Jamaica Vacations

There can be never a dull moment on a Jamaican vacation. Known as the land of wood and water, where the unofficial motto is "No Problem Man", it's just a fantastic choice. Situated in the northwestern Caribbean region it is in close proximity to North America.

With two major international airports, the island is easily accessible. Whatever the preferences are there is something special for everyone. This small country has been a premier vacation paradise for quite sometime with the Jamaica Tourist Board continuous efforts to perfect the trade.

With a coastline of 635miles or 1022km there is always a beach very close to you. Known as the land of wood and water, Jamaica has over 120 rivers. These rivers formed some of the most majestic waterfalls anywhere in this region. If you like kayaking or river tubing, then why not make it a Jamaica vacation.

The island is quite mountainous with over 50% of its terrain hovers 300ft above sea level. For the ones who enjoy canopying, feeling the adrenalin rush zipping across the beautiful mountains while overlooking the magnificent Caribbean Sea is more than a treat.

Jamaica has 12 golf courses across the island making golf vacation just a click away. These courses are fit for professionals and also for who would just like to try a hand at it. Just the thought of golfing on a beautiful Jamaican golf course sipping on a red stripe beer while enjoying the gentle Caribbean breeze is truly a treat.

A Jamaican vacation is full of fun activities suited for everyone. From interacting with the dolphins, which is a wonderful treat for the complete family, to snorkeling, there is something for everyone. From horseback riding to cliff diving or just plain fun in the sun, we have all to offer.

For the ecotourism inclined Port Antonio Jamaica is just the place for you. Nested just next to the Blue Mountains, which peaks at 7,400 ft, this area is rich in biodiversity. Port Antonio is naturally beautiful and leading the way in greenness.

If the popular areas such as Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Port Antonio don't appeal to you then there is the other side of Jamaica. The south coast of Jamaica is just as beautiful as any of the other areas. In fact this area is gaining traction as a holiday destination and the good thing is that it is still in its pristine state.

Why not make your next trip a Jamaican vacation, a place where the sun keeps shining and reggae music keeps jamming. The country where the cuisine is as good as or better than anywhere else complimented by the world renown Blue Mountain Coffee. Where the mountains are high and valleys are low, the beaches are pristine and the waterfalls are majestic. Once you go you know.

Stevert Mckenzie, Travel Enthusiast. http://www.bestjamaica.com

The Jamaica Currency

If you are planning a trip to Jamaica then somehow you may have thoughts about the type of currency that is used there. You may have also asked yourself about credit and debit cards along with traveler's cheques. Well, rest assure because Jamaica is a premium vacation destination and the country has ensured that collecting money is made easy. In fact this is one of the principal laws of sales; making it as easy as possible for clients to pay for goods and services.

The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is the official currency of the island. It is supposedly illegal to use other currencies on the island without first converting them to JMD, however this law is lax. Businesses that cater to the tourism industry usually priced items in both local and US currencies while accepting all major foreign currencies.

There are many bureau de exchanges on the island. They are called Cambio which is a Latin word for exchange. These Jamaican Cambios are scattered densely all over the island starting at the airports. You can also find them in the banks, plazas and shopping centers. There is no need to rush into changing your home currency before getting to Jamaica. In fact it would be better if the exchange is done in Jamaica because this will enable you to get the best rates available.

If you like traveling with plastic instead of cash there is no need to be concerned. Almost all the businesses accept major credit cards. There are also many ATM booths placed at your convenience. Many of the automated banking machines will make the conversion at the present rate and issue the required amount in JMD. However there are few which will present you with United States Dollar (USD).

The Jamaican currency started circulation in 1969 and was quite strong at that stage. At one point 1USD valued 0.75cents Jamaican. However that was then, today the currency has devalued to an embarrassing low at 89.00JMD to 1.00 USD. Many might be thinking well, I could take few hundred bucks to Jamaica and I will be rich. Unfortunately the cost of goods and services are pegged to the USD.

