How to Travel to Jamaica as a Single Parent With Children

Your children will love the natural and human wonders of the Caribbean island of Jamaica, but when you're traveling as a single parent, you need to address a few special issues such as the additional paperwork you'll have to complete to travel to Jamaica, differences in vacation pricing -- children are charged adult rates for room-sharing in some Jamaican hotels and resorts -- and finding a good mix of activities for you and your kids.

Things You'll Need

  • Passports
  • Notarized statement of consent (or sole custodian documentation)
  • Notarized permission note
  • Flight and hotel reservations
  • Car rental (optional)
  • Attraction tickets (optional)
  • Vaccinations and malaria medications
  • Prescription medications
  • Camera or video camera

Instructions

    • 1

      Apply for passports early. When taking your children to get their passports, you will have to bring additional documentation because both parents must give their consent for a child to obtain a passport, according to the U.S. Department of State. You will have to bring a notarized Statement of Consent from your children's other biological parent or the documentation supporting your status as sole custodian. You will also require a notarized note from your children's other biological parent giving permission to take the children outside of the United States to Jamaica, if you do not have sole custody, explains the U.S. Customs and Border Security.

    • 2

      Research information about the child-friendly attractions you'd like to visit while on vacation, such as Dolphin Cove, Kool Runnings Adventure Park and Prospect Plantation. Look up information online and contact any venues without an online presence to confirm open seasons and child suitability. Jamaica has nudist beaches, so be aware of these areas, if you aren't comfortable with an exposing vacation with your children.

    • 3

      Book everything in advance because you don't want any last-minute surprises on your trip. Book and confirm flight and hotel reservations. Arrange for a vehicle rental, if you intend to travel by car, and find out which attractions allow you to order passes online or over the phone. Get these passes and tickets ahead of time, too.

    • 4

      Write out an itinerary. While you don't have to plan every minute of the vacation, you're the only adult on a trip with kids, so it's a good idea to have a game plan. Consider an itinerary that includes an alternating schedule of a day or two of exploring the local attractions and then a day for you and your children to unwind at the hotel or on the beach. Now the kids can calm down from the previous days of excitement -- particularly if your kids tend to get cranky or rambunctious when overexcited -- and you can enjoy a little relaxation, too.

    • 5

      Make a doctor's appointment at least four to six weeks ahead of time to receive any vaccinations you and your children will need to stay healthy on vacation, recommends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Inquire about any medications necessary to prevent malaria, too. Ensure that you also have an adequate supply of any prescription medications you or your children require.

    • 6

      Research which areas of Jamaica are unsafe and ways to keep you and your children safe while on vacation. Crime is prevalent in Jamaica, according to the U.S. Department of State. You will want to avoid unsafe areas and keep your children close at all times.

    • 7

      Take a camera or video camera and make lots of memories!

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