Most Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica: 10 Lush Mid-Range Picks

There are around 7,000 Caribbean islands spread across the region—and they’re the stuff of vacation dreams.

Americans regularly flock to hotspots like the Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and even Cuba.

Jamaica is also a perennial favorite for a few reasons.

First, it’s massive, being the fifth-largest island in the Caribbean. That means you can add on jungle treks and cultural excursions to your trip, making it a lot more than a lazy beach vacation.

Second, Jamaica is renowned for its distinct identity, from its delicious dishes to its Patois accent. There’s no other place like it in the world, making for a one-of-a-kind trip.

Third, the island is endlessly beautiful and lush.

In short, from just about every angle, you’re in for a treat. The big question is—which all-inclusive resort should you focus on? There are picks for families, couples, and more.

This time around, I’m zeroing in on the most affordable all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica.

Here’s where to go if you want to drop off the map, soak up the sun, and not spend your life savings.

Most affordable all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica: 10 mid-range picks

Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa
Riu Montego Bay – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa
Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle
Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach
Deja Resort
Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa
Sunset At The Palms
Adults Only, Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet By Karisma

Most affordable all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica

Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa (Montego Bay)

You can keep it as simple as you like at Jewel Grande Montego Bay—or scale up, if you want. For example, their all-inclusive package includes access to most of the seven on-site restaurants, along with the option to nab a private in-room chef.

That being said, if you want to lounge by the pools, purchase a simple spa service, and unwind in the sand, it’s got all the basics you need at a reasonable price.

Riu Montego Bay – Adults Only – All Inclusive (Montego Bay)

Riu is one of my go-to brands for mid-range options. (You might remember it from my piece on Spanish hotel chains.) This Riu property is an adults-only resort with a long stretch of private, white-sand beach. Just know that there can be a bit of a party vibe when the hotel fills up—but that’s usually par for the course at similar adults-only resorts.

Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa (Montego Bay)

This affordable all-inclusive resort comes with two amazing twists. First, it’s set inside an 18^th-century historic village. Second, it’s located on close to 400 acres of private, tropical grounds, meaning it’s quieter than most other spots listed here. There’s also an optional Unlimited-Luxury tier, in case you want to get a little bougie for a day or two.

Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle (Falmouth)

Though slightly further from the airport, this Riu selection is larger than life, making it perfect for families that want to maximize the fun. There’s a small waterpark on the grounds, absolutely massive pools, and plenty of white-sand beach to take on. Plus, Riu makes it easy to plan off-site excursions, from hiking the Jamaican Alps to joining reggae parties.

Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach (Rose Hall)

Families and couples rave about Iberostar Waves, partly thanks to its lively atmosphere and its excellent service. Just keep in mind that this is a five-star hotel, meaning you might need to schedule a visit during the off-season to take advantage of those slashed prices. That being said, this property is a five-star thanks to its long list of amenities—not its exorbitant prices or opulent offers.

Deja Resort (Montego Bay)

If you’ve got a shoestring budget but all-inclusive dreams, Deja Resort is a perfect compromise. Though smaller than other hotels on this list and built more like a motel, Deja has all the basics you could need for a sublime Jamaican escape.

There’s beach access nearby, while you’ll also have the coolest spots in Montego Bay available right outside the resort grounds. If you’re interested in culture along with beach days, Deja Resort is a great pick.

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa (Lucea)

This longstanding favorite has been around for years and is a place that many families return to. There’s a gorgeous stretch of beach on the grounds, along with tons of entertainment programming. The catch is that the all-inclusive tiers can be a little restrictive, so make sure to research what is and isn’t included before making your purchase.

Sunset At The Palms (Negril)

Tiny, intimate, and off the radar for many travelers, this all-inclusive gem is built in a unique ‘tree-house style’. The goal is to immerse guests in a jungle setting with all those resort favorites, like the swim-up bar. Think: outdoor immersion at your own pace.

Adults Only, Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters (Falmouth)

This Autograph Collection adults-only property is designed to feel remote, letting you unwind while getting off the tourist track. There’s a gourmet restaurant, lovely outdoor pool and gardens, and a private beach area.

Plus, you can expect nightly entertainment for a little extra fun. And plenty of electronic music. Just beware that it’s one of the pricier all-inclusive resorts on this list.

Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet By Karisma (Negril)

Expect a premium service and experience at Azul Beach—for a reasonable price. This mid-range option is designed to immerse you in the luscious surroundings, similar to Sunset at the Palms.

