Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

Caribbean

Living in Jamaica — 5 tips for earning, learning and staying safe

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Jamaica’s crystal-clear Caribbean waters beaches and chilled-out culture make it a tourist magnet.

But living in this island paradise is a more complex proposition which can be really rewarding — provided you plan properly.

If the thought of spending a year or two as a Jamdown resident floats your boat, here are five insider tips for earning, learning and staying safe.

1. Work

If you come from a nation with a social security safety net and plenty of job opportunities, life in Jamaica is far more focused on survival — so it’s absolutely vital that you secure steady work before you set off.

One top tip for immigrants is grabbing a position with your local embassy or consulate — for example, working at The British High Commission in Kingston can be interesting and reasonably well-paid. But be warned – if you’re recruited locally instead of being posted from your home nation, your terms and conditions won’t be as generous.

2. Accommodation

Crime in Jamaica isn’t nearly as rife as sensational press headlines would have you believe, but it’s still a significant factor.

Capital Kingston offers far more job opportunities than other metropolitan areas and jobs are few and far between in rural areas outwith international hotels. So discuss the safest areas to stay with local consular staff before making the move and avoid any hotspots highlighted by official government foreign travel advice.

3. Network

The best approach for long term travellers to Jamaica is to maintain an open heart and open eyes — take the opportunity to make new friends but don’t be naïve and place yourself in vulnerable situations.

One of the best ways to avoid pitfalls is by seeking advice from expats on a site like InterNations where you’ll grab tips on everything from the cost of living to the best nightlife and entrepreneurial opportunities. These groups also organise regular events where you can meet likeminded incomers in person.

4. Party

If you spend an extended time in Jamaica and don’t attend any parties or festivals, you’re really missing out on some of the most vibesy and unique experiences on the planet.

And provided you attend events in company and make travel and accommodation arrangements beforehand, it’s a perfectly safe place to let your hair down.

If you love roots reggae, Rebel Salute is one of the best live music events to soak in the superb atmosphere — there’s no alcohol allowed at this Rastafarian-inspired event, but vegan food and herbal supplements ensure you’ll have a terrific time nonetheless.

5. Study

 

If you want to keep an iron in the educational fire and upskill for a new job once you return home, Jamaica’s excellent broadband speed and service mean studying online is child’s play.

Earning an online degree from a uni like Anglia Ruskin Distance Learning ensures you’ll have plenty of time to work, socialise and return home with a vocational qualification under your belt.

And you might even connect with classmates from other exotic locations who inspire your next travel adventure!

That’s our list! Add your own tips for living in Jamaica in the comments section.

Guide to the 6 Best Beaches in the World

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There is such a large selection of beautiful beaches in the world that it becomes hard to make a decision on where to spend your vacation. There are all sorts of beaches including white, golden and black sandy beaches. The best beaches depend on what type of beach you want to go. Some people like beach with large crowds of people near the resorts while others like to relax on beach that has quiet atmosphere. The following is a compilation of the six best beaches in the world.

  1. Bathsheba Beach

Bathsheba Beach in Barbados is named after the wife of King David, Bathsheba who is said to bath herself in milk to keep her skin beautiful. The surf at Bathsheba Beach has white foam on top that resembles milk and this is how the beach got its name. The waters of the beach is filled with minerals and can improve your health when you swim in it. Here, you can observe rock formations and coral reef. The nearby fishing village has many budget friendly guest houses and restaurants.

  1. Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach is a 5.5 miles long beach situated in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. The beach is a public property so you don’t have to enter into a hotel to access it. Along the beach, there are many restaurants where you can take your lunch. If you want to go scuba diving or snorkeling, you can visit Cemetery Reef. In Stingray City, you can swim with stingrays. You can also watch sea turtles at the Cayman Turtle Farm.

  1. Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay is a popular beach situated on the south part of Bermuda. It is so named because of its curving shape. The bay is surrounded by blue waters and has pink sandy seashores. The pink sand on the shore is caused by the presence of calcium carbonate, also known as red forminifera. You can rent all the beach accessories like boogie board, beach chair, and towel at the beach rentals. In Horseshoe Bay, there is a cove called Port Royal Cove with shallow water where kids can splash around. There are many rock formations and caves you can explore at the bay.

