I’ll be going to Jamaica for five days to celebrate my 34th birthday. I’ll admit that I’m a little trepidatious about the trip because it’s so far from my normal travel style, but I’m going to say that makes it even more of an adventure…because it’s not an adventure. I booked an all-inclusive, resort-style vacation through one of those giant, cheap travel agencies. For $935 I was able to get a round-trip flight, hotel, all my food and drinks, and rides to and from the airport.
It’s a really good deal for the Caribbean during near-peak season, and I’m definitely not complaining. But this will be the first trip I’ve ever taken where the entire itinerary consists of traveling from the buffet to the beach, back and forth, all day, every day. I kind of feel like I’m cheating. Where’s the culture? Where’s the fish-out-of-water sensation that comes from struggling with a foreign language? Will I even walk a full mile during the five days combined??
Sadly everything I’ve read tells me I’m supposed to stay at the resort the whole time because Jamaica is dangerous, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to follow that advice. I want to get out and see the island at least for a day. I’m hoping I can get my travel buddies (Boyfriend Andrew and Friends Matt and Christina) to agree to a day off the resort for some swimming with dolphins (a popular tourist attraction in Jamaica and a dream of mine since childhood), sightseeing, and a beer at the Pelican Bar.
Has anyone out there been to Jamaica before? Do you have any advice? I’d love to hear some ideas on how to make this indulgent, lazy trip a tiny bit active and adventurous. But just a tiny bit: I am celebrating my rapidly approaching middle age, after all. ;-)
