T-Minus 1 Day until Ty and I are venturing out with 6 of our closest friends to the beautiful island of Jamaica. This trip has been in the works for quite some time and it has been an adventure that we have really enjoyed planning together as a group. This will be the first of what we hope to be many adventures with our closest friends as we set out on this much needed vacation together.

We are right in the middle of packing all of our items into our luggage and praying that we stay under the minimum weight requirement for checked baggage (some of you will understand). It can really present itself as an issue when you feel the need to pack all of your fancy night out on the town outfits along with your 23 options for bathing suits in the same suitcase because you just never know what is coming your way with a trip of this nature.

We will be staying at Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and we absolutely cannot wait to get there and experience this beautiful resort together. The Sandals Resorts brand have proven themselves to be one of the most trusted luxurious options for all-inclusive resorts in the world. Sandals Ochi offers 11 unique bars, 16 options for dining and so many options for activities. I plan to blog more on this resort while we are visiting.

I wanted to include some really great tips for anyone interested in traveling to Jamaica in this blog and share some of the excitement with you as to what it is like to plan large group trips with some of your closest friends! (Highly Recommended)

Sandals Ochi

• ALL INCLUSIVE – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and anytime snacks are included!
• 11 Bars with 3 swim up bars
• Stocked bar in every room (Included)
• 105 Pools & 22 Whirlpools
• PADI-Certified Scuba Diving & Equipment
• Snorkeling and equipment
• Glass-bottom boat
• Tennis & Land Sports
• Day & Night Entertainment
• Roundtrip airport transfers
• Roundtrip shuttles to golf course
• Wifi Included
• Local Tours
• Spa Treatment

Climate

If you are planning to travel to this beautiful island then you are going to want to prepare for a hot and humid tropical climate all year long which is ideal for planning your Caribbean getaway! The temperatures are going to range from around 66F to nearly 100F depending on the time of the year that you travel. There are two rainy season which last from May – June and then again from September – November. One thing that I would like to add is do not let the rainy season scare you away from the experience, often times the rain keeps the high temperatures down to make for an even more enjoyable vacation and those afternoon showers do not last for a long period of time.

Things To Do:

We are traveling specifically to Ocho Rios which is just referred to as “Ochi” by the locals. This is highly recommended for those who are looking to find adventure on their vacation! It is a popular tourist destination with beautiful varied landscapes from mountains to beaches. One of the most famous outdoor adventures located here is going to be Dunn’s River Falls. Nearby is also a place where you can experience a time with the dolphins at the Dolphin Cove, which is considered a number 1 attraction in the Caribbean.

Other options:

• Zip-lining
• Horseback Riding
• Shark Encounter Show
• Golfing (Included In Sandals Stay)

Travel Tips

• Be sure that you are traveling with a valid passport AND another valid form of identification (Photo ID). Also be sure to have photo copies of both forms just encase one is lost or stolen.
• Be sure that you are familiar with local laws of the destination that you are traveling to so that you do not break the law by being unaware.
• Give your friends and family your contact information and your schedule of your activities just encase of an emergency.
• Avoid taking expensive jewelry with you at the risk of losing it or it being stolen on your trip.
• Be sure to travel with your medical items in your carry on luggage just encase your luggage is delayed or lost in the transit process.
• Pack an extra outfit or two in your carry on items to be sure that you have a change of clothes in the event that it is necessary on your journey to your destination.

One thing that we are most excited about is the option to play our new favorite sport which is pickleball! Each of us have our paddle packed away in our suitcase and we are excited to get to our destination and play a few rounds (or more) of pickleball. We have started going a few times a week together and we really enjoy playing! I will update you on just how fun this is once we are there.

I believe that one of the things that we are really most excited about is the fact that we get to travel with friends. Relationships are so important and should be embraced with intentionality each and every opportunity that we have. We have been blessed with some of the greatest friends in our life and we absolutely cannot wait to find ourself sitting around the pool watching the sunset together and sharing the best stories with one another. I feel certain that this trip will be one of those that makes those memories that are going to last for a lifetime.

I want to encourage you to take adventures with your people. Find those people in your life that you know value the same things that you do and truly have your back and plan a trip with them. Set out to see the world together, make those memories together and experience life in a whole new way. There is nothing greater than sharing our adventures together with the people that we love!

With Love,

The Coen Compass