Plantation Tours In Jamaica

Posted on January 12, 2012 by TC Champigny

Plantation Tours In Jamaica

Come to Jamaica and take a plantation tour. Most or all plantations in Jamaica were sugar cane and almost every island in the Caribbean planted sugar cane. Plantations are a part of Jamaica’s rich history. These are often referred to as Great Houses, which is what the main house on a plantation was referred to as far back as the 17th century. In those days, the Great House was the seat of authority, and this is where the planters lived.

The size of the home was determined by the amount of land that was owned, and the wealth of the plantation owner. Plantation houses, or Great Houses, were typically two story houses, with the bottom of the house being constructed out of brick, cut stone, and mortar, and the top of the house being constructed of wood. These homes often have huge wrap-around verandas, sash windows, and jalousies.

The plantation houses in Jamaica include Belmont, Bellevue, Admiral Mountain, Cherry Garden, Mona, Bloomfield, Marlborough, Stokes Hall, Good Hope, Greenwood, Rose Hall, Marshall’s Pen, Highgate, Seville, Mount Plenty, Roaring River, Thetford, Tryall, Halse Hall, Quebec, Brimmer Hall, Bromley, Green Park, Prospect, Ramble, Cardiff Hall, York Castle, and Seaman’s Valley.

There may not be enough time on your trip to visit them all, but there are definitely a few that you absolutely must not miss, starting with Rose Hall. Rose Hall is not only the most popular plantation house in Jamaica, from a tourists point of view, it is also famous worldwide.

The home was built by George Ash in the mid 19th’s century for John Palmer, for which he was paid 30,000 pounds. A later mistress of the house, Annie Palmer, was married to John Parks Palmer, and was reportedly extremely cruel to her slaves, and it is also reported that the slaves eventually murdered her. It is also rumored that Mrs. Palmer murdered her husband, John Palmer, although there are those who don’t believe that either of these things are true. Annie Palmer has been referred to as the White Witch of Rose Hall.

Aside from historic plantation houses, you can also visit and tour working plantations in Jamaica. The Croydon Pineapple and Coffee Plantation is very popular, and is located in Catadupa. Here you can walk through the vast coffee groves, taste exotic fruits, eat sugarcane, and enjoy a barbequed lunch, served with…you guessed it, Blue Mountain Coffee.

Prospect Plantation is another interesting tour. Numerous crops, including coffee and allspice, are grown here, and the tour is ‘tractor driven.’ From the tour, you will arrive at spots where you can see what is believed to have been Columbus’ first view of Jamaica, and also, on a clear day, you can see all the way to Cuba, which is approximately ninety miles away.

Visit the Sun Valley Plantation, which is very old, and still family owned and operated, to view banana crops. Note, however, that if there are less than eight people registered for a tour of Sun Valley, the tour is cancelled.

Again, you really should make it a point to visit at least one or two plantations, and their great houses, while you are in Jamaica. This is where you can really get a sense of true Jamaican history.

Enjoy the new Jamaica Travel Tips Blog article on Plantation Tours in Jamaica and here are some of the other travel sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about any travel tips that you are looking for through these sites.

New York Travel Tips
Niagara Falls Travel Tips
Aruba Travel Tips

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Where To Find Surfing In Jamaica

Posted on December 4, 2011 by TC Champigny

Where To Find Surfing In Jamaica

Jamaica is not just about the beaches. It is also a great place to surf. This is about where to find really great surfing in Jamaica. Jamaica is well-known for their beautiful beaches and awesome waves, but it isn’t always easy to find the best surfing locations – and that’s simply because despite Jamaica being an island with beaches all around it.

The best surfing is only on one side of the island! If you are a beginner, you prefer the gentler waves on the North or East shores in which to find your surfing feet, but if you’re already an experienced surfer, then the South side of the Island is the best place to catch a few trickier waves – not to mention more rocks to look out for!

The most popular surfing spots are around Ochos Rios, Long Bay, Negril and of course, Montego Bay – although one of the best areas for surfers is actually around Kingston, not too far from the airport!

For the most adventurous surfers, Treasure Beach is a must! Here the undercurrent will provide even the most advanced surfer with a challenge to keep them busy all vacation. If you’re more into traditional locations however, Boston Beach is a must because this is the place that put Jamaican surfing on the map.

