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I mean c’mon there is not one reason, look at th I mean c’mon there is not one reason, look at this view from the top of the Kloof Corner hike! The biggest way we’re able to afford traveling so much is by letting the deals dictate where we go. Cape Town has been on our bucket list forever but with flights typically costing $1,200-$1,800 it hasn’t been a priority. But when Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going, I don’t like the new name but that’s besides the point) dropped this Cape Town deal for less than half of what it normally costs we jumped on it!

So often I hear “but there are no deals during school breaks”, YES THERE ARE! We went to Cape Town for Thanksgiving and the girls get the entire week off of school so they missed no days. Plus since there seasons are opposite it was late spring and the weather was amazing. Scott’s emails deals directly to your inbox for the airports you choose (we select our home airport and airports we can easily fly direct to and always have cheap flights because sometimes it’s worth flying to a city for a deal (known as a repositioning flight). They offer a free version but you don’t get all the deals so we have the Premium subscription which costs $49 for a year and you can tap the link in my bio and use code TRAVELINGCHILD20 for 20% off. They have an Elite membership level for business class seats. Because someone always asks, yes they give deals for nonstop flights but please remember you can’t fly everywhere nonstop. Beloved if you’re going to Thailand from the US you’re going to have a layover.

Anyway when in Cape Town you must hike, there are so many amazing ones! This Kloof’s Corner hike is perfect for sunset. It’s not stroller or wheelchair accessible as there are stairs but if Jordyn and Kennedy can hike it in 40mins (one way up) I promise you don’t have to be super fit!

P.S. when booking a flight from the US you have 24 hours to cancel & get a refund (on flights booked 7 days in advance). So many ppl told me they hesitated on this deal because they had to see if they could get off work/what dates worked for their travel partners. Always book first, think second & just cancel within 24hrs if you can’t make it work! What’s the best flight deal you’ve booked?
Hello from Cape Town, South Africa! Here’s every Hello from Cape Town, South Africa! Here’s everything you need to know about getting into South Africa (save + share this post):

1. Your passport must be valid for 30 days after your scheduled date of departure.

2. You must have 2 consecutive empty pages in your passport.

3. There is no visa required for US citizens for visits less than 90 days.

4. There are no shots required to travel to South Africa, unless you are traveling from or transiting through yellow-fever deemed countries, then a yellow fever shot is required. You can find a list of these countries online.

5. South Africa has opposite seasons than the US so our winter is their summer. December to February are peak travel due to the weather but if you visit in November like we did you’ll get good weather and avoid the massive crowds of peak season.

Have you visited South Africa? If so, which part? If not, is it on your list?
Because why do y’all do this to us trip planners Because why do y’all do this to us trip planners? Are you the one in your group that plans the trip or do you just show up? If you’re the planner tag your friends 😅. If you just show up do you look at the itinerary or ask all the questions even though the info was given to you 👀?

Original reel idea credit goes to @kryssedeal, sis really nailed exactly how I feel!!
#sponsored Last year we were able to cross some am #sponsored Last year we were able to cross some amazing places off our bucket list. We want you to do the same so we’ve teamed up with @vrbo to give you the opportunity to win $3,500 and turn your bucket list trip into a book-it-list one! 

Just head over to the giveaway post on @vrbo, make sure you’re following them and tag 3 people you’d want to join you on your trip! 

So what is your book-it list vacation this year?

*T&Cs apply – link in bio

 #VrboTogether #BookItList
Things to do in Istanbul (save and share this post Things to do in Istanbul (save and share this post):

1. Visit the various houses of worship like Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque. Suleymaniye Camii, Ortakoy Mosque, Chora Church and the Camlica Mosque

2. Tour palaces like Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace

3. Climb the Galata Tower for amazing views of Istanbul. You can even enjoy a meal here at the restaurant on the top floor.

4. Take a cruise of the Bosphorus to see both the European and Asia side of Istanbul.

5. Visit the cities Bazaars, the Grand Bazaar where you can shop your heart out and the Spice Bazaar where you can eat your heart out. Don’t leave without trying a Turkish delight!

6. If you want to go shopping Istiklal is the place to do so. They have a wide range of stores including international chains like Zara.

7. See a Dervish show at Hodjapasha.

8. Walk across the Galata Bridge to see fisherman at work and then walk under it to taste their fresh catches.

9. Take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands.

10. Experience a Turkish Hammam.

11. Explore the neighborhood of Balet, enjoying the colorful building and have some traditional Turkish tea or my favorite Apple Tea.

12. Turkey has some amazing food so go on a food tour or take a cooking class. If you don’t do either just make sure not to leave without having a traditional Turkish breakfast!

I recommend at least 5 days in Istanbul but you can easily spend a week or more exploring the city.

