Archives for June 2023

I’m just back from my very first trip to Jamaica. When the Jamaica tourist board invited me to visit, friends and family almost unanimously asked me: “Is it safe?”. Well, I could not have felt safer and more welcome during my week in Jamaica and I have learned so much and quashed many myths about this vibrant and friendly island.

Firstly, I was often reminded that Jamaica is a country and not just another Caribbean island. It is big, cosmopolitan, with lots of contrasts, from the lush interior where some of the world’s finest coffee is produced, to the coastal resorts, some with iconic hotels full of history in Ocho Rios to the large resort hotels of Montego Bay.

I’ve just been reading about an incredible multi-storey family cabin on a cruise ship that costs $75 a week and is virtually sold out for the whole of 2024! But I have clients coming to me and asking if I can work my magic as everything, they are seeing is so expensive this year. The cost of a family holiday is scary for most people and prices have certainly gone up, making it unaffordable even for clients used to luxury.

What to do? Well, booking well in advance is definitely key nowadays. Gone are the last-minute bargains. I would also steer clear of obvious choices. If you go where everyone else wants to go, then you will pay a premium. It’s all about supply and demand. There are still places with availability over the summer and autumn and these hotels would welcome your business. I’ve talked before about thinking outside the box.

Here are a few suggestions:

Some of the best family holidays we had in the summer were in the Alps. Usually gorgeous weather, fresh air, lots of sporting activities, swimming in lakes and pools. Often quite a bit cheaper than going to a beach resort. I also know of some great villas on the Atlantic coast of France in the Lacanau region where you have lovely sandy beaches and lakes, and miles of cycling routes.