

While researching our Jamaica trip I came across this resort. It seems designed for families with young kids, and each room comes with a nanny:

http://www.fdrholidays.com/pebbles/index.php

Howdy,

My husband is originally from Jamaica (I'm from the US) and we've been bringing our two daughters "bakka yahd" since they were infants. They are now aged 10 and 12 and we've always had a fantastic time. We always stay on the beach in Negril at Whistling Bird, a collection of cottages nestled in a beautifully landscaped, jungle-like property. It's one of the few places on the beach that is incredibly lush with original trees and plants -- no concrete!

Also, the WB typically does NOT rent out rooms to spring breakers and advertises with the phrase "families are our specialty". You can find them at negriljamaica.com, and click on Members.

We'll be staying there this August again for FIVE weeks! The property is nice and shady, lots of palms, almond, seagrape, and fruit trees. Nice section of beach, beach-front bar for drinks and snacks. Great staff really looks out for the kids, too.

Email me if you have any questions.

"renting a villa or condo and driving ourselves to the beaches and various sites. "

Renting a villa in Jamaica has been a fantastic experience for our family...they are staffed with cook, cleaning person etc and truly are into pampering you. Lots of options all over the island (including places other than Negril and Montego Bay, where spring break occurs):

jamaicavillas.com
jamaicaescapes.com
villasinjamaica.com
sunvillas.com

As far as driving...some villas are directly on the beach (or good snorkeling or have a golf cart to get you to the beach, etc) so no need in that case, but all villas either come with a driver for the week or it can arranged for a fee (call as needed or on call all week).

Renting a car is something most newcomers to Jamaica prefer not to do...it's not easy and may take away from your irie, relaxed-ness if you aren't used to it. Most Jamaican licensed taxi/van drivers are excellent tour guides as well, a good source of inside information.

In some areas (like Treasure Beach which is quite rural and small town in feel), renting bicycles or kayaks or similar are good options for exploring.

We took the kids to beaches neigril(sp?) when they were 10 and 14 and they loved it. Beaches (at that resort atleast) really did give us a vication that the entire family loved. Check out their kids activities because they are impressive.

Try www.mtsilversands.com It is a gated community of individual villas, well priced and beautiful beach. We have been searching and this looks like the place for us-very laid back but beautiful villas many wityh private pools, maids and cooks and free airport transfer...

check it out silver sands-jamaica

sorry the link should read www.mysilversands.com

I'll agree with the others that the south coast of Jamaica, Treasure Beach specifically, is where you'll want to be for renting a villa with your family, getting off the beaten path, and escaping most spring breakers. I've had great experience with the folks at www.jamaicaescapes.com and would recommend them heartily. They recommended Mar Blue Verandah to my husband and me a couple of years ago and their handling of all of the travel details and knowledge of the area was superb.

For more info about the wonderful Treasure Beach community, go to www.treasurebeach.net.

Thank you all!!!!! We have booked a villa at Silver Sands, and will use transportation arranged by them. A day trip or two to Negril will be a must. Thank you for all of the suggestions.

We've rented villas twice in Jamaica and I can not say enough great things about this type of vacation. Here's my review of our vacation at Fairwinds at Tryall Club to give you an idea of what you have to look forward to!

http://www.familytravelfun.com/fairw...yall-club.html