Alicia Jones

The Perfect Packing List For Jamaica

January 10, 2020 by Alicia Jones 18 Comments

Do you have a trip booked for Jamaica or are planning a trip for Jamaica and not sure what to pack? Well let me help you out!

I have been to Jamaica 8 times in the last eight years and I absolutely love it there. It’s my happy place! I love the food, the culture, and of course the people. Anyway, keep reading for The Perfect Packing List For Jamaica.

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Updated October 19, 2023

Essentials – Let’s start with some of the things that you really need.

Passport
Travel Documents– I always put one in my suitcase and an extra copy in my carry on just in case.
U. S. Dollars – I usually bring fives and ones for tipping and if I can extra cash for spending.
Debit and or credit cards. (Be sure to contact your bank to let them know you will be traveling.)
Snacks for the plane. We all know the snacks they offer you to purchase on the plane are overpriced and not that good. I always take something salty and something sweet.

Toiletries

Hair products – Shampoo and conditioner
Medications – I always pack anything I am subscribed and I take extra, like for headaches or upset stomach just in case. I would rather have it and not need it than to not bring it and need it. Of course you can purchase things at the gift shop.
Deodorant
Feminine products
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Body Wash

Tech

Cell Phone
Camera
Power adapters
Headphones
This time around I bought a phone tripod that comes with a remote. This is perfect if you are traveling solo or just want to take pics on your own without having to ask someone to. I will include some pics that I took with it.

Shoes – I always take a few pairs of shoes and sandals. I take flip flops which I lounge around in during the day. Tennis shoes for working out and nice sandals for dinner. I also took these amazingly affordable water shoes I found on amazon.

Let’s not forget about the clothes. So the way I pack is if I’m going to be in Jamaica for 7 days and 7 nights I take 14 outfits. Seven for during the day and seven at night. I also put one outfit in my carry on in case my luggage gets lost. For my daytime outfits I pack cover ups and sundresses, because I want to be as comfortable as possible, as I’m usually lounging around at the pool or beach. I also bring a workout outfit for the gym and shorts and a t- shirt for an excursion. I do pack an extra outfit or two just in case. I like to be safe. You never know what can happen.

It’s also easier for me to roll my clothes and add them to the suitcase instead of folding them. It makes more room.

Let me know if you found this helpful. How do pack for your trips?

Do you have any special trips coming up soon?

Here’s Why You Need To Book Club Mobay

December 31, 2019 by Alicia Jones Leave a Comment

As soon as I step off the plane I feel like a celebrity. I’m greeted with a sign and fast track through immigration like a VIP.

Every time I fly in to Montego Bay, I use Club Mobay. If this is your first time reading about it, let me explain to you what it is. Let’s start with the arrival first. Also for a full video review click here.

The Arrival Meet and Greet, after you leave the plane, you are greeted by someone holding a sign with your name who takes you past the long immigration line, to a much smaller line, to start you vacation. They even check to make sure your forms are filled out correctly. Once you are cleared to go through they wait with you and help you find your luggage. After that, they take you to a private lounge and check on your transportation while you relax and sip whatever drink you like. Please note they do not book transportation for you. It’s really nice because if you’ve been traveling all day you can sit back and take a quick load off. Depending on what time you fly in the line can be really long. I highly recommend it.

A rum punch while I waited for my transportation to the hotel.

Now for the departure. The departure is like trying to save the last moments of your vacation. If your’e anything like me you are dreading the long flight and are ready to just be back home, this service eases you back to reality. You can enjoy any drink of your choice and you can also choose from a variety of finger foods too. I really love this because I can kick back and relax and not think about travel. Traveling with kids? They have an area where they can play and have a good time. It’s relaxing and I feel so special. You won’t regret it.

Here’s is some more info:

Club Mobay Arrival Lounge: 8am – 8pm
Club Mobay Departure Lounge: 6am – 10pm

• Arrival Service:
$50 per adult, $25 per child (2-12 years old)

• Departure Service:
$30 per adult, $15 per child (2-12 years old)

• Bundle Service:
$80 per adult, $40 per child (2-12 years old)

Top 3 Things To Do In Sacramento California

December 20, 2019 by Alicia Jones Leave a Comment

Sacramento, with its diverse culture, rich history, and amazing food, you will have no trouble finding things to do. Whether you are planning a visit or already live there, continue reading to see what activities I think many would enjoy.

Food Tours – You can find so many different places to eat. If you love food like me, you will enjoy a food tour that Local Roots Food Tours does. They stop at 6-8 different restaurants so you can meet the owners and taste their signature dishes.

Murals – Sacramento also has some of the best street art. You can take a stroll through neighborhoods and see some of the best art for FREE! You can check out google maps for some of the locations.

California State Railroad Museum – One of the best in California, The California State Railroad Museum takes you into the past. It features 21 trains and cars with a few of the dating back to 1862. You can actually hope aboard a train and enjoy a 45 minute ride along the Sacramento river.

