30 Things That Make Me Happy

I’m a day late for this WordPress prompt but I’ve been meaning to write a post outside of my usual Friday series which I’m proud to announce has been running for 62 consecutive weeks. This prompt is perfect as I try to remain optimistic despite life’s challenges. Most days will not be extraordinary so it’s important to find joy in one’s daily routine. Ordinary days make it easier to appreciate the extraordinary ones, so here are 30 regular things which make me happy + a mid-year check-in post.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle19 Comments

Discover Jamaica’s Unique Craft Beer & Liquors

When most people think of Jamaica, they picture pristine beaches, reggae music, and perhaps a glass of rum punch. However, there’s another exciting element to Jamaica’s beverage scene that’s gaining momentum: craft liquors. From innovative craft beers to a unique vodka made from yellow yam, Jamaica’s craft liquor industry offers a fresh, authentic taste of the island’s culture and creativity. Here’s why you should explore some of these remarkable Jamaican craft liquors.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle6 Comments

5 Unique Airbnbs in Jamaica for Under $100 Per Night

It’s no secret– Jamaica and the wider Caribbean are expensive destinations to visit because our economies rely heavily on tourism. That being said, a visit to Jamaica doesn’t have to break the bank if you know where to go. There is a wide variety of accommodations in Jamaica ranging from high end all-inclusive hotels and luxury villas, to more affordable nature lodges and even hostels. If you’re on a budget, feast your eyes on these five unique cabins and apartments, all for under $100USD per night. Each are steeped in nature and local culture, the best way to experience the island.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle6 Comments

How Arah Rides Is Revolutionizing Car Rental in Jamaica

The best way to experience Jamaica is by car because the island has over 17,000 kilometers of road network which connects all major towns and cities. A new player has entered Jamaica’s vibrant car rental market, bringing a fresh and innovative approach for travelers and locals alike. If you’ve ever rented a car in Jamaica, you may have experienced an element of surprise and perhaps even disappointment with what showed up as most local car rental companies don’t show you the actual vehicle until it’s time to collect the keys. Arah Rides launched in April 2024 to fill that niche and redefine the customer experience of renting a car in Jamaica through a unique blend of transparency, convenience, affordability, and modern technology. Here are 5 features which sets Arah Rides apart from other car rental companies.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle8 Comments

Be Careful When Eating These 3 Jamaican Seafood

Jamaica’s rich marine ecosystem is a vital part of our cultural heritage, economy and environmental health. This vibrant underwater world is home to a diverse array of species, including the parrotfish, lobster and queen conch. However, these species face significant threats from overfishing and habitat destruction. To ensure their survival and the health of the broader marine ecosystem, it is crucial to avoid eating parrotfish and respect Jamaica’s closed seasons for lobster and conch. Today, let’s talk about the reasons behind these practices and their importance for sustainable marine conservation.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle20 Comments

How To Buy A House In Jamaica

No matter where you are in the world, buying a house is a huge undertaking as real estate is typically the most expensive thing one owns. What should be a rewarding experience can quickly become daunting or stressful if you’re not careful. Having bought a home recently, I thought I’d document the experience to guide other aspiring Jamaican homeowners. Here is my six step guide on how to buy a house in Jamaica for 2025 & beyond. NOTE: This article is NOT intended for professional advice.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle13 Comments

Tropical Terror: The Wrath of Hurricane Beryl

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 every year. Jamaica’s most devastating hurricane was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, and as a child, it’s something all the grown-ups spoke about every time storms came up in conversation. I think they were all traumatized from the lack of electricity and running water for weeks as the country grappled with billions of damages and had a delay in restoring these vital connections. Jamaicans learnt a lot about how to prepare for hurricanes since then. My first hurricane was Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and I feel foolish that I’d wanted to experience one in my child-like ignorance; now I wish to NEVER experience one again. Since then we’ve had a string of other dangerous storms such as Hurricanes Dennis and Emily in 2005, Dean in 2008 and Sandy in 2012, but Beryl has surpassed them all.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle30 Comments

8 Ways to Beat the Heat this Summer in Jamaica

Every summer seems to get hotter and hotter in Jamaica, and you would be right! The hottest meteorological summer ever recorded in Jamaica was from June to August 2023 with an average daily temperature of 30.6 °C. The Caribbean region is one of the most vulnerable parts of the world to the effects of climate change. In Jamaica, like the wider Caribbean, we feel these effects in the form of heat waves, droughts, water scarcity, food insecurity and mountain wildfires. Hurricanes and flash floods may also become more intense. The heat can have deleterious effects on our health too, increasing our risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Some persons are at greater risk of being affected by the sweltering heat, such as the elderly, bedridden persons, infants, children, overweight persons and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.  As the summer heat intensifies, staying cool has to be a top priority. Whether you’re a local or visitor, these eight practical tips will help you beat the heat and enjoy our vibrant island life to the fullest.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle13 Comments

A Beginner’s Guide to Booking Foreign Trips

This is a question I’ve been getting with increasing frequency over the past few months, so I thought it best to write an article in case anyone else would like some help. Jamaicans have grown increasingly more curious about the world around them in recent years, and that’s wonderful to see given our visa-free access to 90+ countries on a Jamaican passport. I plan all my trips myself because it adds to the excitement, and I get to learn about the country I’m visiting in the process. I don’t consider myself an expert because as it stands, I’ve only been to 5 countries, but read on for my advice on how to book a good trip from scratch.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle12 Comments
Sunset and fog over the mountains with bird perched on tree branch

Alpinia: An Urban Oasis In Kingston, Jamaica

As a proud native of Kingston, Jamaica, I’m always happy to show off my city. This diverse city is the capital of Jamaica, and boasts a rich vibrant culture- home to the best of the island’s music, art, food, sports and cultural events. Kingston city is closely intertwined with the parish of St. Andrew, and boasts unbridled natural beauty in its three suburban city limits. Tucked away in the city’s sublime suburbs of Stony Hill lies Alpinia– an affordable one bedroom apartment and Kingston’s newest Airbnb. Here’s why you should book Alpinia on your next visit to Kingston, Jamaica.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle16 Comments