Jamaica is the 3rd largest island in the Caribbean, with its largest and capital city in Kingston. The peak travel time to visit Jamaica is during the months of October to December which is the dry season which marks one of the climate season in Jamaica, - the other being the wet season, - and when the weather is more pleasant and hotel deals are a lot easier to find. The Jamaican culture is a mix of ethnically diverse people, rich cultural values, different religions and delicious foods. Jamaica is a multi ethnic country of Africans, Europeans, Chinese, East Indians, and Lebanese. The most widely practiced religion is Christianity followed by the Rastafari religion and other minority religions of Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. Most popular foods eaten here include jerk, seafood, cow foot stew, goat's head soup, plantains, rice and peas. The official language is English while the locals majorly speak Jamaican Patois or Patwa, an English-based creole language with West African influences. Though a small culture, Jamaica's vibrant culture is influenced by both folk dance and reggae music.
There are two main airports in Jamaica, the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and the Norman Manley Airport in Kingston, with 1.7 million visitors yearly. Hiring a car or scooter is the best way to explore the country. There are other alternatives of public transportation like taxis, minibuses, public buses or motorbikes. Crime is on an increase in the cities of Jamaica, and tourists are more prone to petty theft. It is advised to stay away from the inner city areas of Kingston and New Kingston and avoid wandering around alone at night in Ochos Rios, Montego Bay and Negril. Walking around after dark is not a good option, you should do so only in the safety of numbers.
Jamaica is one of the most iconic travel destination in the Caribbean. A unique island which is home to intriguing history and fascinating landscape that ranges from tropical rainforest and soaring mountains to rolling meadowland and dramatic coastlines. If you venture into the city of Montego Bay, you will find the best beaches edged by flowering trees and palm-dotted hills, long stretches of rolling meadowland, bustling shops and amazing restaurants. While you are there, you can attend the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival and the Reggae Sumfest. The city of Kingston, it's vibrant capital and commercial hub offers an upbeat nightlife, top notch dining choice and a variety of historical and cultural attractions. You can attend the Bob Marley Week Festival whenever you are in Kingston. Negril is famed for white sandy beaches and perfect options for swimming and snorkelling, the Bob Marley Birthday Bash is a also a must see.
Jamaica is for the ones with a heart for adventure and free spirited living. There are intriguing places of interest to see and explore across Jamaica. Some of the most fascinating attractions to visit in Jamaica include:
Dunn’s River Falls, a dramatic a 600-foot cascading waterfall which can be climbed by foot and which isn't far from where Columbus first landed more than 500 years ago.
Nine Miles where you can take a tour of the birthplace of reggae legend Bob Marley and the site of his mausoleum.
Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park which offers a breathtaking scenery. You can explore the jungle-clad mountains; waterfalls; lush rainforests; coffee plantations; and exotic plants and animals, including 800 species of endemic plants, more than 200 species of birds, and the world's second largest butterfly.
Mystic Mountain, a rainforest where you can enjoy panoramic views of the town and sea on the Sky Explorer, a chairlift ascending the mountain. If you are looking for more adventure, you can zoom down the mountain on Bobsled Jamaica, a single-person roller coaster ride through the forest, or glide through the treetops on ziplines. Other jaw dropping attractions here include guided nature walks, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, and an infinity pool and waterslide.
Rose Hall Great House where you can get a spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. A visit to the great house includes a tour of the building and Annie Palmer’s tomb. Visitors are also welcomed to shop at the gift shops and snack counters.
There are over 10,000 hotels and apartments to stay in Jamaica so you will be spoiled for choice especially when in Montego Bay.
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