There are also adults-only areas sprinkled throughout the grounds, letting you disappear for a little downtime whenever you need. Once again, live entertainment is offered nightly.

Why is the US Pulling Out of UNESCO?

I’m a big fan of UNESCO, one of the world’s most prolific and powerful cultural agencies. It stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization—meaning it’s part of the UN.

Most travelers know a thing or two about UNESCO being that we love to visit its most famous sites. Personally, I’m also fascinated with UNESCO’s ‘intangible cultural heritage’ list, which includes art forms that are ancient, unique, and fascinating.

Zooming out, you might be familiar with more well-known UNESCO sites, like the US’s Smoky Mountains National Park or sites across the pond that relate to a specific era, like WWII.

You may have also heard of UNESCO recently because the organization just inscribed 26 new properties after its 47COM meeting. It ‘canonized’ a range of sites from around the world, including megaliths in France, paleolandscapes in the UAE, and ancient capital cities in Turkey. Oh, and that one ultra-famous German castle, Neuschwanstein.

However, shortly after the news of the 47COM’s latest inscriptions, news hit the airwaves that United States had decided to leave UNESCO. (Again.)

So, why would the US pull out of UNESCO, a specialized agency with the goal of promoting world peace through cooperation and intercultural exchange? Especially when the US is one of only five members on the UN Security Council?

A closer look—what is UNESCO? And how does it relate to the UN?

First, let’s dig into UNESCO a little bit more. The UN is a global organization with the goal of promoting international cooperation. The US is a founding member of the UN and a member of the five-state Security Council.

UNESCO is a branch of the UN. The US’s decision to leave UNESCO has no impact on its standing in the UN as a whole.

In fact, US isn’t beholden to join any UN agencies—and it has famously opted out of a few different UN clubs, including the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). I’m not going to get into that, but I highly encourage you to research why the US might not want to be involved in a human rights agency from the world’s largest and most respected international body.

Back to UNESCO. Its goal, aside from simply promoting world peace through intercultural exchange, is also to provide protection, documentation, and education about important sites around the world. They might be natural, manmade, or both.

UNESCO has 194 member states, spanning the globe, and has partners that are governmental, non-governmental, private, and intergovernmental. In other words, there are many entities vested with the power to promote, maintain, and discover the world’s greatest shared heritage sites.

Why is the US leaving UNESCO?

The US, and any other UN member state, can willingly join and/or depart UN agencies. The US first left UNESCO in 2017, during which time President Donald Trump cited ‘anti-Israel bias’.

That decision was later reversed, but it took time to enact the switch. The US official rejoined UNESCO in 2023. Now, the US Department of State has announced plans to withdraw again. According to reports, the US will formally withdraw from UNESCO by December 2026.

According to the US State Department, UNESCO’s globalist agenda is also at odds with the current administration’s ‘America First’ policies. Plus, it looks like UNESCO’s ‘woke, divisive cultural and social causes’ could be viewed as a threat. Additionally, it looks like anti-Israel rhetoric was another issue for the administration.

New Orleans Open Container Laws: Can You Drink in Public in New Orleans?

With open container laws that use technical, legal verbiage, you might be wondering—can you drink in public in New Orleans?

The answer is yes. It’s almost required, in fact.

New Orleans’ open container laws are some of the most laid-back in the United States.

That probably doesn’t sound like too much of a surprise for a city with the catchphrase, Laissez les bon temps rouler! That’s French for, Let the good times roll!

Still, you might be wondering where, exactly, you’re allowed to enjoy those Sazeracs and Hurricanes while on your nightly jaunt. Is it only in the French Quarter? Does that mean New Orleans’ open container laws aren’t applicable beyond Frenchman and Bourbon Streets?

Let’s explore.

**Prefer to drink indoors in NOLA? Don’t miss out on the most famous drinks in New Orleans**.

A closer look at New Orleans’ open container laws

Open container laws aren’t uniform across all 50 states, but, generally speaking, the idea is that you’re allowed to have an open alcoholic drink with you.

You can find open container laws around the US aside from New Orleans, including in downtown Savannah, Georgia, and Kansas City, Missouri.

So, what makes New Orleans’ open container laws special? Well, the city likes to party. Back in 1998, the US ratified a new act that required all states to dictate when and where open containers are allowed.

New Orleans, with its penchant for outdoor parades and Mardi Gras lifestyle, was one of the first areas that Louisiana lawmakers focused on.