For those who didn’t anticipate surfing as part of their vacation activities, or who have an impulsive need to experience it whilst on holiday, there are plenty of places where you can hire a surfboard – your hotel should be able to help you locate what you need, as well as recommend a surfing trainer if you want to take a class in basics before hitting the waves.

Jamaica is a perfect backdrop for all water sports, and anyone who has either surfed before, or is inspired by watching those who are enjoying the waves, is sure to have a good time – but if you’re a beginner, remember to stay away from the less safe waves off the Southern side of the island.

So come to Jamaica and find where the best surfing is. You’re going to love it, just ask any surfer and they will tell you.

Enjoy this new Jamaica Travel Tips Blog article and here are some of the travel sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about travel that you are looking for through these travel sites.

Florida Travel Tips
South Beach Travel Tips
Myrtle Beach Travel Tips

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Taking Children To Jamaica On Vacation

Posted on November 12, 2011 by TC Champigny

Taking Children To Jamaica On Vacation

Jamaica is not just for adults. Taking children to Jamaica on vacation can be a fantasitc adventure if you go to the many resorts that cater to families. You can enjoy a whole array of incredibly exciting and fun activities for kids of all ages.

Although there’s no real reason not to take children to Jamaica on vacation with you, there are two important issues that you need to keep in mind when it comes to health and safety.

The first of these is that you need to keep a check on where they are and what they’re doing. Even if you are in a resort, and there’s a children’s activity center or club, you should check on the security measures in operation to ensure that your children are not at any kind of risk. Just like everywhere else Jamaica is not unlike many other countries, but because of the relaxed atmosphere, it’s easy to let your guard down. Don’t! If you aren’t staying in a tourist orientated compound type resort, you need to be extra vigilant as it’s easy for your children to be at risk not only from people, but also from the natural environment if they should wander off alone and become lost.

The second of these could actually determine whether or not you choose Jamaica as your vacation destination. Although there’s nothing physically preventing you taking your little ones, there’s a big issue with the necessary vaccinations. Some vaccinations are not advised to be given to children under a certain age, and if you find that you would need these particular vaccinations in order to go to the location you’ve chosen, you will probably need to revise your plans, or find some way of protecting your child against the disease(s) covered by the inoculation.

Jamaica is a country of extravagant color and culture, and it’s a place where children will experience the holiday of a lifetime. However, unless you want some of the memories they bring back to be negative, you need to be on your guard both before you go, and whilst you’re there, to ensure that they are kept safe and healthy.

Do your research on any and all family resorts that you are looking at and try to get as much information as possible. Try to talk to people that you may know that have children that have taken children to Jamaica on vacation and ask them questions. Ask them about the resorts and places they stayed and went to. Never be afraid to ask question. Be happy and travel safe.

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Windsurfing In Jamaica

Posted on October 27, 2011 by TC Champigny

Windsurfing In Jamaica

Windsurfing is a sport that the surfers created when the wind was to much for them to be able to surf so they combined surfing and sailing and thus was born Windsurfing. They combined a surfboard that was about 6-9 feet long, and a sail. The rig is connected to the board by a free-rotating universal joint and comprises a mast, wishbone boom and sail. Jamaica is perfect for windsurfing.

One of the images that is often seen in Jamaican tourist brochures is that of windsurfing on a beautiful ocean just off a golden beach. It’s almost a cliché. But the reality is that if the picture caught your attention, not to mention your imagination, you can be trying your hand windsurfing almost as soon as you check into your hotel! If you arrive on a day when there’s not even much of a breeze, you’d be better to do something else that day and save the windsurfing for a day when the wind has a little strength behind it. You also need to have a day when the wind is blowing in the right direction – it’s not exactly a science, but you will learn which are the ideal windsurfing conditions for the location you’re staying in.

Booking your vacation between November and April is the best time of year if you hope to spend a lot of time windsurfing as the winds are more favorable to the sport at that time of year.

Many of the major hotels in Jamaica offer windsurfing as one of their activities and not only have the equipment, but also the experts who can help get you started and keep you safe whilst you find your sea legs. If your hotel doesn’t have facilities, they are bound to know where you can find them – make sure you ask about hiring equipment if you don’t have your own as this isn’t always easy to find in Jamaica. If you haven’t windsurfed before, you need to get a little expert coaching before you get started.

If you are an experienced windsurfer, you’ll know how to find the best wave/wind combination on the Island. Of course one of the best places for established windsurfers is at the Silver Sands area, but if you’re just starting out, or aren’t very confident in the water, this is not the place for you.