  1. Harbour Island

Harbour Island’s pink sand beaches are some of the best Caribbean beaches. The boutique hotels offers reservation for the chaise lounges and umbrellas. It is comfortable to go for a swim throughout the year.Even in January, the sea water is warm. Many families and couples like to have picnic or bask under the sun on the pink sand beaches. You can easily rent a private boat to go fishing at the beach. You can travel to the beach via the airport in Miami or hire an air charter service. You can rent bicycles, boats and kayaks from the local rental shops nearby to the beach.

  1. Trunk Bay

Trunk Bay is a beach located on the northwestern corner of Virgin Island in the Caribbean. It is a popular beach for taking photograph. The beach originally belonged to Laurence S. Rockefeller but he donated it to the Virgin Island National Park. Entrance to the Trunk Bay beach is not free and you have to pay an entrance fee. Snorkelers can follow the 225 yard long underwater trail to observe various marine creatures. They provide educational information about the coral formation and marine lives. You can climb up the trails and explore the ruins of the sugar cane plantations. Nearby, you will find facilities such as telephone, restroom and souvenir.

  1. Treasure Beach

Treasure Beach is a stretch of 6 miles long beach located by the sleepy fishing villages in Jamaica. There are a few beaches and only four of them can be accessible by the public. There are also several coves around Treasure Beach. Nearby, you will find the fishing village. There are plenty of activities that you can do including swimming, snorkeling. You can take part in the sightseeing day trips to learn about the local cultures.

Spring Break 2018 for Mom and Dad – Why You Should Visit the Caribbean

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It is becoming increasingly common for college kids to stay at home with mom and dad simply because of the skyrocketing cost of going to university. In fact, without scholarships or other types of financial aid, some students take their first two years at a community college which is always the cheapest option. But when it comes to spring break, that’s an expense which kids don’t mind working for! This year, when they go to South Beach or Fort Lauderdale, why don’t mom and dad take that Caribbean vacation they’ve been dreaming of for years? Who says mom and dad can’t go on spring break as well!

Family Flight Arrangements Could Save Money

Sometimes you can find travel packages that save you money if more than one person goes in a group. Since the kids will be flying to Miami-Dade International Airport or into Fort Lauderdale, why not see if you can get in on a group package deal? Getting together with a group of your kids’ friends could offer just enough savings to have a little left over for that fun in the sun you’ve been dreaming of all winter long. Fly into Miami, take a cruise over to the islands, and then mom and dad, your time is your own (maybe for the first time ever)!

Where to Stay in the Caribbean

When it comes to looking for someplace to stay where you won’t be surrounded with partying college students, you might want to browse through Caribbean travel websites. After all, you are going for a respite from boisterous young people and want some quality alone time with your spouse of many years. How long has it been, anyway, since you’ve had a vacation alone together?

Some of the beaches don’t cater to the younger set, and that’s exactly what you are looking for. You want sunny beaches, ice cold tropical drinks, perhaps a bit of moonlight music on the boardwalks, but you definitely don’t want to be surrounded with throngs of college students. Call ahead to ensure you are booking the right hotel with all the amenities you are looking for and none of the noise.

Why Travel at This Time?

You may be wondering why you just don’t stay at home to enjoy the peace and quiet while the kids are away. You can always travel at some other time, right? Wrong! That would mean you would be leaving the kids at home while you’re away and that is not a good idea at all! Yes, they are old enough to take care of themselves, but can you really trust them not to bring in kegs and have a wild time while you are on vacation? Remember the old adage, “While the cat’s away the mice will play.” And, there’s nothing like being home alone to bring the mice out of the woodwork, is there?

So then, this year, why can’t mom and dad go on spring break as well? Book a travel flight package deal, part ways in Miami, meet up again for the flight home, and everyone’s happy. You deserve a break too, so enjoy while you can. Spring break only lasts so long and it’s back at it again for another fun few months until semester finals. At least you have this week together, so enjoy while you can.