1. Jamaica is a beautiful island – please don’t sully the place.
The island has a “Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica” campaign, and you can do your part by not tossing garbage such as cigarette butts, water bottles, straws and plastic cups on the beach or in the water. We see these ALL the time on beaches and washing up on the shoreline and it’s infuriating – it doesn’t take much effort to find a garbage can or keep your garbage with you until you are near one.
2. Treat those in the tourism and service industry with respect
We’ve seen too many people come to Jamaica and try to live out their plantation fantasies, or even just lose sight of basic manners when dealing with those providing them customer service. If you wouldn’t talk to someone back home doing that same job in a rude or demeaning manner, please don’t come to Jamaica and do so – and even if you would, please don’t come to Jamaica and do so!
3. Wear (oxybenzone-free) sunscreen!
And yes, this goes for you too, Black people – we can sunburn too. Trust us.
4. Keep your wits about you
Wide-eyed tourists can be obvious targets, so please keep your wits about you as you move about the island. As you would in any new place, be cautious about where you’re going, how much trust you put in strangers, and how much you drink/smoke/consume.
5. Stay safe on the roads
Traffic accidents and road safety are major public health issues in Jamaica. If you’re new to Jamaica, not comfortable driving on the left, not adept at dodging pot holes, and/or have high blood pressure, we wouldn’t recommend driving there. We like to use JUTA – their drivers are reliable, know the island from end to end and are skilled and safe at maneuvering Jamaica’s roads and highways. If you have a bigger budget, there are also luxury services like Doctor Bird that can get you around the island in a variety of ways. That said, we have also used Knutsford Express several times, which is very reliable, accessible, comfortable and remarkably cheap.
6. Bring your patience
Things in Jamaica move at a different pace, this is just a fact. If you’re a Type A personality, and like things to be done “now now now”…well, let’s say a trip to Jamaica is a chance to challenge that mindset. Customer service moves slower, start times are often just very rough suggestions, and food is served slower (often because it’s actually being made fresh though!) Recognize that you’re not at home, don’t expect your cultural norms to be applied, and maybe bring a book!
Jamaica travels 
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