Mom's Guide To Travel

Trip Planning, Expert Tips, and Fun Ideas For Family Travel.

Traveling from D.C. to Jamaica

[Re-posted from my column on the Examiner.com D.C. for Family Travel & Entertainment]

As the weather begins to drop, many D.C. families begin considering warm-weather getaways, non-demanding of long travel time and high costs. Traveling from D.C. to Jamaica is an inexpensive choice and a relatively short flight. Including a connection, Jamaica is a 5-hour flight from the area and a feasible choice for families looking for high value and ample activities. It’s a place where you can eat good and play hard.

Jamaica’s two main airports, Sangster International (Montego Bay) and Kingston Norman Manley are on almost opposite ends of the island. Each has its own unique identity and features. Montego Bay is the laid-back resort-heavy side of the island whereas Kingston is the New York City of the country. Wherever you stay, there’s one thing for certain, Jamaica is not short on accommodations. According to the Tourist Board’s latest published country guide, the island houses over 130 hotels, resorts, villas, tree houses and inns.

travel to Jamaica
The spa

So, why Jamaica? Aside from the reggae music, jerk chicken and beef patties, the country has a lot to offer visitors. Granted, there are several other Caribbean islands that would make great getaways, many of which have been noted as being more pristine, safer, and luxurious. However, and according to Jamaica Tourist Board rep Wayne Sterling, aside from Jamaica having “more attractions than all the Caribbean islands put together”, the island’s key feature and the reason “why”, is her people. “The people are warm and friendly like no other place.”

With tourism being the economy’s cornerstone, Mr. Sterling noted that the Ministry of Tourism makes conscientious efforts to “enhance the tourism product.” The Ministry reviews their “Tourism Master Plan”, analyzing market trends, creating a planning phase and working with various tourism interests to help keep Jamaica marketable and highly attractive to visitors, especially families. The Jamaica Tourist Board’s website is a noteworthy front in those efforts, highlighting everything you need to know to plan a getaway. It’s well-organized, user-friendly and entertaining. One of the best features of the site is the search by Vacation Themes. Kudos to the webmaster for making it easy.

Here are 6 family-friendly activities to explore in Jamaica:

In addition, there are plantation tours, nature tours and a host of various other things to do throughout the island.  You wouldn’t necessarily know about the island’s attraction diversity unless you went there, and as the Tourist Board states, “Once you go, you know.”

Now all D.C. needs is a direct flight to the island to make everything “irie”.

 

Disclosure: The Jamaica Tourist Board hosted my press trip to Jamaica, which included air fare, hotel, and meals. I received no monetary compensation for this article or my trip and all opinions are my own.

Mom’s Guide To Travel (All About)

Hi there! If you love travel and enjoy doing it with your kids, daydream about doing it with your kids, want to figure out how to do it better with your kids, or just enjoy all things travel, you’re in the right place.

That's Me!

I’m Tawanna, Editor-in-Chief of Mom’s Guide To Travel, where our mission is to help reduce the stress and disorganization of traveling with kids. I’m a travel writer for three online publications as well as a travel blogger. I love traveling but never thought writing about it on an almost daily basis would be my life. I have a Masters in Public Policy and thought my life was destined for either Corporate America, D.C. politics, or Hollywood. We’ll see. There’s still so much more to do, so, who knows?

I’m from New York, born and raised but live in the Mid-Atlantic now with my dear husband and two boys. My youngest has autism so he keeps life rocking and rolling and adds an extra dimension to family travel. Overcoming and conquering obstacles gives me the ammunition to advise other parents traveling with their kids.

We’ve been to a lot of places, some of which you can find on momsguidetotravel dot com and some of which you’ll only find in our photo albums. I’ve shared our most recent adventures, including my solo romps, and look forward to sharing many more in order to motivate others to explore the world with their kids!

Ultimate Blog Party 2012

SeaWorld: Education, Entertainment, and Amusement

The first thing that my husband said to me when I told him we were going to SeaWorld was, “But we’ve already been to the one in San Diego already.” And my response was, “So?” I often tell my readers, when you travel as a family, most of the time, it’s not about mom and dad but about the kids. I had to remind my husband that this time was no different.

Before we left Maryland and before I purchased the tickets, I did a double-check. I asked my oldest  if he wanted to go and his response was a resounding, “Yes!” Thus, the decision was made.  My kids and I can’t get enough of SeaWorld. I mean, who can get enough of seeing exotic animals and learning about them? It’s so much more than Shamu or a few joy rides. For me, SeaWorld is a great mix of education, entertainment, and amusement for my children.

The Mantra Rollercoaster

As I learned this, I explained to my son that SeaWorld isn’t just a marine-based zoological park, it’s a part of a bigger organization that does animal rescue and preservation. My lesson was driven home when news coverage of SeaWorld’s greater mission flashed across our television screen: “SeaWorld – More Thank Just an Amusement Park.” Management also wanted to drive the point home that they were more three-dimensional. Upon exiting, we were asked to complete a short survey that asked questions pertaining to our thoughts on the educational value of exhibits and our perception of the park’s larger goal.

