Jamaica—No Problem, Mon!

An October 2005 trip to Montego Bay by scomar

Royal DecameronMore Photos

This ultimate tropical paradise has it all: mountains, ocean, beaches, and tropical jungle. Throw in an all-inclusive resort and you're in heaven.

  • 2 reviews
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Swim with the dolphins
To start with, the place we stayed at was great. It is an all-inclusive resort called the Royal Decameron in Montego Bay. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the view from our room was breath taking. We took a 2 hour bus ride to Ocho Rios and swam with the dolphins. This was an incredible experience everyone should try at least once. We also went to Dunn’s River Falls. This is where a river flows into the ocean and you can walk up the river with a guide. The trip from Montego Bay, to Ocho Rios was a great experience in its self. You could really see the real Jamaica in this manner of travel. We even got to do some snorkeling which was a blast. The local people of Jamaica are a friendly bunch; there really is “No problem!” with these people. With mountains colliding with the ocean, and beaches merging with the ocean, just about everywhere you look was enough to make you melt into a wonderful bliss.

Quick Tips:

Jamaica is a very poor country and so the locals do what they can to survive, which means selling to the tourists on the streets. They can tend to get to you if you let them. I found a simple but stern, “No thanks!” did the trick. If you’re a coffee lover, this is the place to buy coffee. Blue Mountain coffee, which is considered some of the best in the world, can be bought here for to a pound. In the United States it goes for to . Spending money in Jamaica is simple, I never once had to exchange my U.S. currency for Jamaican. Everywhere we went took U.S. dollars. Finally, if you do go to the beaches to swim, it is wise to wear water shoes as the coral out there can be very sharp.

Best Way To Get Around:

If you do use taxis while there, make sure they have red license plates. Those are the government approved taxis. Otherwise people driving by will stop and ask if you need a ride, and charge you big time. The bus ride we took to Ocho Rios was a bit thrilling. The road they call a major highway is about as big as a country road in the States. We found walking with a good drink in your hand was a great way to get around.
Royal Decameron
This is an all-inclusive resort. All food and beverages are included in the price. There is live entertainment every night. There is a disco right on-site and a swimming pool with a swim-up bar. There is snorkeling right at the hotel's beach. All rooms have an ocean view. It's kid-friendly.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by scomar on February 13, 2006

Royal Decameron
Montego Bay, Jamaica
+876 95 24 342

About the Writer

scomar
scomar
Independence, Missouri
  • "Love to travel anywhere, even if it's just across the state. Going to new places is my favorite tra..."
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