Geographically, Jamaica is an island of intense color and contrast with
tropical beaches and arid plains set among misty blue mountains. Socially, the same contrasts
endure as British ex patriots mingle with spiritually expressive Rastafarians. Jamaica is one of
the most dynamic nations in the Caribbean, which can make it both daunting and endearing to
travelers.
The most notable travel fact about Jamaica is that it is the birthplace of the modern
all-inclusive resort. The north coast of the island, particularly in the area of Negril and Seven
Mile Beach, is lined with all-inclusive mega resorts that charge one price at the door to take care
of all of your vacation needs, from your accommodations to meals to every imaginable recreational
activity, all within a gated, guarded complex, safely sheltered from the outside world. From the
colorful family-friendly getaways of the Franklin D. Resort to the racy pleasures of the
adults-only Hedonism resorts, there's an all-inclusive to suit your needs. There is also a
congregation of mega resorts around Montego Bay. They may not offer as much for one flat price, but
you can still enjoy an entire vacation without ever leaving the guarded grounds of the resort.
For some people, this is the ideal Jamaican vacation, and all-inclusive has its merits.
Everything is provided and at your disposal whenever you want it. The environment is secure and
safe, making for a worry-free getaway. However, for those who vacation to see new places and new
cultures, there is an experience unlike any other in the world waiting outside the resort
gates.
The island of Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. A land mass of 4,400 square
miles, it's just a little smaller than the state of Connecticut and offers plenty to do for the
nature lover. The Beaches of the north coast are ranked some of the best in the islands, and
offshore the island is surrounded by remarkable diving and snorkeling opportunities. In the
southwestern part of the island, you'll find semi-arid coastal plains where sugarcane is grown. In
the middle of the island, rising to an altitude of 7,402 feet, are the Blue Mountains, where the
world famous Blue Mountain coffee is grown. Here, there are rivers for rafting, trails for hiking
and of course, gorgeous scenery.
Many traveling to the Caribbean looking for sunbathing opportunities are invariably drawn to the
island beaches, but some of Jamaica's prime bathing spots are in the tropical rock pools, many at
the bases of waterfalls, to be found along the inland rivers and streams. Here, you can relax in
the cool, clear water dappled in sunlight while enjoying the scenery and listening to the sounds of
the surrounding jungle. However, Jamaica is also more densely populated than many other islands, so
if you're looking for that quiet sensation of complete seclusion, it will be a little harder to
find here.
The natural beauty of Jamaica is unquestionable, but the feature of the land that most sets this
island apart from the rest of the Caribbean is its people. More than 2.5 million people call
Jamaica their home. The people of Jamaica are a strong-minded and vibrant people, passionate about
social and political issues and outspoken about their opinions, yet warm and fun-loving at heart.
They share a spirituality that stands in contrast to the hedonistic lifestyles of some of the
upscale resorts, and they have a unique culture with intoxicating music, colorful dress and
tantalizing cuisine that is all their own. The streets of the cities are alive with a range of
sights, smells and sounds that you won't find anywhere else.
While Jamaica remains a bastion of strength and character, it is not always the paradise
promised by resort brochures. Once outside the gates of the all-inclusive, tourists exploring the
island on their own should heed proper precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Approximately 35 percent of the population lives below poverty level. Many of these people, living
outside the large cities, do not have access to proper garbage disposal, so they usually pile it
and burn it themselves in their yards or in a hole in the ground. While this does not pose a danger
to tourists, it can be disturbing to some to encounter such images of poverty, making for an
unpleasant trip to the countryside.
If you love to shop and bargain for prices, the island street markets will be an unforgettable
experience. They are loud, crowded, colorful and lively, with countless merchants selling every
imaginable product. There will likely be street performers on the corner, calypso bands playing to
the crowd and a gamut of tantalizing sounds and smells to draw your attention. However, Jamaican
vendors can be notoriously aggressive and will rarely take no for an answer, so be prepared to be
firm. For those not prepared to engage in these kinds of social interactions, a trip through the
market might not be pleasant.
Crime rates in Jamaica are known to be high, particularly in and around the city of Kingston.
There are some areas of the island that tourists should avoid at night and other areas that should
be avoided all the time, but as long as you educate yourself and pay attention, they aren't hard to
stay out of. While violent crime is on the rise in inner city areas, most of the crime against
tourists that occurs on the island is petty theft and pickpocketing. The most important thing to
remember is to keep a close watch on your possessions at all times. Always keep cars locked; make
use of your in-room safe; and don't leave any valuables in plain sight, even in a locked car. In the
end, visiting the island of Jamaica is no different than visiting New York, Chicago, Miami or any
large city because common sense should always guide you away from uncomfortable situations. For
more information on crime in Jamaica and how to avoid it, see the article on crime in the "
Travel Basics" section.
The climate of Jamaica is an important consideration when deciding to visit as well, and that
doesn't just pertain to weather. Although the higher altitudes can get quite cool in the mornings
and evenings in the winter, the weather patterns of Jamaica are remarkably mild and temperate. More
important to consider is the social climate at the time you visit. Jamaicans are extremely
passionate about their politics, and the social environment in the more densely populated areas can
become quite heated in the headlights of an upcoming election or other significant socioeconomic
event. But don't be shy, on the other hand, island-wide events like the annual Junkanoo Festival can
bring Jamaica to a fever-pitch of music and dancing that is a sight to see.
There are many faces of Jamaica, many more than can be seen in one visit to the island. Despite
the risks, 1.2 million visitors come here every year, many of them on return visits, to bask in the
sun, dive in crystal clear waters, hike through misty mountains or talk down prices at the market.
Once you're here and you've dined on jerk meats and conch fritters, washed them down with Red
Stripe beer and danced to reggae or calypso until the sun comes up, you'll find there's no place on
earth quite like the island of Jamaica. If you want to surround yourself with breathtaking natural
beauty and vibrant people, Jamaica provides both with bravado. So read up on the risks, educate
yourself on the proper precautions and take the trip of a lifetime.
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