Jamaica might be an unusual location to spend a gap year, radical sabbatical or even to use as a semi-permanent base – certainly for travellers from Europe, locations like Australia, New Zealand, or Canada are more typical choices.
However, with a little prior research, it’s perfectly possible to base yourself safely in Jamaica and embrace all the cultural and scenic riches on offer I this stunning Caribbean nation.
With that in mind, here are some insider tips for digital nomads in Sweet Jamdown!
Keep your heart and your eyes open
Unless you’re very wealthy and not too fussy about seeing anything other than a bland, sanitised version of Jamaica, there’s no way you’ll want to spend the duration of your time there behind the walls of an all-inclusive resort.
That said, although Jamdown is much safer than some sensationalist publications would have you believe, you’ll have to plan carefully where you stay – check with your local High Commission or embassy for advice on hotspots to avoid and secure areas where you’ll find Airbnbs and reasonably-priced hotels.
Have a remote income stream set up
Unless you’re a specialist worker and you’ve pre-arranged a job before landing in Jamaica, you might struggle to find paid work there – this is a cash economy where there is a small percentage of salaried workers, with many inhabitants working informally in the ‘grey’ economy.
Therefore make sure you have a remote income stream set up through travel vlogging, copywriting, digital marketing, or some other venture that can be conducted via laptop. Broadband coverage and speed in Jamaica are excellent though, so whether you’re relying on the internet to earn cash from a firm like Express Writers, study an online degree with ARU Distance Learning, or simply keep connected with friends and family, it’s all good.
See the mountains as well as the beaches
Jamaica is famous for beautiful beaches and you can chill out with a cold Red Stripe beer and top up your tan in famous tourist resorts like Negril (home of the world’s most preternaturally beautiful sunsets), Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios.
However, don’t forget that the verdant, mountainous interior of Jamaica is the most magical part of the island for many locals and visitors alike. Blue Mountain Peak is 2256m above sea level and on a clear day, you can see the coast of Cuba from the top, as well as breathtaking vistas of the brightly coloured mountain villages that pepper the lush greenery and cascade down to the coast. If you’re reasonably fit, a Blue Mountain hike from Lime Tree Farm is a must!
Now you know the runnings in Jamaica, you can feel confident about spending a few months here, immersing yourself in the world-class vibes and culture, and getting to know the amazing people – One Love and Guidance.
Do you have Jamaica travel tips? Share them in the comments section!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVELING-BECAUSE I CARE