Relax in Paradise

 

Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Jamaica is home to some of the top-ranked beaches in the Caribbean. The island exudes an atmosphere of calm - an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Luckily, traveling from most major countries to this natural paradise is easy.

Jamaica gave birth to the "all-inclusive" resorts which now dominate the Caribbean. Staying at an "all-inclusive" can make your tropical vacation even more relaxing. You'll pay one fee for a variety of amenities, so there's no need to count dollars and dimes - or pounds and pence!

The easy going nature of all-inclusives stems from the motto, "No worries," which seems to sum up Jamaican culture as a whole. Jamaica's beautiful inland and coastal landscapes, and relaxed, optimistic attitude, make for a great vacation in Mother Nature's hand-crafted paradise.

For more information about everything that the island has to offer, visit our detailed guide to Jamaica vacations, or check out the official Visit Jamaica website.

Getting There

Jamaica has two international airports, Norman Manley International in Kingston and Sangster International in Montego Bay. Business travelers normally fly into Norman Manley International, while Sangster is the typical choice for vacationers.

Both airports have constant incoming and outgoing international flights via many large airlines, including Air Jamaica, Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Martinair, Northwest Airlines, US Airways, and others.

Entry Requirements

For entry into Jamaica, U.S. and Canadian visitors need a valid passport. A return or ongoing ticket is a strict necessity for all visitors.

Climate

The climate of Jamaica is truly the epitome of Caribbean tropical, with 51.4 inches of annual rainfall. January temperatures range from a low of 72 to a high of 82, while July temperatures range from 77 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, making the weather consistently pleasant.  

Geography

Jamaica contains a variety of the most breathtaking geographical formations found in the Caribbean, from beaches and waterfalls to rivers and caves. The island is also home to the Blue Mountains, which consist of the Central and Port Royal ranges. The Central range is home to Jamaica's highest point at 7,400 feet above sea level.

Health and Safety

The water in Jamaica is usually safe to drink; most potable water is filtered and treated. As is the case in most Caribbean islands, however, bottled water is also widely available at many hotels and restaurants.

The Jamaican government stresses that you are more likely to be mugged in New York City than in Montego Bay. However, the U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories about crime rates in Kingston in the recent past, so it is advisable to check on the current status of those advisories. Petty crimes can be a problem throughout the island, but major resorts have grounds security to alleviate the problem.

People

Jamaica's local population welcomes tourists, as tourism plays a crucial role in the economic well-being of this Caribbean island. Seventy percent of visitors come from the U.S., and are joined by visitors on "holiday" from the U.K. and "les vacances" from France. Jamaica is also particularly popular with "winter birds" escaping Canada's frosty air for the tropical warmth of the island.

In public areas, local residents offering various services and merchandise (both legal and illegal), or requesting "spare change," sometimes pester visitors. Usually, a stern "No, thank you" is enough to send them away and discourage others. For the most part, however, Jamaicans are friendly and respectful of their international counterparts, especially in the more tourist-driven areas.

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Caribbean Weather

Preparing for your trip means becoming acquainted with the weather you'll encounter in the Caribbean. Click here for details.