5 ways to give back to Jamaica during your vacation

Your next trip to Jamaica could change thousands of lives on the island.

Simply, you can choose to spend some of your vacation days giving back to the communities of Jamaicans who work tirelessly to make your experience on the island memorable, every time you visit.

The truth is, while Jamaica is one of the most popular Caribbean vacation destinations, the island still struggles with severe economic and social deficits that limit the life outcomes for a large majority of its citizens.

So you may be wondering, what can I, a single traveler, do to solve these huge challenges?

Let's start with these five ways to give back to Jamaica during your vacation.

Visit a children's home

The Jamaica Volunteer Program is an organization that facilitates group trips to schools and children's homes on the island.

You can choose from a range of volunteer packages that will allow you to spend a few days volunteering your skills at a school or a children's home.

Certainly, as you will be interacting with minors, you'll be required to complete an application form, and a thorough background check is done before a decision is made on your admission to the program.

Volunteer your skills

You are possibly an expert in your field with years of first-world experience.

Offer up a few free hours at a community-based organization that serves Jamaicans living in low-income communities.

Jamaica Missions USA is a humanitarian, charity organization that makes regular trips to underserved communities in Jamaica to offer dental, optical, and other medical services free of cost.

This is a great way to connect with and make a meaningful impact on Jamaicans.

Book an Airbnb

Staying at an all-inclusive resort is quite convenient for travelers to Jamaica.

However, if you decide to book a stay at a local Airbnb, you are actually supporting the local community in a huge way.

Many of these budget-friendly accommodations on the island are run by Jamaican families who are seeking to supplement their income.

Your stay will undoubtedly present an unfiltered, and pure Jamaican experience that you would not have had if you were tucked away in an all-inclusive.

Donate supplies to schools, communities

Rather than piling your old stuff in the dump, pack the gently worn clothes and toys in a suitcase and take them to Jamaica.

There are many goodwill organizations and schools on the island that support low-income families with secondhand clothes and toys.

Food For the Poor and The Salvation Army are reputable organizations in Jamaica that tend to the basic needs of low-income Jamaican families.

Visit a branch to donate the items every time you visit for a vacation.

Support local vendors

When you're booked for a day tour on the island, carry a few dollars to buy coconuts and other quick bites from local vendors who line the streets of the island.

This is another way to directly give back to Jamaicans and experience the everyday life of locals.

Give back to Jamaica

And you may find other ways to give back to Jamaica during your vacation.

Remember, your kind contributions certainly help Jamaica and Jamaicans to thrive despite all the challenges faced.