The reason New Orleans’ open container laws are so lax is that the city has always had a ‘party’ culture, especially in the French Quarter. Shortly after the new law went into effect in 1998, local authorities designated certain areas and times when locals would be allowed to carry open containers of alcohol.

Here’s my point: drinking is considered cultural in New Orleans, meaning its approach to open container laws is really, really relaxed compared to other states. So long as you’re not causing problems for anyone, they (probably) don’t care that you have a drink in your hand.

The technicalities

Now onto the technicalities of open container laws.

These are the three main rules that apply to drinking in public in New Orleans:

Open container laws apply to specific zones; the largest and most active is the French Quarter
All open containers must be plastic; no aluminum or glass
You can’t be visibly intoxicated; public intoxication is still a crime

That being said, there are also plenty of gray areas.

For example, you’ll notice drive-through daiquiri shops around New Orleans, where you can buy soft-drink style frozen daiquiris. Because they’re sold to you with a lid, no laws are broken because it’s not an ‘open’ container.

Aside from legal loopholes, I also want to point back to that NOLA culture. So long as you aren’t causing problems for anyone, such as littering, being too noisy, or otherwise disturbing the locals, you can (probably) get away with sipping a little Hand Grenade while on the go.

That’s a pretty hefty probably given I’m not a lawyer, so do with it what you will.

But here’s a little story that highlights why I feel comfortable drinking in public in New Orleans. During one road trip through the city a while back, a friend and I found a few bottles of Mad Dog 20-20. (It’s a neon-colored rice wine liquor drink.)

We decided to take them with us during our day trip to the swamps surrounding NOLA. We kept them chilled in the back seat and brought them on a fan boat tour. As we boarded, I asked our tour guide, “Can I bring these on board to drink during the tour?”

She turned to me, gave me the once-over, and, in the thickest Cajun accent you can imagine, asked, “I don’t know, can you?”

It was rhetorical. She didn’t care.

Southwest Airlines Announces Date for Its Assigned Seat Updates

What do you know about Southwest Airlines off the top of your head?

I’m guessing most of us can list off a few well-known factoids—the most common of which is the commercial airline’s free-for-all seating plan. Rather than assign seats, passengers simply buy a seat in a section (economy, business, etc.), then line up at the gate to board first and nab a spot.

That first-come, first-served seating setup has made Southwest a beloved airline for some loyal passengers.

Coupled with Southwest’s well-known and popular loyalty program, it’s been a bit of a cult hit in US air travel.

But the company pivoted (hard) last year when they announced plans to end their open seating plan.

When is Southwest launching its new seating program?

Starting on January 27, 2026, all Southwest flights will come with traditional seat selection during the time of purchase. Just like you would with other airlines, you’ll be prompted to select a seat, including premium economy and extra legroom options, along with those window versus aisle options.

As such, Southwest will also adopt a group-based boarding system.

According to the airline, the move comes based on the fact that around 80% of Southwest customers want an assigned seat. After polling passengers, the company found that the number one complaint was open seating.

But let’s not forget to follow the money. Southwest Airlines is able to monetize its new seat selection process, enabling passengers to pay more for specific seats, such as aisles with added legroom and window seats.

That’s an important note for Southwest, which has historically been one of the most popular low-cost airlines. To compete with other established airlines, Southwest is looking to add steady revenue streams from seat sales.

This will also affect Rapid Rewards members (that’s Southwest Airline’s loyalty program), as the airline is also updating its earning rates. As of late May 2025, it offers new basic fare tiers instead of Wanna Get Away, variable redemption rates, flight credit expiration, and more.

Where to Go in Norway to See the Northern Lights: 7 Towns

The Northern Lights are a fickle phenomenon.

A few years back, I visited northern Sweden in February. That should have been the perfect time, place, and season to catch a glimpse of the colorful, sky-high show.

Sadly, my partner and I joined a midnight Northern Lights-chasing tour to no avail. We spent hours in the snow, freezing as hope slowly faded.

Fortunately for me, I’d already seen the Northern Lights. A few years before that excursion in Sweden, I was on a flight from New York City to Spokane, Washington. Halfway there, the flight attendants notified the passengers to look out the left-hand side of the plane.

I had a front-row seat to a gorgeous Northern Lights display. Best of all, I had a view from around 30,000 feet, meaning I wasn’t looking up to see them—I was looking almost horizontally out the window.

It’ll be a hard Northern Lights experience to beat.