One of Several Aquariums

SeaWorld is a living classroom with fun perks. Encyclopedia pages come alive! The nerd in me definitely comes out at Sea World and between the shows and animal displays, I was in just as much awe as my boys. The roller coasters and other rides were just fillers to an already satisfying treat.

Location:  One SeaWorld Drive Orlando, FL 32821

I was provided 2 complimentary tickets for my visit by Sea World. All comments and opinions contained in this post are my own.

 

Grabbing a Bite in Kissimmee and Downtown Disney

Every week I contemplate entering my husband and eight year old into a buffalo-wing eating contest. The amount these two can put away is astonishing. Overall, we’re big fans of chicken and as a health-living mom, it’s my go-to protein for my diet. When we travel, I’m always on the look out for restaurants that honor the bird as its usually easier for me to find menu items that can accommodate my youngest’s gluten-free diet. It was good to know that we had a few options in the area.

The first place we went was Ker’s Wing House in Kissimmee. We were looking for something quick and easy after a long day at LEGOLAND. Located in the middle of Kissimmee on Vine Street, Ker’s is much like a sports bar, a real guy’s kind-of place, similar to a Hooter’s. That being said, I didn’t take my boys in to dine. Remember, we were looking for something quick and easy, To-Go. Though my husband loved the restaurant, I wouldn’t call it kid-friendly. But the wings were okay, especially in a last-minute quick bite-to-eat pinch.

The Wing House Setting

In Downtown Disney, I found better options for family dining. Again, we wanted something relatively quick and informal. My 4 year old’s tolerance and patience for restaurant-dining is very low, so we do our best to work around that. As soon as I saw the “World’s Greatest Chicken” and “Gluten-free cupcakes” signs, I rushed towards Pollo Campero, located in Downtown Disney, next to the T-Rex family restaurant. (T-Rex would be my first choice if there isn’t a long wait and we have plenty of distractions on hand for my youngest.) The market where Pollo Campero is located houses three other eateries as well as tables for dining. The variety was perfect for a family with different diets and tastes.

Vegetarian Falafel Burger

I found grilled chicken for my husband and youngest, fried chicken for my oldest, and a veggie falafel burger for myself. Pollo Campero also offers spanish side items to accompany their variety of chicken entrees. They feature black beans, rice, fries, plantains, empanadas and a few other menu items. The next counter over, at Fresh A-Peel, where I opted for a falafel burger, you have a choice of regular burgers as well as grilled chicken sausage, which I thought was very different for a quick eatery. You also have a choice of hand-tossed salads that they make upon request.

After you’ve had your fill of the main course, there’s an awesome gluten-free bakery a few feet away called Babycakes. They offer cupcakes, donuts, cinnamon rolls, and breads – all gluten free. Unfortunately, we were so stuffed, we didn’t purchase a cupcake. And besides that, I had already fixated my mind on a piece of Godiva chocolate at its store, right at the entrance of Downtown Disney. No matter what we eat, for mom, chocolate trumps everything!

Arabian Nights: Dinner and a Show in Orlando

An American princess meets a Genie in a lamp. She’s granted three wishes – her mission is to find the prince of her dreams, someone who also loves horses. The Genie graciously takes her on a journey around the world to help the princess. In the end, she finds that her prince is closer than she thinks.

This is an abbreviated summation of the plot of the American Princess, Arabian Nights’ current featured production. As we journey with the princess to find her prince, we are introduced to 11 breeds of horses performing a variety of disciplines and dances. We saw a black stallion, an American Shetland pony, a palomino American Saddlebred, and of course, Arabian horses. All the horses are as beautiful as they are talented.

Located in Orlando, around 20 minutes from Kissimmee, Arabian nights is a fun family dinner show that runs for 90 minutes. It’s jam-packed with action, stunts, tricks, dancing (by the horses) and music.We particularly enjoyed watching the black stallion and the American Cream as they showed off not only their individually unique beauty but also complex acts with their riders. One word: mesmerizing. The American Cream moves steadily as riders perform various acrobatics on her bare back. At different intervals, one rider jumps through a flaming hoop and one does a back flip as the horse gallops in a circle, carrying them. These were the most hair-raising elements of the show for me.

I was very happy to enjoy the VIP experience provided to my family by Arabian Nights. The upgrade gave us:

  • early access to the arena
  • priority seating
  • unlimited wine/beer for adults; beverages for kids
  • a sneak peek into the stables
  • activities for the kids in the performance pen
  • photo opp for the kids on the draft horse

I think the VIP experience is well worth it if you’re traveling with your kids. My boys loved running around the performance space with other kids and taking a picture on top of one of the large draft horses. I enjoyed checking out the horses’ stable and getting a chance to talk to a few of the performers before dinner and the show. My husband enjoyed the unlimited beer. When I asked my 8 year old what he thought of the show, typical to a rough and tough child, he requested less romance and more fighting next time. I couldn’t help but laugh. No wonder why I enjoyed it so much – mommy’s a sucker for good choreography and romance.

I was provided complimentary tickets for my family by Arabian Nights. All comments and opinions contained in this post are my own.

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