Have you been to Istanbul? If not is it on your list? For those that have been what was your favorite thing to do?

#istanbul #bucketlistadventures
Our Egypt Itinerary (save + share this post): 3 n Our Egypt Itinerary (save + share this post):

3 nights Siwa: Shali Fortress, 4x4 safari in the Great Sand Sea, sunset on Fatnas Island, emple of Amun and Temple of the Oracle, take a look or a dip into Cleopatra Spring, Mountain of the Dead, House of Siwa Museum, float in the salt lakes.

5 nights Cairo: Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx,  Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, Khal Al Khalil, Old and Coptic Cairo: Hanging Church, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Al Azhar Mosque and the Fortress of Babylon, see an Al Tannoura Egyptian Dance Heritage Show at Wekalet El Ghouri. For a break from the historical things with kids spend a day at Dreamland Park, Kidzania, or Ski Egypt. Stay at Marriott Mena House.

3 nights Luxor: Hot air balloon ride, Luxor Museum, Mummification museum, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Colossi Statue of Memnon and Hatshpsut

3 nights Aswan: High Dam, Temple of Philae, Nubian Villages, Sail on the Nile by Felucca, Nubian Museum, Abu Simbel

On the way to Aswan from Luxor you can also stop to see the Temple of Horus and Kim Ombo Temple. If you have extra time visit Alexandria, Bahariya Oasis, and White Desert National Park to see the White Desert.

Have you been to Egypt? Is it on your list? There is so much to see outside of Cairo! 

#bucketlisttravel #cairoegypt #luxoregypt #aswan
OUR MOROCCO ITINERARY (save + share this post):

🇲🇦2 nights Chefchaouen- painting class, hiking, enjoying the Blue City and more.

🇲🇦3 nights Fes- Royal palaces, Moroccan dance class, visit the tannery and more

🇲🇦6 nights Marrakech- Majorelle Gardens, explore the Medina, explore the various mosques, stay in a riad, take a Moroccan cooking class and more.

🇲🇦3 nights Sahara Desert- ATV tour, sand boarding, Bedouin experience and more.

For all the details of each trip tap the link in my bio for the itineraries of each city. Have you been to Morocco? Is it on your list?

P.S. the girls were 3 and 5 on this trip

#moroccotrip #thisisafrica #travellingwithkids

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Things to do in Ocho Rios from a Jamaican

July 13, 2019      Caribbean, Destinations, Jamaica

This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more information. All opinions are my own.

On my most recent trip to Jamaica I visited St. Elizabeth, Negril, Ocho Rios, and Portland. As someone who is Jamaican I’ve been to Ocho Rios a hundred times. Still the beauty of this parish of Jamaica never gets old. Here are the best things to do in Ocho Rios and general tips on planning your Ocho Rios vacation.

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Ocho Rios Vacation Tips: Things to Do in Ocho Rios

Climb Konoko Falls

When most people think of things to do in Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River Falls is usually at the top of their list. While it’s the most well known waterfall in Ocho Rios it’s not the only one. Konoko Falls is gorgeous and actually just 20 minutes from Dunn’s River. It’s way less crowded, easier to climb, has an amazing viewpoint of Ocho Rios and costs less. With this tour, you can climb Konoko Falls and visit the botanical gardens. 

You May Be Interested in Reading This Packing List for Jamaica

Bobsled at Mystic Mountain

Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it’s bobsled time! If you’ve never seen or heard of the movie Kool Runnings you are missing out and need to fix that ASAP. For those that have this is your time to relive your dreams of being on the Jamaican bobsled team. Okay so while you clearly won’t be running down ice lanes and jumping into a bobsled in the heat of Jamaica it’s still a really great experience. If you’re in a single your bobsled whips around twists and turns at up to 20mph while if you’re in a double you’ll go up to 40mph. Don’t worry scaredy cats, you can control the speed of your bobsled to go as slow or fast as you’d like. Kids must be 46” to participate and one ride is included in your general admission.

Don’t leave your swimsuit because when you’re finish bobsledding you can go down the waterslide and splash into the infinity pool overlooking Ocho Rios. There is also the opportunity to go zip-lining and/or a guided nature walk. Visiting Mystic Mountain is one of my favorite things to do in Ocho Rios.

Go Snorkeling

There are some beautiful coral reefs near the shores of Ocho Rios. You will still need to get there via a boat, but you’ll be at the reef in no time.We saw sting rays and an abundance of colorful fish. We booked our excursion through our hotel but Chukka Tours is a popular choice for tourists visiting the island.