That being said, I’d still love to see the show from the ground. And I’d personally head to Norway if I had to pick one spot where I’m most likely to see them. While Sweden is another great spot to catch the lights, Norway is usually dubbed the best place to see them.

Ready to learn where to go in Norway to see the Northern Lights? Wait for winter, then head north. And then head north some more to these towns.

Where to go in Norway to see the Northern Lights

Tromsø

Colorful northern lights at tromso Norway, Aurora , Arctic Cathedral (Getty)

When you think of the Northern Lights in Norway, think Tromsø. This city is located just above the Arctic Circle, which is where you’re most likely to catch the Northern Lights. But it’s a larger city, meaning you might face light pollution in winter. For that reason, many visitors head out to the locations listed below after arriving in Tromsø.

That being said, if you have limited time and funds to catch the Northern Lights, then Tromsø should be on your radar. You can easily catch a flight from Oslo to Tromsø (or from Bergen) to get there for a weekend-long trip. Don’t miss the Arctic Cathedral (pictured above) while you’re in town!

Lofoten Islands

Dramatic, colorful, and rugged, the Lofoten Islands give you total access to some of Norway’s most little-known outdoor adventures. In summer, they come alive as swimmers flock to the beaches—but in winter, they’re a prime hunting ground for the Northern Lights. You can get there by bus, plane, or boat. (The bus only runs on weekends—I’d take the express boat from Tromsø to Harstad.)

Alta

Did you know that there’s a Northern Lights cathedral? Welcome to Alta. It’s got more surprises in store for you than that cathedral, too. When you visit with the hopes of seeing the Northern Lights, you can also explore some of Norway’s coolest and least-known sites.

There’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which protects ancient rock carvings depicting hunter-gatherer life in the region. Oh, it also has a super-cool ice hotel.

Bodø

Bodø is a sweet spot when it comes to catching the Northern Lights, as it’s located just above the Arctic Circle and just below something called the Auroral Oval. (Good luck saying that three times fast.) If you’re into natural wonders of all stripes, you might also want to plan a visit to the Saltstraumen, a tidal beach that generates some of the world’s biggest whirlpools.

Lyngseidet

This region offers plenty in the way of rugged adventuring, including excursions that explore the Lyngen Alps, a stunning region that’s home to glaciers and fjords. You can easily get into nature at your own pace, from ice climbing to ice kayaking. Unsurprisingly, it’s also an ideal place to stay up all night and spy on the Northern Lights.

Senja

Similar to Lyngseidet, Senja lets you take on Northern Norway at your own pace. You can explore its beaches and fjords during the summer months (they’re surprisingly lush, almost like Ireland’s emerald forests), or schedule a trip to get a full-access pass to the Northern Lights. The Senja Arctic Lodge is a top spot for Northern Lights hunters, and regularly fills up during winter.

Narvik

Though smaller than Tromsø, Narvik is a city that gives you a perfect landing spot for your later Northern Lights adventures. You can also take a bite out of Norwegian culture, as Narvik is known for its homegrown hotels, bars, pubs, and restaurants. There are also a few specialty museums and WWII memorials.

My bucket list bonus pick: Svalbard

Thanks to Cecilia Blomdahl, a content creator, I’m obsessed with Svalbard, a remote Arctic island in Northern Norway. In fact, it’s the farthest northern human settlement in the world. (You might have heard of it thanks to its seed vault.)

Given its extreme latitude, the sun doesn’t rise for months in Svalbard. During that time, locals are treated to some of the most frequent and bright Northern Lights displays in the world. Just be prepared for a tiny town experience that’s difficult to reach.

Amusement Parks in Florida Besides Disney & Universal: 8 Picks

Family vacations to Disney World and Universal are almost considered a rite of passage by many Americans.

Kids have the time of their lives while taking photos with famous characters and whipping around some of the world’s coolest, fastest, and most notorious rollercoasters. Despite the weather and the long lines, most kids walk away with souvenirs that will last the year and memories that will last a lifetime.

That being said, it’s like a gauntlet for parents.

Even adults who love Disney and Universal content are going to have to dig deep—both in terms of patience and in terms of that bank account.

A mid-range trip will cost around $5,500 to $6,000 for the average family of four. That figure could easily rise up to $10,000 if you have more kids with you or if you’re going to splurge on things like skip-the-line passes, fancier meals, and a more upscale (or even themed) hotel.

I can’t help you nab a cheaper trip into Disney—I’m pretty sure that type of thing doesn’t actually exist. The same for Universal. Even those discounted packages won’t really help you save big.

