Thinking back to my childhood years, there were countless memories. I was eight years old when my family decided to take a trip to Jamaica. It was the first time I had ever left the United States. We stayed at a Beaches Resort for seven unforgettable days. I would choose the family vacation trip to Jamaica as being my favorite childhood memory. In the frosty month of January, my family and I arrived at Beaches Resort.
Beaches is an all inclusive resort with various activities and recreational amusements to participate in. It was the first time I had ever left the United States. Our trip to Jamaica required my family to get passports in order to leave the country. We received our passports on January 8th, which was the day before the big trip. I remember it being one crazy day because we all had to pack for a week’s worth of vacation. The next day we woke up bright and early to catch our flight to Jamaica! Normally I would not be too enthusiastic to wake up so early, but I was a ball full of energy and excited. I have always been fascinated with air travel, and I couldn’t wait to board the airplane. We flew first class; therefore, it was a very calm and enjoyable flight experience all the way to our resort in Jamaica.
I remember when we finally arrived at the beautiful all-inclusive resort just as the sun was setting. The view was absolutely stunning. We were all excited to explore and familiarize ourselves with all the endless attractions. After checking into our suite, we were given armbands that allowed us to have access to all of the amenities the resort had to offer. Even though it was a long flight, I still managed to have the energy to go exploring with my brother and his friend. The three of us checked out the restaurants that had names we have never heard of before. The resort had fine dining to casual restaurants including Italian, Chinese, and American food. I was overjoyed when I came across the self-serve ice cream bar, soda fountain and snack bar. It was open twenty-four seven. My brother’s favorite place was the teen nightclub, where he and his friend spent most of their time.
Because this was an exclusive resort, the armbands allowed us to all of the age appropriate activities without parental supervision. Since we could not leave the resort, it allowed my mom to relax and enjoy the trip. The resort was family oriented, and there was always something to do. We could participate in numerous activities. The resort was full of recreational amusement. The one activity I found the most appealing was the massive water park. The water park featured a souvenir shop, swim up bars, and ocean trampolines. Near the ocean shore, my brother and his friend went parasailing. Unfortunately, I wasn’t old enough to participate, so I watched from a distance while I had my hair braided. I believe that the vacation to Jamaica brought us closer together as a family. Till this day, we still enjoy reminiscing on the unforgettable memories that were made. Our first time out of the country was such a magnificent experience. I hope I can see it again, someday. The family vacation to Jamaica will always remain my favorite childhood memory.