If you’ve been to Sacramento what are some of the things you did?

My Top 5 Favorite Restaurants In St. Louis!

December 4, 2019 by Alicia Jones Leave a Comment

I love food! I love it even better when it is prepared right and super delicious. It’s just something about good food, great drinks, and amazing service that keeps me going back for more! Keep reading to see what places are really great to eat at.

First let’s start with my all time favorite which is the De Palm Tree. This Jamaican restaurant located in U City, this place has the feel of Jamaica. My favorite dish to eat here of course is the ackee and saltfish. I have tried the jerk chicken, oxtail, and escovitch. I usually pick up my food to go but when I do go in to sit down and eat, I like to wash it down with a rum punch or a ting. Although the place is a bit small, the service is good.

Second on the list is Bar Italia. This Italian restaurant has the most delicious food! My first experience was earlier this year and I was so impressed! The spinach salad as an appetizer is a must. My main course I got this pasta with shrimp and scallops and it was so flavorful! I mean wow. For dessert the manager My fiance ordered Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops, and I don’t know what they put in the sauce, but I could’ve put it in a cup and drank it. It was so so good! Robel, I think he was the manager, came and asked us how did we like everything and offered us and after dinner drink. He brought us an espresso that was really yummy. This place is located in the Central West end.

Number 3 on the list is Charlie Gitto’s. This is another Italian Restaurant on my list and this one has 3 locations. One is Chesterfield, The Hill, and Hollywood Casino. I have only been to the Hollywood Casino location. I have been there on dates with the boo and even with the kids. I usually get the sea bass which comes with a risotto and is is amazing! I can’t forget the lobster bisque that I ordered for my appetizer I also get this seafood pasta that they have. The service is great too! When the food and service is good you definitely have a winner.

Next let’s talk about The Mad Crab with two locations this up and coming place is a great place to eat especially on the weekend because that’s when they have the most specials. I recommend getting the snow crab (if your’e a rookie like me) because they are the easier to open. Get that with the whole shabang which come with three sauces, garlic, lemon pepper, and rajun cajun. You can also change the amount of heat you would like and they go from no spice to triple hot. I also got a shrimp po boy my first time there, but I feel like it defeats the purpose of going to a crab place to only get a sandwich.

Last but not least Simply Thai located in Florissant. An associate of mine introduced me to to this lovely little spot 2 years ago. I have to be honest, I had to take a break from this place because . I was eating here once or twice a week. When you are trying to stick to a budget you know eating out a lot can get pretty pricey. My favorite dish to get is the Seafood Fried rice. It’s very spicy but it comes with mussels, shrimp, with Thai Spices, , Squid, Green Beans, Bamboo Shoots, Red & Green Peppers, and Basil Leaves. I’m so sorry . I don’t have pics at the moment.

If you are ever in the St. Louis area I highly recommend these five places. You won’t be disappointed! They are amazing!

10 Tips For Staying At An All Inclusive Resort

November 27, 2019 by Alicia Jones 10 Comments

All inclusive is my all time favorite type of resort to stay in. Who doesn’t enjoy it when food, drinks, and snacks are included? Many people have questions as to what you should do or how to prepare for a stay at an all inclusive resort. I put together a few tips that helped me tremendously.

Check with your bank and let them know your travel dates and plans. When I first went to Jamaica I did not know of this and my card got blocked because they thought it was fraud.

2. Arrange transportation to and from your resort. Depending on who you book with transportation might be included. If not do research on transportation ahead of your travel. I usually book with Apple Vacations so my transportation is complimentary.

3. Book excursions in advance if you can. What I usually do is book the first day I arrive at the resort or the next day. Slots can fill up quickly and you don’t want to miss out on the fun activities there are to do.

4. Travel during off season. Traveling during off season can literally save you so much money. Trust me. Look at the cost of a trip for March vs September and you will see a drastic price change. Off season is usually from June- November.

5. Research excursions before you leave for travel. It’s usually easier for us if we choose what we want to do before we get there. Check reviews, watch Youtube video, so you can know what to expect.

6. Bring Tips. Check with your resort on there tipping policy. Some resorts, such as Sandals in Montego Bay tipping is restricted. Other resorts such as Secrets in Montego Bay, tipping is greatly appreciated. Resorts where tipping is allowed bring small bills.

7. Check the resorts dress codes. Some of the restaurants may require a dress code, such as no open toed shoes or no shorts allowed. Checking this before you pack can help you a lot.

8. Book your restaurant reservations in advance. Once you are settled in I would check what restaurants require reservations. Secrets has an asian style restaurant where they cook in from of you and sing. It’s called Himitsu. If you would like to eat there you would need to make a reservation. We wanted to eat there our second to last day and we couldn’t because they were all booked up.

9. Lock up valuables. Resorts usually have safes in the rooms. Although I have never had an issues with this, it’s important to keep all valuables locked in the safe. Better SAFE than sorry.

10. Enjoy, relax, and have a good time!