Jersey Travel Information

Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, located in the English Channel between England and France. It is a popular destination known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and unique culture. Here are the top 10 things to do in Jersey:

1. Visit Mont Orgueil Castle

One of the most iconic landmarks in Jersey, Mont Orgueil Castle is a 13th-century fortress that has played a significant role in the island's history. Visitors can explore the castle's many rooms, towers, and secret passageways, as well as enjoy the breathtaking views from its ramparts.

2. Relax on the Beaches

Jersey is known for its beautiful beaches, with over 50 miles of coastline to explore. Some of the most popular beaches include St. Brelade's Bay, Plemont Beach, and Beauport Bay. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and take part in a variety of water sports.

3. Explore the Jersey War Tunnels

The Jersey War Tunnels are an underground network of tunnels that were built during World War II by the German occupying forces. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the history of the tunnels and the island's experience during the war.

4. Visit the Jersey Zoo

The Jersey Zoo, also known as the Durrell Wildlife Park, is a conservation center that is home to a variety of endangered species from around the world. Visitors can see animals such as gorillas, lemurs, and orangutans and learn about the zoo's efforts to protect endangered species.

5. Take a Coastal Walk

Jersey's stunning coastline is best explored on foot. Visitors can take a walk along the cliff paths, which offer stunning views of the sea and the island's rugged terrain. There are also several guided walks available, such as the Jersey Coastal Walk.

6. Discover the Island's Heritage

Jersey has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period. Visitors can explore the island's heritage by visiting sites such as La Hougue Bie, a prehistoric burial mound, and the Jersey Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases the island's history and culture.

7. Go Shopping

Jersey's main town, St. Helier, is a popular shopping destination. Visitors can explore its many shops and boutiques, which offer everything from local crafts and souvenirs to high-end fashion and jewelry.

8. Visit the Elizabeth Castle

Located on a small island in St. Aubin's Bay, Elizabeth Castle is a 16th-century fortress that has played a significant role in Jersey's history. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the castle's history and its use as a military stronghold.

9. Take a Sea Safari

Visitors can take a sea safari to explore the island's coastline and see its wildlife up close. Trips are available from St. Brelade's Bay and can include a variety of activities such as seal and dolphin watching, snorkeling, and kayaking.

10. Taste the Local Cuisine

Jersey is known for its unique cuisine, which combines French and English influences with fresh local ingredients. Visitors can try local specialties such as Jersey royals (potatoes), seafood, and Jersey cream. There are also several food festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Tennerfest, which showcases the island's best cuisine.

Jersey has a mild and temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers. Here is a breakdown of the climate and the best time to visit Jersey:

Climate

• Mild and temperate maritime climate
• Average temperatures range from 6°C (43°F) in winter to 21°C (70°F) in summer
• Rainfall is spread evenly throughout the year

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Jersey is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the island is alive with events and activities. The sea is also warm enough for swimming, making it the perfect time for beach lovers. However, it is also the peak tourist season, so visitors should expect crowds and higher prices. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are also good times to visit, with fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and lower prices. Winter (December to February) can be cold and wet, but it is an excellent time for budget travelers and those who enjoy outdoor activities such as walking and birdwatching. The island is also festive during the holiday season, with Christmas markets and events.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

• A wide range of hotels to choose from, from luxury to budget-friendly
• Many hotels are located near the beach, with sea views
• Some hotels offer spa facilities and other amenities

Guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts

A more affordable option than hotels, many guesthouses and B&Bs are located in charming old buildings and offer a more intimate and authentic experience

Self-Catering Accommodation

• Fully furnished apartments, cottages, and houses for rent
• A good option for families and those who prefer to have their own space and privacy
• Some properties come with outdoor spaces, such as gardens or terraces

Camping and Glamping

• Jersey has several campsites and glamping options, such as yurts and pods
• A good option for budget travelers and those who enjoy outdoor activities
• Some campsites are located near the beach or in scenic areas

Hostels

There are a few hostels in Jersey, offering dormitory-style accommodation for budget travelers. Some hostels also offer private rooms and en-suite bathrooms

Luxury Accommodation

Jersey has several high-end hotels and resorts, offering luxury amenities and services, such as spas, private beaches, and fine dining restaurants. Some luxury hotels also offer activities and excursions, such as helicopter rides and boat tours.

Bus

Jersey has a comprehensive public bus network that covers most of the island. The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and tickets can be purchased on board or through a mobile app.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Jersey and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. There are also several taxi companies that operate on the island.

Car Rental

Several car rental companies operate in Jersey, offering a variety of vehicles to suit different budgets and needs. Visitors can rent a car at the airport or in town.

Bicycle Rental

Bicycles are a popular way to explore Jersey, and there are several bike rental companies on the island. Visitors can rent bikes by the hour or for several days and explore the island's many cycle paths.

Walking

Jersey is a small island, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the island's charming streets, coastal paths, and countryside.

Private Boat

Visitors can also explore Jersey's coastline and nearby islands by private boat. Several boat rental companies operate on the island, offering a variety of vessels, from motorboats to yachts.

Helicopter

For a unique and exciting way to explore Jersey, visitors can take a helicopter tour of the island. Several companies offer helicopter rides that provide a bird's eye view of the island's stunning scenery.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.