Since Jamaica is not a manufacturing country importing goods is the order of the day. So while visiting you will get a blend of local and imported products which blend well together. A Jamaican vacation will not cost you more than any other vacations. The truth is that Jamaica has a lot more to offer than other islands. Jamaica has great hospitality, sumptuous cuisine, reggae music, stunning beaches, aromatic rums, beautiful weather and the warm people all combining well to create the perfect vacation atmosphere.

Stevert Mckenzie, Travel Enthusiast. http://www.bestjamaica.com/jamaican-currency.html

Reggae Music and Sounds of Jamaica

Reggae Music and other Sounds of Jamaica

Jamaica is known internationally for long list things ranging from the best Caribbean island paradise to being a country packed with athletics talents. These days Jamaica is making international headlines as the country that reigns supreme in world sprints.

However, perhaps one of the first best known products of Jamaica is reggae music . Long before the present form of this music was developed there were other types which the world took a liking for as well.

Ska Music was the first of modern Jamaican music. Ska evolved out of Mento and American R&B. During the dark days, slaves which were brought from Africa who had musical talent and were often required to entertain their masters. Hence, Mento music was formed which is a fusion of African and European sounds.

It then led to Ska music which was created for dancing a bit up tempo but very close to its predecessor with similar acoustic sound. By the beginning of the early 1960s the up tempo beat was slowing down considerably and evolving was a different form called Rocksteady.

Then the big one came in the early 1970s. Reggae Music came  and the world responded resoundingly. To the benefit of this form of Jamaican music  there was a man called Bob Marley. He took it across the globe where it spread like wildfire.

Today reggae music is a world force in every aspect. Bob Marley’s 1977 album “Exodus” was named the album of the century. Reggae concerts have been sold out all over the world with massive audiences. In fact Bob Marley drew a crowd of 100,000 patrons for his concert in Milan, Italy.

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The Great Jamaica

Jamaica has been on the forefront of many different things, some loud while others are tacit. Long before Bob Marley and reggae music Jamaica and Jamaicans were making world headlines. Marcus Garvey, Jamaica’s first National Hero had paved the way for millions as a Black Nationalist. The great Martin Luther King said that he grew up in a family that followed Garveyism, which undoubtedly helped to shape his future into one of the greatest human beings ever lived.

On June 20th 1965 Dr Martin Luther King visited Jamaica. In one of his speeches he began by saying that “In Jamaica I feel like a human being.” ." He said he was proud to be among his "brothers and sisters on this wonderful island.". The following day, he visited the graveside of National Hero Marcus Garvey to lay a wreath out of respect for a man he said gave Negroes in the US a sense of dignity, a "sense of personhood, a sense of manhood, a sense of somebodiness".

However long before those days Jamaica had one of the richest city in the western hemisphere and certainly the wickedest until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1692. The year before the earthquake saw 240 ships docked in its harbor. Port Royal was a densely populated city covering just 50 acres and a population of 6,500 residents. There were almost 2,000 multi-story mainly brick buildings and over 1,500 bars and brothels. That thriving city came to an end on June 7, 1692 at 11:43 am when huge cracks opened and swallowed buildings and people alike.

Jamaica has been contributing significantly to the world and its people for quite a long time. She gave the world the religion Rastarfarism, mento music, ska music, rocksteady music and reggae music, the world’s best coffee which is the “The Blue Mountain ''. Jamaica was the first country to start producing rum commercially and has since perfected the art.

This beautiful island known as the land of wood and water has a long history contributing to the world in no small means. The latest impact Jamaica has on the world is the great athletes which has stunned the world over and over in great fashion. Many just started to pay attention to this but in the history of track and field only the great United States has won more medals than Jamaica.

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A Negril vacation could be the break one needs during a long hard winter or anytime that the body, mind and soul are lacking vivacity. This Jamaican tourist destination has risen meteorically from obscurity to fame within the last thirty years quite astonishingly. Situated on the western tip of the island, this vacation hub has natural exquisite attractions coupled with modern amenities to keep the most fastidious vacationer satisfied.

