Affordable Family Vacation Ideas
A family vacation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica doesn’t have to break the bank. With some smart pre-planning, you can have an amazing trip that the whole family will remember for years to come.
Get more perks, such as privacy, space, amenities, and home comforts by renting a vacation villa, but spending less on your trip.
Travel Together
A vacation villa can provide enough space for two family groups to travel and stay together, without sacrificing on personal space and luxury. However, you can make huge savings on the cost of your trip because you’ll be able to split the costs of accommodation and eating in.
Another way to take an affordable family vacation in Jamaica is to travel during the off-peak season, in this case it means summertime. The prices of activities and vacation rentals will cost less during this time, but you will still have a fantastic time. Flights to Jamaica will also be cheaper in the off season.
Pack a Lunch
Having kitchen facilities means that you can save a small fortune on eating out three times a day. However, you will often be out for the day exploring the Ocho Rios area, meaning if you’re not prepared you will end up paying for a family lunch at a tourist geared restaurant and probably some snacks too. To avoid this big expense bring a packed cooler of drinks, sandwiches, and snacks for the day. You don’t need to worry about packing this yourself, staff at the villa will pack the lunch for you to your specific requests. You can also purchase snacks at the supermarket in advance to take with you when you go out or eat at the villa. When you get hungry find a nice place to have a picnic; villa staff will be able to recommend the best spots, such as Coyaba River Garden and Museum and Turtle River Park.
Book in Advance
When planning family activities try to book them online in advance. Often times the prices are cheaper this way. Also, look out for family tickets, as they usually give good savings for family groups. If you can’t book in advance, ask the activity operator when you arrive if they have a family ticket.
Essential Shopping
By thinking out the essential items you’ll need before you travel, you can make your family vacation more affordable. Purchase your supplies of sunscreen, toiletries, bug spray, and any other essential products at home. While you’ll be able to find them in Ocho Rios, you will almost always end up paying more for these items if you’re in a tourist destination. When you do arrive and make a grocery shopping list go for local produce, try something new instead of paying through the nose for your favorite foods that cost a premium because they’ve been imported.
Take Down Time
Your vacation doesn’t have to have every minute packed with an activity here and there. Instead, spend some down time actually just relaxing. The kids will have great fun playing in the pool all day, so it’s unlikely they’ll be bored. You can lounge by the pool with a good book and work on your tan. Everyone will be happy and you don’t need to spend anything for outside activities.
Another day head to one of Ocho Rios’ beautiful beaches for some fun. You will have to pay an entry fee at most of them, but it is small compared to the fun the family can have and compared to some other activities.
Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding your Ocho Rios/Jamaica travel questions and/or any special requirements. We are just as excited as you are when it comes to Ochi, so send us your questions, inquiries or feedback whenever you’d like.