How to Celebrate Reggae Month in Kingston, Jamaica

Every February, Jamaica comes alive with rhythm, history and pure cultural energy as we celebrate Reggae Month. This isn’t just about music — it’s about honoring the legends, the communities, and the global movement that reggae created. If you’ve ever wanted to experience Jamaica beyond the beaches, this is the best time to visit. From Kingston’s musical landmarks to immersive cultural tours, Reggae Month offers travelers a deeper, richer connection to the island. Here’s exactly how to plan the perfect Reggae Month trip — including the best tours, where to stay in Kingston and how to get around.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle2 Comments

My 40 Before 40 Bucket List

Last year, I began a new decade of life and I couldn’t be more excited. Why? At 30, I’m now able to live life on my own terms and I’m looking forward to all the blessings that will come with this. Halfway through my third decade, I made a 30 before 30 bucket list and while my success rate was only 47%, I’m not mad about it. Since publishing that list, my goals and priorities had shifted, and I accomplished other goals not mentioned. It was still exciting to revisit it on my 30th birthday, so with that said, here’s my 40 before 40 bucket list.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle24 Comments

A Dreamy Day at the Strawberry Hill Resort

The Jamaican Blue Mountains are my favourite place on Earth– a tranquil highland escape of cool rolling mist, lush greenery, breathtaking views and rich history. Perched high in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains lies the Strawberry Hill Resort— the sort of escape that feels a world away from the bustling city of Kingston, although it’s only 20km away from the city centre. Strawberry Hill is a cozy boutique hotel consisting of white-washed cottages clustered across 26 acres. This mountainside retreat is part of Island Outpost, a collection of luxury Jamaican hotels and villas owned by Chris Blackwell, the former record producer behind Bob Marley’s breakout success. With that said, here’s how my recent day trip to the Strawberry Hill Resort went, and what to expect.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle21 Comments

Nonsuch Falls: Jamaica’s Tallest Waterfall

Tucked away in the quaint rural community of Nonsuch, Portland, lies the tallest waterfall in Jamaica. At 291 feet (89m) from its base, Nonsuch Falls is actually 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls, North America’s most visited waterfall! I’ve delayed my visit to Nonsuch Falls a few times to ensure I’d capture it at peak water volume which only happens just after heavy rains. My wait was rewarded with a memorable adventure earlier this month which far exceeded expectations. With that said, here’s everything you need to know to plan a visit to Nonsuch Falls.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle19 Comments

Craighton Estate: A Blue Mountain Coffee Tour Near Kingston

Nestled in the rolling hills overlooking Kingston and St. Andrew, Jamaica, lies the Craighton Estate in Irish Town. Craighton Estate is a perfect half day-trip from Kingston for travelers who want history, scenery, coffee and a little mystery rolled into one visit. Whether you’re a coffee lover or simply someone who loves wandering through old great houses and plantation grounds, Craighton delivers a peaceful, authentic Jamaican experience without the crowds. Here’s how to reserve this bean-to-cup coffee tour and what to expect.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle18 Comments

96 Hours in Houston, Texas

Founded in 1836 on the banks of Buffalo Bayou, Houston evolved from a modest trading post into one of America’s most dynamic and influential cities, propelled by the oil boom of the early 1900s. Today, Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, and is one of its most diverse with over 145 languages spoken and communities from nearly every corner of the globe. Houston has a lot to offer: world-class museums, a thriving food scene, a skyline that reflects its boundless ambition and even the NASA Space Centre, earning it the nickname of “Space City.” I visited Houston in November 2025 to present a research poster at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN)’s Kidney Week conference, but of course, I made time to explore. Here’s what I got up to with four days in Houston.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle13 Comments

Treasure Beach, Jamaica Reopens with Strength & Heart

After weathering the passage of Hurricane Melissa, I’m proud to announce that Jamaica is open once more! Treasure Beach has always held a special place in my heart because it represents the quieter, authentic side of Jamaica where community, resilience and simplicity shines bright. I love its laid-back energy, the warmth of the people, the sense of safety, and the way life there feels unhurried and deeply connected to the land and sea. Seeing Treasure Beach reopen to tourism after Hurricane Melissa fills me with genuine happiness and pride, because this South Coast community has weathered hardship with resilience and grace. With that said, I’ve teamed up with these Treasure Beach locals to share where’s open and why their community ought to be on your travel radar.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle16 Comments

Cockpit Country: Historic Hike from Troy to Windsor

When most people think of Jamaica, they picture white sand beaches but 50% of the island is rugged and mountainous. Jamaica’s largest mountain range is the Cockpit Country which is three times the size of the Blue & John Crow Mountains, spanning 780km2 and five parishes. Cockpit Country got its name from its unusual karst landscape, where steep-sided limestone hills and deep valleys create a terrain that looks like the cockpits of old ships, or an upturned egg carton if you will. Before this hike, the closest I’d come to visiting the Cockpit Country was to Accompong, a Maroon village located on its outskirts. Why? The Cockpit Country is one of the most inhospitable places in the world. However, when an invitation came to hike the forgotten Troy to Windsor trail which traverses the Cockpit Country, I accepted. Here’s how this adventure went.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle8 Comments

Catherine’s Peak: St. Andrew’s Highest Point

Catherine’s Peak, located in the Jamaican Blue Mountains, is the highest point in the parish of St. Andrew. This peak is named after Catherine Long, the wife of Sir Henry Moore who served as the Governor of Jamaica in the mid-1700s, as she is believed to be the first white woman to climb the 5,050-foot-high peak in 1760. Catherine’s Peak is an easy trail– perfect for beginner hikers, and starts at Newcastle, the JDF military base nestled in the Blue Mountains. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking to Catherine’s Peak.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle5 Comments

One Week in Guatemala: Itinerary & Budget

Known as the Land of Eternal Spring thanks to its mild year-round climate, Guatemala is an exciting travel destination for thrill-seekers and history lovers. This Central American country is home to 37 volcanoes, one of the world’s most beautiful lakes and ancient ruins like Tikal, one of the largest Mayan cities ever uncovered. Antigua, Guatemala’s 500-year-old colonial city, is perfectly preserved in time with ancient architecture, cobblestone streets and courtyards. Guatemala has a lot to offer; one week isn’t enough time to see everything but you can visit quite a few spots if you plan properly. With that said, here’s how I spent 7 days in Guatemala and how much everything costed.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle18 Comments