A vacation to this destination is more than sun and beach. Also known as the Capital of Casual this is a kick off your shoes kind of place, a vacation spot where anything goes. In fact, the motive of a vacation should be taking a break from everyday routine and protocols.

Holidaying in Negril will give you the opportunity to live life to its fullest. The famous 7 miles beach is easily accessible. Gracing the cover of many travel magazines, this beach has helped to propelled Negril as a top destination hub. With its clean azure blue waters, complimented by granite white and a back drop of lush green mountains, this beach is a site to see and a place to enjoy. The sunset in Negril is nothing less than fantastic. Negril is situated on the western tip of the island which allows a breath taking view of the sun going down in to the ocean. This has become a ritual for the locals and foreigners to gather in the evenings to watch the incredible and spectacular setting of the sun. The audience of this impressive exhibition of these majestic colors and hues seem to be always in amazement.

A Negril vacation usually brings out your nocturnal instinct. The partying and fun never ends. In fact the party is structured to a different location every night which makes it quite interesting. Although Kingston and Montego Bay is known for its big concerts such as Sting and Reggae Sumfest, Negril has been marshalling the way on smaller, up close and personal concerts on a weekly basis.

The food in Negril is just as good if not better than other places on the island. Negril’s food is of high quality because it is locating close to the area that produces most of Jamaica’s fresh fruits and vegetables. The numerous fishing beaches located in close proximity ensure freshness and bring truth to the saying “from the sea to the pot”. The local and international chefs that work in the local hotels and restaurants guarantee a blend of high quality.

Negril vacations are full of day time activities. This place will definitely suit the energetic vacationer who enjoys a bit of everything. Cliff diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, fishing, horseback riding, golfing and party boats are all available for your enjoyment. Another reason why this Jamaican vacation hub is so famous is due to its size. Been so small ensure easy and fast traveling from point A to B. It also facilitates the moving from one activity to another without much effort.

Stevert Mckenzie, Travel Enthusiast. Negril Vacations

Sugar Minott has died

Lincoln “Sugar” Minott born in Kingston Jamaica is a reggae music artist that stood the test of time has died. Sugar Minott started in the late 1960s in a group called The African Brothers with Tony Tuff and Derrick Howard. They released quite a number of songs until the mid 1970s they went separate ways. Sugar Minott was quite a versile musician he started working at studio one as a singer, guitarist and percussionist. During the mid to late 1970s his success was moderate in terms of his studio recordings. However, the dancehall trend was emerging during the early 1980s and Sugar Minott turned it on. He ruled supreme singing on many rhythms that were the new wave in the sessions. Up until is passing Sugar Minott was still is still a force to be reckon with. Sugar Minott you are a true Jamaican Legend.

Foundation reggae and dancehall artiste, Lincoln ‘Sugar’ Minott passed away Saturday night at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew.

According to Peter Burke, a close associate of the singer, Sugar Minott had complained of feeling ill on Saturday and was taken to the hospital where he died at minutes after 10 pm.

“Sugar had a heart condition and it was about a year and a half ago that he got the first scare.

He was in Canada at the time and I was with him. But as soon as the flutters subsided, Sugar was back to being his old self. That is just how he is,” Burke told the Observer.

American Tyson Gay recovered from a poor start to beat rival Asafa Powell over 100m in 9.93 seconds at the British Grand Prix in Gateshead.

Jamaican Powell started well but Gay fought back despite a slight headwind to win the Diamond League event.

It was Olympic and world silver medallist Gay's seasonal debut over 100m following a hamstring problem.

Phillips Idowu and Lisa Dobriskey won their events while Jessica Ennis had a mixed day on her return after illness.

Powell, returning to the track where he equalled his former world-record time of 9.77 seconds in 2006, had promised a fast time but failed to deliver in the final.

Gay had won the opening heat in an impressive 9.96 seconds and managed to go even faster to seal his victory.

"I feel good. He's one of my favourite competitors and I managed to get him today," said Gay.

"I really had to stretch to the finish line and he didn't see me coming so I got the victory.

"The hamstring is still tight and that is something I am going to have to work on."

The Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is a very hot commodity on the world market. Notable for being full bodied, its enchanting aroma as well as the great impact it has on the palate, which is manifested in a lack of bitterness, it fetches top price and is in extremely high demand. In order to maintain the eminence of the product, the ideal temperatures and biodiversity is ensured at all times throughout the growth of the crop. Blue Mountain Coffee is grown on the Blue Mountains of Jamaica which peaks at 7,403 ft. At this altitude the average temperature is approximately 65 degrees. This coupled with the climatic conditions and the natural organic materials which exist there contribute to its superior quality.

What exactly is coffee? Well, coffee bean is actually a berry that grows on a shrub. These shrubs thrive best in the tropics under temperate climatic conditions. The ideal temperatures under which coffee thrives would be anywhere from 60 to 80 degrees. Lower temperatures will cause damage to the foliage as well as the trunks of the plants, while higher temperature slows the growth. The beans depend greatly on the outer part of the fruit throughout the maturity process. In order to achieve the ideal taste and distinctive aroma, a climate that has a big swing between day and night temperatures must be present to facilitate a slower maturity process.

Stevert Mckenzie, Travel Enthusiast. Jamaican Coffee

Reggae Music has made its way from a little island of only 4,411 square miles to the four corners of the earth. This music has gained such international fame that it supersedes the country’s popularity. The rhythms and sounds of this island are of exceptional quality, infusing a few music styles together.

It would appear that Jamaica have a penchant for creating popular music forms. As early as 1950s another type of music call Ska had gain international recognition. This music had found its way to the UK via the Jamaican and Caribbean immigrants. It then reaches out to the rest of the world feeding trough Britain.

Although the island is famous for many things none is better known than Reggae Music. The charismatic Bob Marley has contributed immensely to the music and the popularity of Jamaica. He is instantly identifiable throughout the world in voice or photos. Although he is no longer around physically his works lives on permeating the air with blissful sounds.

The 1977 album “Exodus” done by Bob Marley and the Wailers is said to be the album of the century. This is quite phenomenal because it shows how popular the music is. It is transcended through all boundaries to places where the English language is not even spoken.

One would have to conclude that it has to be the beat that most of the fans gravitate to. Most of the songs are sung in patois which is the Jamaican dialect which is not readily or easily understood. Then there is the drum and bass line, which although not overpowering the vocals could make it a bit difficult for the untrained ears.

The main instruments that are used to play reggae music are the drums, bass guitar, keyboards and horns. The making of the rhythms are confined to only these instruments as other minor instruments are usually included.

The drumbeats play a significant role; in fact on all the rhythm track the emphasis is place on beat three. However, you can hear the drums on beat one or two as well depend on how creative the musicians are.

Without the bass guitar this music would not be possible, along with the drums they are the two most dominant instruments. The base line is thick and heavy giving the music its unique sound. The rhythm guitar normally plays on the beat two and four. Caribbean Vacations

Stevert Mckenzie,Travel Enthusiast. Best Jamaica

The Jamaica weather is undisputedly incredible which makes the island an all year holiday paradise. With average temperatures in the winter ranging from 22 – 31°C and in the summer a maximum of 29-34°C it is always just perfect for the occasion. Regardless of when you choose to visit Jamaica, there will be tropical warm temperatures awaiting you. Whenever you choose to visit you are essentially guarantee a wonderful vacation.

