by Hallie Engel
Thanks to its sunny climate and abundance of beachside resorts, Jamaica attracts visitors year-round. Local culture combines Caribbean and British influence for a unique fusion that's given birth to everything from reggae to jerk chicken, though the U.S. State Department advises travelers exploring Jamaica beyond the safety of resorts exercise caution, as the country's cities experience high crime. Don't forget to pack everything needed for a relaxing trip, including your passport.
Modest Apparel
Though resorts in Jamaica typically adhere to an anything-goes dress code, wear modest clothing if you plan on exploring towns and villages, as local culture leans conservative. Women will find long skirts and cleavage-concealing tops are best for feeling comfortable and avoiding unwanted attention. For men, longer shorts or slacks will do the trick.
Weather-Friendly Clothes
Jamaica is warm throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from the low 70s in winter to the mid-80s in summer. To stay comfortable, pack light clothes made from airy, natural fabrics, like cotton and linen, and avoid dark colors, which soak up heat. If you'll be visiting in the winter, bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings, as things cool down after sunset. Covering items, like long skirts and trousers, have the added bonus of shielding your skin from the sun.
Swimwear
For swimming in the ocean or at your resort's pool, bring at least one bathing suit. If you pack two, you'll always have a clean, dry one to change into. Both one-piece suits and bikinis are acceptable at resort and a coverup is handy for lounging and going back and forth between your room and the water, as is a pair of flip flops. To shield your face while sunbathing, consider a wide-brimmed hat.
Evening Wear
Some Jamaican resorts ask guest to abandon their casual look in the evening for something more formal, so women should pack a classy dress or skirt and top combination, while men should don slacks and a button-up shirt. For local clubs and hotspots, Fodor's recommends trendy clothes, like a chic dress paired with sparkly sandals and a pair of hip loafers with dark pants and an edgy top for the gents.
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About the Author
Hallie Engel is a food and lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in several international publications. She served as a restaurant critic for "Time Out Abu Dhabi" and "Time Out Amsterdam" and has also written about food culture in the United Arab Emirates for "M Magazine." She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and film studies from University of Amsterdam.
