Top Jamaica hotels
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I wish, I could have interacted with more of the people and soaked up more of the culture than just being stuck in a resort, I am a hands on kind of person and I enjoy learing the ways of the other people along with their lives. Being tied into a resort keeps you safe and thats always good but I wanted to seek more of the people and culture. Dunns River Falls was for sure the greatest experiece by far and the crazy horse from Prospect Plantation.
Hello Daisy ,I was in Negril for 4 months over the winter & purchased a scooter to tour around on. Contrary to what was posted earlier, I would have to somewhat disagree. I would assume that you would be using it for day trips in which case you just take your time (your on vacation) the local people are very helpfull with directions and you should not be afraid to stop and ask , especially the small buisnesses these people will help. There are however many large potholes on all of the roads (thats why u take your time) if someone wants to pass , let them, who cares. Night driving can be a challange in the country so I always tried to get back to my base by dark though. Places like Negril are well lit so you can drive all over at night without any problems ( sometimes you just have too much fun to leave a rest. earlie) As mentioned they do drive on the left, a little freaky but just keep...
Although US dollars are widely accepted in most places frequented by tourists, it's worth getting a small amount changed into Jamaican currency. You'll need this if you want to buy anything in local shops, such as the ubiquitous drink shacks where sodas and beers are such great value. And even in the tourist places you'll find prices a little lower if you can pay in Jamaican dollars rather than US ones.When we were there the exchange rate was 65 Jamaican dollars to US$1, so you can see that this fifty dollar bill is worth only about 80 cents.If you don't want to bother changing money you can still do as we did and save the Jamaican dollars you'll be given as change in some places to use as payment in local bars and shops.
Jamaica is a green and fertile island, and we saw many of the fruit and vegetables that we enjoyed at mealtimes growing beside the road as we explored. These included the bright red ackee fruits, which are only safe to eat when they have split to reveal the creamy yellow flesh inside; bananas; coconut and date palms; lemons; pineapple; calabash (used for crafts e.g. bowls, not to eat) and of course the famous Blue Mountain coffee.In the gardens of Peter Tosh’s mausoleum in the south west of the island we were shown a more notorious crop, but one which is closely associated with Jamaican culture: cannabis.
The national bird of Jamaica is the delightful Doctor Bird or Streamertail. The reason for the second name is obvious as soon as you look at one, but why the first? We were told by our hosts at the Blue House that in the past doctors on the island wore very formal suits, with coat-tails, very much like the long tail feathers that trail behind this little hummingbird. Another popular name for the bird is swallowtail, and again you can see why.You’ll see many depictions of the Doctor Bird in Jamaica – a stylised image is used on the tail fins of Air Jamaica’s planes, and many other companies use it in advertising. But none of these images come close to the beauty of the real thing, with its iridescent colours and darting movements. One of my favourite times of day at the Blue House was the early morning, when I would sit out on the terrace with a cup of Darryl’s strong coffee, grateful to...
It seems that no matter how poor or humble the building, Jamaicans will find a way of making it look better, usually with brightly coloured paint and eye-catching slogans. My favourite of those we managed to stop and photograph was this drinks stand at the top of Fern Gully just outside Ocho Rios (look for it on the west side of the road if you’re in the vicinity). My other photos show a small roadside shop not far from Black River, a barbershop in Negril town, and a snack bar on Negril’s West End Road.
Even in February, which is reckoned to be the driest month, we experienced some rain, and with the rain in Jamaica you get the benefit of lush green countryside throughout the island. The Blue Mountains are well-known and rightly so – we loved the afternoon we spent here, with a tropical downpour adding atmosphere and dramatic views of Kingston below us. But there is plenty of lovely scenery to enjoy elsewhere too, like the green hills around Nine Mile, where Bob Marley was born and is now buried (photo 2) and Bog Walk Gorge on the road between Kingston and Ocho Rios. One sight that struck me as very typical of the countryside here, and which will stay with me as a memory, is that of the smoke rising from all the small fires the locals build to burn their rubbish. That may not sound very picturesque or romantic, but the wisps of smoke lend atmosphere to the views and give photos more...
I found them to be very reliable and timely. Their rates for airport transfer is most reasonable. The buses they used were comfortable. They also offer tours as well and service the entire island. http://www.clivestransportservicejamaica.com/
Duncan FallsCheck to see how long the bus ride is (not how far/distance) from the airport to your resort. We got off the plane at 2:00 pm and did not arrive at Breezes Runaway Bay until 6:00 pm! We were made to wait on a hot bus for over an hour, then a slow ride, then a stop at a spot clearly just to hustle extra American dollars (small Red Stripe Beer $3.50), then more slow, hot ride to the resort.Do not buy Cuban cigars at the airport, customs will not allow you in the US with them.Do not exect to purchase items at a reduced cost at resorts or the airport.Be careful not to eat anything not cooked (like salad) except at the resorts (we got sick from salad eaten at the airport, which made for a miserable flight home.) The water was beautiful, but so disappointed with the small beaches at the resort.
Jamaica is a beautiful, beautiful, country! If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, DO NOT SPEND EVERYDAY AT THE RESORT! Get out and meet the locals! They give great advice on nightlife, events, food, attractions, taxis, etc! They were all very friendly and helpful! We met people on the resort that always took us out and showed us around as well! I would say be cautious of course, but no more cautious than you should be anywhere esle! EVERYTHING!!
Blue Cave Castle Negril
5 Reviews and 132 Opinions One of the most beautiful spots on the cliffs, Blue Cave Castle actually has its own cave, making it...
Couples Tower Isle Ocho Rios Ocho Rios
7 Reviews and 1157 Opinions We got married on the beach at the all inclusive Couples Tower Island on 10/2/10. I cannot say...
Round Hill Hotel & Villas Montego Bay
9 Reviews and 343 Opinions I got to stay one night (only one night boo!). We arrived at night and left after breakfast. I did...
Reviews and photos of Jamaica attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Jamaica sightseeing.
More Regions in Jamaica
Q: We will be stopping at Ocho Rios for one day this January on a Carnival cruise. Do you guys have any ideas for using this short...
A: Well, you can do the touristy things like Duns Falls http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/3e837/19dc08/ and swim with dolphins in pools or sit on the beach and if you can...
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