California & Jamaica Multi & Twin Centre Holidays

The peak summer months are some of the best times to travel on multi-centre holidays to California and Jamaica, as both destinations boast their highest annual temperatures over this period. 

While you can expect slightly more tourist crowds compared to off-peak months, the hustle and bustle will only add to your experience of California’s major cities. Temperatures here can reach a high of 29°C, but you can expect this to drop by a few degrees if you stay out towards the coast. 

Jamaica has a tropical climate all year round, but July boasts a scorching average temperature of 33°C, making it an ideal time for sun-worshippers to visit. Your vitamin D levels will be thoroughly replenished if you visit during this period!

California is typically in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), while Jamaica is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). The time difference between California and Jamaica is typically 3 hours, with California being 3 hours behind Jamaica. However, depending on when you visit, Daylight Saving Time (DST) may affect the time difference, as not all areas in the United States observe DST. Jamaica also does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time difference may occasionally be 2 hours during periods when DST is in effect in California.

Our holiday prices are locked in 36 months prior to your departure date, and you can secure the twin-centre getaway you’ve had in the pipeline for years with a low deposit. The outstanding cost can be settled over monthly payments - it’s a touch of convenience that means you can focus on getting excited for your trip!

There are direct flights available to California from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester. However, a handful of other UK airports offer connecting flights, so you could also start your journey from Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Liverpool.

You can expect to touch down at one of California’s major airports - our travel colleagues will advise you on exactly where you’ll arrive, based on your itinerary. When it comes to the second leg of your twin-centre holiday, you can reach Jamaica from the following airports, San Diego International Airport  (SAN), San Jose International Airport (SJO), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

You’ll arrive at one of the island nation’s two main airports for International arrivals - Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay or Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston, depending on your onward destination. The flight duration tends to be around 8-9 hours, depending on weather conditions. 

In general, California is extremely family-friendly, so choosing the best destinations to visit will depend on what you’d like to get up to together. Active families will thrive in the state’s many natural beauty spots; the Yosemite National Park is a shining example. From scenic hiking trails and challenging cycling routes, to an array of watersports, there’s plenty of ways to explore more of this stunning landscape. 

If your little ones are already star-struck at the thought of a visit to the home of some of their favourite films, then making a day of it in Hollywood will be a must! There are plenty of child-friendly tours, stopping in some of the most iconic areas of the city - from the Walk of Fame, to Universal Studios, or even catching a live recording of a TV show! They’ll feel like they’re part of the magic, plus, you might even catch a glimpse of some famous faces along the way if you’re lucky!

If you’re a laid-back family looking for some essential beach days on your California twin-centre holiday, then the picturesque Western coastline is the place to be. Long Beach, Santa Monica, and Malibu all boast gorgeous sandy stretches where you can pull up a lounger and bathe beneath the rays. There’s plenty of ice cream parlours and diners nearby too, so you can fuel your beach day with some tasty snacks.

If you really are set on spotting some of the celebrities that call California home, then there’s a selection of places that could boost the likelihood of crossing paths with the rich and famous. Celebrities are often seen frequenting the many designer boutiques that line Rodeo Drive, or hanging out at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel surrounded by the day’s purchases. Outside of the city, head to the neighbourhoods of Malibu for a more candid sighting - many celebs have immense homes on these sought-after streets. Alternatively, check whether your visit coincides with any film festivals or movie premieres, and sneak to the front of the crowds to get a peek at some of the stars!

If your celeb-spotting efforts don’t yield what you’d hoped for, then you could always settle for a visit to Madame Tussauds in Hollywood. This family-friendly excursion gives you the chance to pose next to your icons in their remarkably realistic, wax forms.

Looking for a real taste of the Jamaican party spirit? Some of the busiest resorts on the island are often found in areas like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. Montego Bay is home to many all-inclusive resorts and is a major tourist hub, while Ocho Rios has attractions such as Dunn's River Falls and Mystic Mountain. Negril is known for its beautiful beaches, known to host many late night events under the light of the full moon.

If your Jamaica twin-centre break is all about taking some time out from late nights and partying, then there are plenty of calmer resorts to choose from that’ll serve as the perfect retreat. Explore stays in Port Antonio on the Northeastern Coast, or venture along the South Coast for more serene spots, where you’ll find smaller resorts in less touristy areas. These areas will give you the perfect setting for a refreshing, digital detox, filled with lots of wellness activities and lounging around.

You’ll be finding ways to replicate the tastes that you savour on your Jamaican holiday, as the traditional cuisine is full of mouthwatering flavours! We’ve shared some unmissable culinary highlights sure to tingle your tastebuds.

A firm favourite is, of course, jerk chicken. Marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, then slow-cooked over an open flame or on a grill, jerk chicken is a spicy and smoky delight! Ackee and saltfish is the national dish of Jamaica, so it’s definitely worth sampling while you’re on the island, though it may well be a love or hate! Ackee is a fruit, best served sautéed with salted codfish, creating a distinctive flavour profile.

The delicacy of curried goat is a crowd-pleaser, made with tender goat meat, cooked in a rich and aromatic curry sauce, often served with rice and peas. Callaloo is an ever-popular side dish made from amaranth or taro leaves, cooked with coconut milk and spices. And lastly, bammy - a fluffy, traditional flatbread made from cassava, often served as a side dish with fish or other main courses.

Pack your suitcase with plenty of breathable, easy-to-wear layers for your California and Jamaica twin-centre holiday, as you’ll be contending with some balmy temperatures and high humidity. For California, colder evenings could be in store, so make sure you’ve got a thin jacket at least to keep warm after sunset. In Jamaica, you’ll definitely need plenty of swimwear, SPF, and a pair of trusty flip flops to keep you on the go.