The sound of Reggae, the feeling of the white sand beaches between your toes, bikini-clad days and tank-top nights – it’s no wonder millions of tourists continue to book flights to Jamaica every year. Jamaica is truly a Caribbean paradise. The third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica has a lot to offer its visitors. It’s home to the Blue Mountains and the locally grown Ackee – a poisonous fruit until it’s burst open, cooked and used as a vegetable. It’s not uncommon for tourists booking flights to Jamaica to come across some island’s alternative beliefs. Some Jamaicans still regard ganja (otherwise known as marijuana) as a sacred plant and believe in its healing power.
Jamaica’s economy thrives on agriculture, mining, manufacturing, finance and of course, tourism. There are some “beware” factors that visitors booking Jamaica flights and hotels should be aware of namely, Jamaica remains an island of widespread crime. Tourists are advised to be aware of their surroundings, and not head off the beaten path. Still, the 2.5 million people who call Jamaica home welcome tourists will open arms. Grab a rum punch or skyjuice (crushed ice with flavored syrup) and head to the beach for a relaxing vacation.
Whether the trip takes you to a remote hut or one of Jamaica’s lavish resorts, there’s much to see and do on this island. Or, just sit back and relax. After all, you’re in Jamaica, Mon.
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An annual average temperature of 81 degrees Fahrenheit makes Jamaica a year-round vacation island. Winters are warm with cool trade winds, cool evenings, and the least amount of rain. Summer is considerably hotter and September and October can be very humid. September is the peak month for hurricanes, although they rarely hit Jamaica.Temperatures don’t get quite as high in the upper mountains, which get about 300 inches of rain a year. The western coast gets about 30 inches of rain a year. The south coast and Kingston have moderate rain throughout the year with a bit more in summer than in winter.
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Peak Season:
Mid-December through mid-April is the peak season for visitors and when Jamaica flight and hotel rates are at their highest. Reservations need to be made a couple months in advance. This season is especially busy at Carnival, which is March and April in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios, and May in Negril. Montego Bay is also busy with the Air Jamaica’s Jazz and Blues Festival in January.
Off Season:
Mid-April to mid-December sees rates cut by 20 to 60 percent. However, it does get busy around the Reggae Sumfest, usually in late July or early August, and the Marlin Tournament every October in Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. It's easy to find cheap flights to Jamaica during the off-season, but make sure to plan ahead as some resorts on the island might have limited offerings.
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Driving isn’t so much a problem as is the cost of renting a car and buying gas — both can be prohibitive. Jamaicans drive on the left, road conditions range from excellent to terrible, and local drivers can be quite erratic, aggressive, and boisterous. The Jamaica Tourist Board’s Discover Jamaica road map is considered one of the best maps of the island.
For short distances, taxis are a reasonable option as is hiring a private driver and car for the day. Renting mopeds and motorcycles is another popular form of transport. Buses and minibuses go everywhere, are inexpensive, and a fun way to meet Jamaicans.
For longer distances, domestic Jamaica flights are reasonably priced and airports convenient to different parts of the island, particularly the resorts.
The following chart gives approximate travel times from Montego Bay (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Jamaica.
| | Air | Road |
|---|
| Kingston | 0.30 | 3.00 |
|---|
| Negril | 0.20 | 1.30 |
|---|
| Ocho Rios | 0.30 | 2.00 |
|---|
| Port Antonio | 0.40 | 4.30 |
|---|
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- Kingston has the best of local art, theater, and dance, and it is said that Reggae was born here. The nightlife is sophisticated and sizzling, and the city has excellent festivals, museums, galleries, historic buildings, and, of course, beaches. Crime is a serious problem in Kingston; exercise common sense, don’t walk around at night, and use only licensed taxis or hotel-recommended transportation.
- Montego Bay (MoBay) is Jamaica’s busiest cruise pier and first choice for visitors. The ten-mile shoreline is fronted with coral reefs and blue lagoons and backed with lush green hills. The main tourist area, Gloucester Avenue, sees lots of visitors, shoppers, and hustlers. Active in tourism since 1924, MoBay attractions include bird watching, golfing, music festivals, and historic houses.
- Popular with American hippies in the 1970s, Negril remains free-spirited and best known for its overtly risqué resorts, seven miles of pristine beach, water sport facilities, music, discos and clubs, and best sunsets on the island. A fast-growing resort area, Negril is still laid back with prude and nude beaches, a relaxed interaction between tourists and locals, and tropical charm.
- The first Jamaican town specifically developed as a resort, Ocho Rios (Ochi) is dedicated to fun, sun, and tourists. There’s lots of shopping, bars, and visitor-oriented restaurants. For a day off from the beach, try a follow-the-leader climb up Dunn’s River Falls or a visit to Prospect Plantation, Cranbrook Flower Forest, Green Grotto Caves, Fern Gully, or Bob Marley’s former home.
- The quiet haven of Port Antonio has some of the finest beaches in Jamaica, excellent deep-sea fishing, and several of the most expensive yachts sailing the Caribbean. Port Antonio is the greenest parish in Jamaica, known for its many rivers and waterfalls. Long a favorite hideaway haven of celebrities, it’s also a retreat for eco tourists and European travelers.
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All visitors must hold sufficient funds to cover period of intended stay, as well as an additional destination ticket or return ticket to country of permanent residence and documents required for next destination.
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United States citizens must have a valid passport. An original Birth Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization, along with an official photo ID, are also accepted if the reason for travel is tourism. No visa is required if travel is for tourism (up to a stay of six months). If traveling on business, a passport and visa are required.
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