Fun places to go on a budget

Good day mates! How's everyone doing? Here is another one in the 'Just Didn't Make It' files. This time the topic is..............dun dun duhn.............

Fun places to go on a budget

            As young people we tend to get bored very easily and we are always be looking for something new and fun to do. However, the methods of entertainment always seem to be limited, especially in times of financial hardship. Yes man, the recession lick wi fi six!!! Older persons continuously say that we are growing up too quickly or that we need to start acting more responsibly and our own age. Comments include things like: ‘Wha’ dem likkle pickney a do a big people tings?’ or ‘Yuh see how she bruk out from she young’ or something along those lines to indicate that we are participating in too many activities for older individuals. But the fact of the matter is that there is not much that teens can do in Jamaica, especially on a fixed budget. As in big man ting (lol! I really wanted to say that!), most of the entertainment available across the country are expensive and are very tourist oriented.

Are you tired of going to dinner or the movies? Looking for something fun to do but not sure what? Well never fear Nella is here. I have come up with a list of some great ideas for dates, hanging out with friends or just enjoying yourself with your family, that are pretty reasonable and inexpensive.

1)   Take a trip to the beach

Grab a few friends and take a trip to one of God’s many gifts to man, THE BEACH. Jamaica is known to have some of the best beaches in the world- Hellshire, Dunn’s River Falls and Fort Clarence (one of my personal favourites), just to name a few. On average, the cost of going to the beach in Jamaica about J$100-J$200 per person (no more than $500), so taking a trip to a beach is a definite can do. Bring your towels and swim suits, pack your lunches, bring some music and have some fun playing games, chilling and swimming.

Note: Please be cautious when venturing to the beach. If you know you cannot swim and even if you can, do not venture off into the sea by yourself (or in groups). Be safe and healthy to and from the beach.

2)   Go on a picnic

The beach, park, your backyard, your front yard, and even at your school. There are so many places to have a picnic. The basic ingredients are good company, everyone contributing something (food, music, etc.), and crazy vibez. If you want a more romantic mode, an intimate, quiet setting may prove most effective with that special someone. The best thing about this is that it is not only fun, but basically free!!! Remember no romanticizing or causing a disturbance at school.

3)   Go on a nature walk or hike

Almost everyone in Jamaica has heard about Blue Mountains, John Crow Mountains, Cockpit Country and other areas of natural beauty in Jamaica. But how many of us have actually taken the time to visit any of these places? Gather a group of friends, family and so on, and make a hike up one of the Blue Mountain trails. Not up to it, head to one of our parks near you, such as Castleton Gardens, Hope Gardens or Devon House. The scenery, the fresh air, the exercise, these are all a part of the recipe for a great bonding experience.

4) Visit a cultural or historical site

We have a very rich heritage and cultural background, here in Jamaica. However, in recent times we have seen that more of it is being forgotten or ignored, especially by the younger generations such as ourselves. Embrace our culture beyond Emancipation Day, Independence Day or Heritage Day and take a trip to one of Jamaica’s wonderful historical sites. Places include Port Royal, Columbus Park in Discovery Bay, Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay, The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, and so many other great sites.

6)   Hang out at a friend/ family member’s house

This is probably the best idea yet. Here you have the freedom to do anything and just about everything and even multiple things all at once. You can watch a movie, eat lots of food, do some stargazing, host a bonfire, have a game night/ competition (board games, card games and physical games like football), and so much more. You could even turn it into a little dinner party or another themed party. The possibilities are endless with this tactic. To release the strain of the person whose house the get together will be at everyone can do their part by contributing something to the event.

7)   Go window shopping

Almost everywhere in Jamaica there is that one special place where your favourite stores are within walking distance of each other. In Kingston, one of those places just happens to be Half-Way-Tree. Walking by and checking out stores and their stocks can prove more fruitful or fun than you might think. Gather some good friends and have some fun together looking at the stores, maybe even trying on some items. This activity is not only fun, but also a great way to get exercise without even noticing it.

8)   Take a day trip

How often do we really get away from our everyday lives? So we are definitely not going to skip school for the day or week (because we love to learn!!!), however, what we can do is to go on a day trip one of the weekends and try to experience a bit of a holiday (even if it is for only one day) and nature’s gift to man. You can go to the country, go river rafting, take a ride across Black River Safari, go on a boat ride, do some fishing, do a little bird watching, even go to an adventure park if it is within your budget or you can simply just drive to your hearts content (Don’t forget to fill up your gad tank!). You can do just about anything your hearts’ desire. The whole point of the day is an absolutely stress free day full of merriment and joy.



Well that's all for now folks!! Thank you for visiting and thank you even more for reading!!! I hope you have a blessed day. Toodles!!!

Much Love,

Nella