But let’s zoom out for a second. If your family is interested in world-class rollercoasters and thrills galore, you don’t necessarily need to pose with a photo with Mickey Mouse at Disney World or Harry Potter at Universal Studios.

As a former Six Flags season pass holder, I’m a huge fan of pointing groups toward amusement parks in Florida besides Disney and Universal—after all, it’s the Sunshine State. The adventures never stop, and smaller amusement parks let you enjoy similar experiences without all the hustle and high prices.

Want an alternative to spending 5k at Disney and/or Universal? Head to these alternatives in Florida.

Amusement parks in Florida besides Disney: 8 picks

Bush Gardens (Tampa Amusement Park)
Fun Spot America
LEGOLAND
Old Town
ICON Park
Dezerland Park Orlando
Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone

Amusement parks in Florida besides Disney & Universal

Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay)

Rollercoaster in Busch Gardens, Florida.

I’m kicking off the list with the pricier options that you’ll find in Florida. Though cheaper than Disney and Universal by a long shot, you’re going to overpay for basics like water and parking at Busch Gardens and Legoland (below). You’re also going to wait in long lines.

That being said, Busch Gardens is a hit from multiple angles. They have a great kids’ area, along with a solid list of rollercoasters for all comfort levels. But let’s not forget about that African-themed safari, which lets you get up-close and (sort of) personal with gorgeous animals like rhinos, hippos, and giraffes.

Legoland (Winter Haven)

WINTER HAVEN, FL, USA – June 18, 2014: Visitors pass through the entrance to Legoland Florida

If your kids love Legos and rollercoasters, this newly opened theme park has quickly become a favorite. In fact, some local families love it so much that they regularly visit using season passes. Legoland offers more than 50 unique events, programs, and rides, letting your family engage how they want to—even if fast rides aren’t their thing.

Fun Spot America (Orlando & Kissimmee)

Think of Fun Spot like a more relaxed fit of Six Flags. Its main focus is offering guests endless thrills with a broad range of rollercoasters. I’m personally a fan of that range because it lets larger groups branch off and focus on the rides that interest them.

But fear not—if you want the fastest, scariest, and biggest rides in the US, you’ll find some of them at both Fun Spots in Florida. For example, its Kissimmee location has the world’s tallest SkyCoaster, which stands at 300 feet.

Old Town (Kissimmee)

This isn’t a traditional amusement park, but it should be on your radar if you’re heading to Central Florida. Old Town is an entertainment district that replicates life from the 1950s, including rides like a Ferris Wheel, old-timey music, car shows, and more.

Spread across almost 20 acres, it’s more like a relaxing, adults-focused amusement park to escape traditional amusement parks. (Don’t worry—kids are welcome, and there are kid-friendly things to do.)

ICON Park (Orlando)

If Kissimmee’s Old Town premise piqued your interest, you’ll also enjoy ICON Park. This outdoor entertainment area also spans around 20 acres, letting you explore some of the funkiest and coolest spots in Orlando. Ride the ferris wheel, enjoy SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, and get lost in the old-style Arcade City. Best of all, ICON Park is free, meaning you only pay for the activities you want to do.

Dezerland Park (Orlando)

Don’t want to boil in the sun while you seek out adventure? Welcome to Florida’s largest indoor amusement park. From bowling to go-kart riding to pinball to something called a ‘minority doll museum’, there’s a slightly odd adventure around every corner.

The big coup, however, seems to be its car displays. Whether you like old models or famous cars from Hollywood hits, you’ll be hooked. If you don’t want to bother with the crowds and heat at traditional amusement parks, Dezerland Park has everything you need.

Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure (Panama City Beach)

It’s not a traditional amusement park, just like Dezerland—but if you’re heading to the Panama City Beach area, Swampy Jack’s is a great chance to get outside and go fast. There are go-karts with a Mario Kart theme, mini golf, bumper karts, and something called the ‘Swamp Ape’.

According to Swampy Jack’s, the Swamp Ape ride involves music, fog, lights, and a hefty dose of confusion. I’m intrigued – sign me up.

Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone (Okaloosa)

If you’re heading toward Okaloosa and you liked what you read about Swampy Jack’s, you’ll do well at Wild Willy’s. This ‘adventure zone’ includes a well-rounded range of activities, from putt-putt golf to a 4D movie theatre to a ropes course to an arcade.

Also, you can go on a mini fan-boat tour to see the alligators up close, in case you want to add a little Florida safari adventure.