Jamaica

Trip preparation

Jamaica is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea about 90 miles south of Cuba.

General

Airports and car rental There are 3 international airports on the island. The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) is less than 20 minutes away from the capital, Kingston. There is an airport shuttle and local bus services that connects the airport with the city. The Ian Flemming International airport in Boscobel, is however the largest of the 3. The final airport is in the tourist resort of Montego Bay.

Language

Although most residents speak English as their first language, their accent is often very characteristic of the island and is very different to British or American English.

Currency

The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar however you will struggle to find places where the US dollar is not accepted.

Best travel time

Jamaica has a tropical climate, with a wet season from May to November, which brings heavy showers especially in May. The average temperature throughout the year is 31 degrees. The island is a year round tourist destination.

Visa requirements

No visa is required by US or European citizens to visit the Island. Just ensure you have a passport that lasts for the duration of your trip.

History

The indigenous population of the island were called the Arawakan, they gave the island the name Arawakan, which mean the “land of wood and water”. Christopher Columbus landed on the Island at Discovery bay in 1492. The island became a British colony in 1655, and evidence of this still remains. To this day it remains a commonwealth state under the British Queen.

Traditions and Culture

The small island has a worldwide reputation for being relaxed. One of the most famous symbols of the island is the reggae music that originated here. With the internationally renowned Bob Marley being the most famous star to champion his style of music. More recently many other different types of music have come out of the island, and all were influenced in some way by reggae. The people of the island are also very relaxed and are often open to discussing any type of topic.

Religion

Christianity is the main religion on the island.

By bus

The roads are the main way to get around, however taxis are reasonable as is car hire. The railways are no longer as important as they previously were with cars taking president.

Sights

Places worth visiting in the city include the Hope Botanical gardens and William Grant Park. Or if you want to see evidence of the city’s colonial past, take a walk along the parade at Ocean Boulevard in Kingston or visit the Coke Memorial hall. Visit the Blue Mountains , where you can visit the coffee plantations. It is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The small fishing village of Port Royal is worth visiting for evidence of the Islands past. The beaches of Jamaica are its main attraction to tourists. Many good beaches are located around the tourist areas of Montego Bay Events

Food

The cuisine of Jamaica can be an acquired taste. Dishes are heavily spiced. Jerk seasoning is typically how meat is flavored. Dishes like goat soup and goat curry are popular with locals. Ackee is one of the stable foods of the island. Although it looks like scrambled eggs, it is actually a fruit and is worth a try.