Destination Spotlight: Jamaica
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Next up on my destination spotlight series is Jamaica. Everything is "all right" on this island paradise and the theme of every vacation here is to relax to the max. This beautiful Caribbean island is located south of Cuba and can be reached in just under 4 hours on a non-stop flight out of St. Louis. It's the third largest and third most popular island in the Caribbean. Locals here are English-speaking, although it may sound a little different to you and I. They speak Patois (pronounced patwa), which is based on a combination of English, Spanish and French.
Jamaica has a tropical climate, with temperatures averaging between 73 to 89 degrees. Their average temperatures are among the highest in the Caribbean and stay that way most of the year. When is the best time to visit? Here are some things to note...
- January-March: peak travel season, great weather, lowest chance of rainfall.
- April-June: can be a little rainy, crowds increase during spring break.
- July-October: flights & room rates are usually lowest, but it is located in the hurricane belt, so you will likely see lots of rain and even hurricanes during these months. Decreased tourism and increased rain showers cause many key attractions & hotels to close.
- November-December: hurricane season has tapered off, great weather, crowds pick up during Christmas break.
Jamaica has three major tourist destination cities. Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril.
Montego Bay is located on the northwestern coast of Jamaica. It is the second largest city on the island and top resort destination. It offers many upscale and all-inclusive resorts, as well as plenty of beaches, outdoor activities, dining and entertainment options.
Ocho Rios is located on the north-central coast of Jamaica. It's particularly famous for it's waterfalls (600 foot high Dunn's River Falls) and amazing beaches. You can also swim with dolphins at Dolphin's Cove, hike to the Blue Hole or go zip-lining or bobsledding at Mystic Mountain.
Negril is located on the western edge of Jamaica. It is a resort town with a carefree, easygoing attitude. Many beaches here are clothing optional and frequented by the party crowd. You can walk on the white sands along Seven Mile Beach or go along the coastline to Rick's Cafe, where you can watch cliff divers and the amazing sunset.
Besides it being one of the best destination wedding and honeymoon spots, there are plenty of activities for everyone.
While visiting Jamaica, you should also try the local cuisine. Their national dish, Ackee & saltfish, is considered a must try. There is also bammy, which is usually eaten at breakfast and tastes similar to cornbread. The most popular Jamaican cuisine is their jerk chicken, pork, beef or conch.
No matter where you visit in Jamaica, one thing is certain, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful beaches will be "no problem, mon".