There is no significant difference in temperature throughout the island; however it differs slightly in rainfall volume in different sections. The mountainous areas tend to get a lot more rain fall in contrast to the planes. Consequently, places such as Port Antonio on the north eastern end of the island in the vicinity of the Blue and John Crow Mountains receive more rainfall than other places. The south side of Jamaica gets the least rainfall but with good measure. The Jamaican local city or town weather prediction is could pose quite a challenge for the forecasters. It could be raining heavily where one is but just 5 kilometers away it is sunny, dry and without a hint of gray. Though the average annual rainfall is about 48.5 inches, accumulation varies significantly across the island. Generally, showers are short, intense and followed by sunshine. The driest period is between Novembers to the end of April. The rainy season is from May to October yet still dry enough for a splendid vacation. Jamaica lies within the hurricane belt. As perilous as this may sound it is not that horrific. The Caribbean hurricane season is between June and November and has brought lots of attention to this area each year. However, because of its location Jamaica has being very privileged not to be battered often. The hurricanes usually form between the eastern end of the Caribbean and off the African west coast. These hurricanes have the tendency to travel in a north easterly direction. Given that Jamaica is located on the western side of the Caribbean by time the storms get close they are already too far north to pose any serious concerns. Another important factor also is the size of Jamaica. The smaller the target the harder it is for a direct hit. This is evident in the many times Cuba and Florida had been hit directly.

The last direct batter Jamaica had was hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and the previous one was hurricane Charley in 1951. Another reason not to panic is that with the current technology that is available we can predict hurricane paths accurately and I can assure you there will be enough time to get out of the way safely.

For current temperatures in Jamaica visit:

http://www.bestjamaica.com/weather.html

The Jamaican cuisine is a fantastic experience which could tantalize the taste buds of the most fastidious person. For many people, accepting taste and flavors outside of their culture can be extremely difficult. Generally some dishes are liked immediately while others could take one's pallet some time to get use to.

In many ways a country's cuisine is a direct reflection of its environments, people and things within. The weather, people, history, and the neighboring countries influence the culture and also the supply and demand. These are just some of the things that play great significance in the development of a country's cuisine.

The Jamaican cuisine is rooted in many different cultures. It is strongly influenced by Africans, Indians, Europeans and the Tainos Indians. The characteristics of these dishes is the art of combining the luscious tropical fruits, tubers, staples, vegetables, fish and meats that are available on the island. These are then complimented by the many spices and herbs exuding their flavors.

Our taste buds allow us to taste bitter, salt, sour and sweet. Most of the things eaten by us we actually smelling the flavor rather than tasting them. Have you ever notice that when you are having a cold and the nasal passage is blocked it is really difficult to get anything to taste right? A combination of taste, smell, texture and temperature allow us to identify what we are eating.

However, getting us to the Jamaican cuisine is quite easy, as you may have already became acquainted with many of the spices and flavors. The dishes are truly tropical with many of the ingredients are fresh from the tree to kitchen. The infusion of Mediterranean, Asian, African and European influenced the dishes and give the Jamaican food its uniqueness.

Stevert Mckenzie, Travel Enthusiast. http://www.bestjamaica.com/jamaican-cuisine.html

Jamaica is known internationally for long list things ranging from the best Caribbean island paradise to been a country packed with athletics talents. These days Jamaica is making international headlines as the country that reigns supreme in world sprints.

However, perhaps one of the first best known products of Jamaica is reggae music . Long before the present form of this music was develop there where other types which the world took a liking for as well.

Ska Music was the first of the modern Jamaican music. Ska evolved out of Mento and American R&B. During the dark days, slaves which were brought from Africa who had musical talent were often required to entertain their masters. Hence, Mento music was formed which is a fusion of African and European sounds.

It then lead to Ska music which was created for dancing a bit up tempo but very close to its predecessor with similar acoustic sound. By the beginning of the early 1960s the up tempo beat was slowing down considerable and evolving was a different form call Rocksteady.

Then the big one came the big one in the early 1970s. Reggae music came along and the world responded resoundingly. To the benefit of this from of Jamaican music came the legend Bob Marley who took it across the globe.

Today reggae music is a world force in every aspect. Bob Marley’s 1977 album “Exodus” was name the album of the century. Reggae concerts have been sold out all over the world with massive audience. In fact Bob Marley drew a crowd of 100,000 patrons for his concert in Milan, Italy.

Stevert Mckenzie, Travel Enthusiast. we know best at BESTJAMAICA.COM

The Jamaica weather is undisputedly incredible which makes the island an all year holiday paradise. With average temperatures in the winter ranging from 22 – 31°C and in the summer a maximum of 29-34°C it is always just perfect for the occasion. Regardless of when you choose to visit Jamaica, there will be tropical warm temperatures awaiting you. Whenever you choose to visit you are essentially guarantee a wonderful vaction.

