Selecting a Place to Stay
By Bill Evans

WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMODATION IS RIGHT?
First ask yourself, “Do my children need to have structure like separate activities planned for them or can they have a good time in a loosely structured environment?” If the answer to that question is they need structure, then an All Inclusive vacation is probably the answer. Children who can entertain themselves or are happy doing mostly “family things” will feel quit happy staying at inns, smaller hotels, guesthouse or villa. An All Inclusive will usually offer a Meal Plan that could make feeding a finicky eater a little easier. Getting a guesthouse or villa with a kitchen so you could prepare their favorites or with a hired cook could also solve that problem. A list of “children friendly” accommodations can be found at the end of this page.

WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY?
Most children and adults want to have great beaches. The top 5 beach areas in Jamaica in descending order are: Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio and Treasure Beach. Cost wise and in population by tourists they are generally in that same descending order. Montego Bay is where the Sangster Airport, main tourist entry point, is located which can reduce transportation costs if not included in your package. Some of the older, cheaper All Inclusives are located along the road between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios in the Trelawney, Falmouth and Runaway Bay area however their beach areas are somewhat limited. A lot of the inns, smaller hotels, guesthouses and villas are located in all these areas with some less expensive options across the road from the beaches.

WHAT ABOUT GETTING A GOOD BABYSITTER OR NANNY?
Most All Inclusives and some of the other accommodations have nannies and babysitters on premise or locally available so you should inquire before booking. Generally, Jamaicans are very good with children and can be retained at reasonable prices. Many of our Boardites on the Bulletin Boards can recommend favorites if you post a thread requesting assistance. Always interview all babysitters or nannies before employing them to watch your children.

Related links
• Get advice or read more Trip Reports in our Travel forums "Come to Jamaica and Feel Alright"
• Need help in planning your adventure travel while in Jamaica. Feel free to email me at the following addresses : accompong98@yahoo.com
• See the other Articles written by Bill