Crystal clear, warm waters, honey-colored sunsets, heady breezes, powdery sands, delicious food and friendly people…Jamaica is a paradise, and has a lot to offer for a
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When should you visit?
The best time to visit Jamaica is from October to mid-December, before the winter holiday season gets into full swing, During this time, temperatures are pleasant, in the 70s and 80s, and it’s fairly easy to find flight and hotel deals. There are usually very inexpensive travel deals available during the summer months, if you’re on a budget, but you risk venturing into sweltering temperatures and hurricane season if you decide to go during this time. On the whole though, Jamaica’s climate is lovely year-round, so anytime is a good time to visit!
Flights
If you’re headed to Kingston, the capital, then the Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) is the best airport to fly into. American, Delta, JetBlue and United offer some of the best domestic fares to this city. International airlines like Lufthansa, British Airways and Emirates also offer regular flights. Once you get there, the average cost of a taxi to New Kingston is $30 to $35.
If your destination is Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay (Mo’Bay), the South Coast, or Runaway Bay, Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ) should be your airport of choice. Taxi fare to Montego Bay is $10-$20, to Negril $100, and to Treasure Beach $120. Once you arrive, the best way to get around is by train, bus, or route taxi. Car rentals are available, but not recommended because rural areas are crowded and, as a former British colony, motorists drive on the left, so it can be a bit tricky to navigate the roads there.
Where should you visit on the island?
Jamaica has a little something for everyone. If you want more of an urban environment, Kingston is the spot for you. Nestled between the Blue Mountains and the seventh-largest natural harbor in the world, it has all the noise and traffic you seek from a city. This culturally rich environment is the pulse of the island and is a city of contrasts. Its’ downtown area is rife with historical buildings, street markets, banks and the Kingston Museum, one of the Caribbean’s most noteworthy art museums. However, to the west of one of the bayside parks are the ghettos of Tivoli Gardens and Trench Town, where running water is scarce and the atmosphere is a little dicey. Downtown is a little rough around the edges, but charming and worth a visit if you want to get an idea of “authentic” Jamaica. In contrast, Uptown has a little more cosmopolitan flair. Some of the best hotels and eateries can be found in the New Kingston area of Uptown, as well as the Bob Marley Museum and Emancipation Park. If you decide to stay in this area, stay at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. This world-class hotel offers a top-rated restaurant, business and meeting facilities, and a spa. It’s also located in the hub of everything, so you’ll be close to nightlife entertainment, major business and attractions. If you decide to go sightseeing, be sure to go out into the foothills, where you’ll see some of the most exclusive neighborhoods on the island.
If you’re seeking adventure, but don’t want to be in a city, head to Ocho Rios. This tiny bay, dubbed “Ochi” by locals, offers everything from ziplining to dog sledding. The best hotel for your stay is Sandals Ochi. This luxurious locale, which rests on a hillside, has stunning landscaping and overlooks the Caribbean Ocean. It’s the true definition of “lush.”
If you want to relax, head to Montego Bay. There are plenty of activities here, too, like tubing or climbing the Dunn’s River Falls. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica, including the five-mile-long Doctor’s Cave Beach. If you want to lay out and soak up the sun’s ray, look no further than this beach. The Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa is the best accommodation for your stay here. Located on an 18th century sugar plantation, this premiere hotel has the illustrious Soothe spa, a private beach, Jamaica’s largest water park, nightly entertainment, and the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course. Heaven on earth.
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