There is no significant difference in temperature throughout the island; however it differs slightly in rainfall volume in different sections. The mountainous areas tend to get a lot more rain fall in contrast to the planes. Consequently, places such as Port Antonio on the north eastern end of the island in the vicinity of the Blue and John Crow Mountains receive more rainfall than other places. The south side of Jamaica gets the least rainfall but with good measure. The Jamaican local city or town weather prediction is could pose quite a challenge for the forecasters. It could be raining heavily where one is but just 5 kilometers away it is sunny, dry and without a hint of gray. Though the average annual rainfall is about 48.5 inches, accumulation varies significantly across the island. Generally, showers are short, intense and followed by sunshine. The driest period is between Novembers to the end of April. The rainy season is from May to October yet still dry enough for a splendid vacation. Jamaica lies within the hurricane belt. As perilous as this may sound it is not that horrific. The Caribbean hurricane season is between June and November and has brought lots of attention to this area each year. However, because of its location Jamaica has being very privileged not to be battered often. The hurricanes usually form between the eastern end of the Caribbean and off the African west coast. These hurricanes have the tendency to travel in a north easterly direction. Given that Jamaica is located on the western side of the Caribbean by time the storms get close they are already too far north to pose any serious concerns. Another important factor also is the size of Jamaica. The smaller the target the harder it is for a direct hit. This is evident in the many times Cuba and Florida had been hit directly.

The last direct batter Jamaica had was hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and the previous one was hurricane Charley in 1951. Another reason not to panic is that with the current technology that is available we can predict hurricane paths accurately and I can assure you there will be enough time to get out of the way safely.

Stevert Mckenzie Travel Enthusiast.http://www.bestjamaica.com/weather.html

The Beauty of Jamaica-Tropical Paradise.

Negril Beach and Sunset Tour

Throughout the years Jamaica has welcomed many visitors who have captured and cherished many fantastic moments. In some instances these beautiful moments are captured in photos, short video clips or just in ones own memory. This is a country that has boundless natural beauty beyond ones imagination; it portrays a compilation of all the things the tropic has to offer.

It is difficult to deny the magnificence of the numerous majestic waterfalls that adorn the Jamaican landscape. These cascading beauties, especially the Dunn's River Falls have enhanced vacations spent in Jamaica immensely. They have paved the way for ecotourism and ensured that Jamaica is not only a place of fine beaches and sun but also a holistic holiday hub.

The Negril sunset is one of the many nontraditional attractions that linger in the minds of all who witnessed it. Surely no one goes to Jamaica only to see a sunset; however, it makes a great treat while you are there. It is a hidden additional value that is included in the package.

The photos are countless, the accolades keep pouring in and the audience keeps growing. So famous is this spectacular sunset that it seems almost like a ritual for visitors and locals. In fact, just as how the vacationers look forward to seeing the sun out in all its glory, the same enthusiasm is shown for the sunset in Negril.

Negril is situated on the western end of Jamaica which is the as far west one can go in Jamaica. The very end is consists of mainly cliffs which are few meters above the azure blue Caribbean waters. The setting here is gorgeous complimented by trade wind that blows from east to west. The wind also plays an important role by pushing the clouds to the west in the direction where the sun sets.

The formation of clouds enhances greatly this spectacular view with the ever changing look every few seconds. The Caribbean is not known to be heavily polluted and so the colors of this grand spectacular range from golden yellow to light orange. Sunset colors are determined by the amount of dust in the atmosphere, less pollution means the red hue will be less intense.

Jamaica is situated very close to the equator which means that there isn't a big time difference between summer and winter sunsets which ranges from 5:30pm in December to 6:47 in July. If you will be in the Negril area this is a must see. It is quite a humbling experience to watch the sun going down under the serene Caribbean Sea with an audience that is totally mesmerized by the brilliance.

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Stevert Mckenzie, Travel Enthusiast.