 

Relax at Hidden Beauty

If you’re looking to relax in serenity away from crowds spending the morning or afternoon at Hidden Beauty is what you’ll want on your itinerary. It isn’t called Hidden Beauty for nothing as you’ll either get lost or think you’re lost on the way. You can find it on Google Maps but if you go to Blue Hole and instead of stopping there just continue driving straight you’ll run into it in about 15 minutes. Ask any local you see outside of their home or walking down the street and they’ll reassure you you’re headed in the right direction. It costs 500 JMD to enter and is cash only. 

Drive Through Fern Gully

Fern Gully road was created in 1907 due to an earthquake that destroyed one of the rivers in Ocho Rios. It was turned into a road and now serves as tranquility to the many who visit to view the windy roads covered by fern species that have formed a “tunnel”. These tickets allow you to skip the line and tour Fern Gully.

You May Be Interested in Reading: Travel Safety Tips You Don’t Want to Skip

Spend the Day at Blue Hole

You can spend an entire day enjoying Blue Hole in Ocho Rios and you should. It’s more than a waterfall and that’s why even if you visit Konoko Falls and/or Dunn’s River Falls you don’t want to skip here. You can jump off the falls, swim in its natural pools, and swing into the water.

Go Rafting on the Martha Brae River

While the Martha Brae River is technically is Trelawny it’s a quick hour drive from Ocho Rios and worth it. Relax as your raft captain slowly rows you down the river. The water is typically clear blue unless there has been a lot of rain which causes mud from the mountains to enter the river and discolor it for a short time. Experience Jamaica’s top rafting destination on a 3-mile rafting adventure with these tickets.

Climb Dunn’s River Falls

When thinking of things to do in Ocho Rios Dunn’s River Falls is the first things that comes to peoples minds! Well it’s popular for a reason but here are some tips to make your experience better. It gets really crowded, especially on the days when cruise ships are in port so arrive as soon as they open. Be prepared for cold water and slippery rocks. You will 100% need water shoes if you plan on climbing the falls. For those with young children or otherwise don’t feel comfortable there is a staircase you can walk up so you can view the falls without being in the water. There is also a beach here with warm water you can relax in after you climb. These tickets allow you to climb the amazing 600-foot limestone rock formation of the Dunn’s River Falls

Eat at Scotchies

Even if you are staying at an all-inclusive in Ocho Rios it would be a crime to leave this parish without eating at Scotchies. They have the best jerk pork in Jamaica amongst over meats which are slow cooked on an open fire. While you should come here hungry, don’t come starving as you could potentially be in for a rude awakening at the length of the line. Don’t let that discourage you though, the wait is well worth it. Be sure to try some festival and/or bammy as your side!

Thinking of Visiting Other Islands: See Our Itineraries for Aruba, Cuba, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Grand Cayman

Ocho Rios Vacation Tips: How to Get to Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios is easily accessible from both Kingston and Montego Bay so I recommend booking whichever airport is the cheapest. American, Jetblue, and Spirit, Delta, Caribbean Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Copa, and WestJet fly to Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. If you’re flying to Montego Bay your options are American Airlines, United, Caribbean Airlines, Delta, jetBlue, Southwest, Spirit Airlines, Air Canada, Copa, Condor, WestJet,Virgin Atlantic, and eurowings.

At the airport you can rent a car from Alamo, especially if you plan to explore the island on your own. From Kingston airport there is a highway that goes to Ocho Rios but it has tolls and its cash only so be sure to get Jamaican dollars prior to leaving the airport. The drive takes about 90 minutes. From Montego Bay the drive is about two hours.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving in Jamaica or your hotel doesn’t offer a shuttle you can book your own from both Montego Bay and Kingston.

Ocho Rios Vacation Tips: Where to Stay in Ocho Rios

The only place I stay in Ocho Rios is Moon Palace Jamaica. While it recently got the name Moon Palace when it was bought out in 2016 I stayed at the property multiple times when it was Jamaica Grande. It has never let me down and the one time I strayed away, booking a different hotel I had to check-out on arrival. Yes, it was that bad and I would avoid Jewel Runaway Bay if you’re looking for a more luxurious option.  Moon Palace is a 4 star all-inclusive hotel with two beaches on property and an array of other amenities. You can read my full review here.

Ocho Rios is beautiful and it’s easy to see why so many tourists visit. Hopefully this article gave you some ideas of things to do in Ocho Rios you haven’t heard of before. If you’re spending an extended amount of time in Jamaica I hope you’re able to visit the nearby parish of St. Elizabeth where my family is from. Did you find this article helpful? Please share it!

The Traveling Child is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Hi! We’re The Hambricks

Hi! We’re The Hambricks

If kids live there, kids can visit! That's our motto and you'll often find us exploring destinations most don't find "kid friendly". We've traveled to 35 countries on 6 continents with our children since they were 10 weeks old and share tips to make it easier and affordable. But mom and dad are people too so we also write about solo travel, baecations and girlfriend getaways.

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