While windsurfing is an exhilarating experience it’s not something that’s for everyone. If it’s something that you think you want to try, make your accommodation reservation with a hotel that offers it on-site amongst other activities. That way, you’ll have other options to pick from if you decide this one isn’t for you.

Windsurfing in Jamaica, what a wonderful concept. Should you decide to take up windsurfing, remember that once mastered it can be enjoyed no matter how old you are.

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See A World Cup Cricket Match In Jamaica

Posted on September 27, 2011 by TC Champigny

See A World Cup Cricket Match In Jamaica

Come and see a World Cup Cricket match in Jamaica. If you’re a cricket fan, and have always fancied having a vacation on a tropical paradise such as Jamaica. The World Cup is being held in the Caribbean, and there are a number of matches that are being held in Jamaica! Can you, a cricket fan, imagine anything more ideal than that?

Although tickets won’t be easy to find, they are possible to be booked online – and if you can’t get one, you could contact one of more high profile hotels in Kingston prior to making an accommodation reservation and ask if they have any tickets available for their guests to purchase. You can check out The West Indies Cricket Board website for information about possible ways of obtaining tickets if you’re looking for one last minute – or perhaps it’s enough for you just to be in Kingston on the day that the matches take place!

Ticket prices vary for the matches and should be included in your Jamaican vacation budget as depending on the match you want to attend, and the kind of ticket available. If you are purchasing a ticket previously sold to someone else however, and it’s possible there could be a number of tickets available that way (check with local authorities however so you know you are getting a genuine ticket, not a counterfeit one), you could pay far in excess of the true ticket price. The value you place on that ticket, in this particular location, however could also be far above its original selling price!

So cricket fan, come and see a World Cup Cricket match here in Jamaica… What a way to spend a vacation.

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Travel To Jamaica For A Great Tropical Vacation

Posted on September 14, 2011 by TC Champigny

Travel To Jamaica For A Great Tropical Vacation

Travel to Jamaica for a great tropical vacation. Jamaica is known around the world for being one of the best and most affordable tropical vacation locations. Jamaica’s lush vegetation, warm weather and stunning white beaches and blue waters are major attractions for tourists from around the world.

Because Jamaica is such a popular vacation spot you can choose to vacation in luxury with every modern convenience or you can choose a more rustic approach with a camping or fishing vacation. The temperature in Jamaica tends to hover between 80 and 90 degrees most of the time making it the perfect temperature to enjoy the beautiful island without having to worry about it being too hot. There are so many activities to keep you busy in Jamaica that you’ll never get bored.

There is more to Jamaica than just beaches and tourists though. The island of Jamaica has a long history of involvement in the arts and today is still the center of a large arts and music scene. Reggae music lovers flock to the island where Reggae music was born and you can hear Reggae music being played on almost every street corner and in every restaurant and bar.

The Jamaican people are warm and friendly and while you should always be wary of strangers when you are on vacation no matter where you go you will find that the Jamaican people are friendly and helpful to tourists.

Jamaica is becoming a very popular spot for destination weddings and it’s always been a favorite spot for family gatherings because there are so many family friendly activities. So if you have a wedding, anniversary party or other large family gathering coming up you should consider taking the whole family on a tropical vacation to Jamaica to celebrate the event.

If you like outdoor activities traveling to Jamaica will be a dream vacation for you. You can swim, surf, fish, snorkel, hike, camp, ride horses or just relax on the beach with a cold drink and a good book. You can enjoy Jamaica to your hearts content.

The island isn’t very large and it’s easy to get around the island by bus so there’s no need to rent a car unless you want to drive into the countryside or up into the famous Blue Mountains. But if you head up into the mountains take a sweater, it can get as cold as 40 degrees at night up in the mountains.

Many people dream of taking a tropical vacation but never actually do it. Make that dream becomes a reality with a trip to Jamaica. A vacation to Jamaica is probably a lot more affordable than you think it is. These days traveling to a tropical destination like Jamaica is a lot less expensive then it was in the past and the US dollar goes a long way on the island of Jamaica.

Travel to Jamaica for a great tropical vaction if you have always wanted to spend your vacation basking in the warm sun and turquoise waters of some exotic Caribbean island. Make this year the year that you actually do it and take a trip to Jamaica for your vacation this year.

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River Rafting – A Peaceful Way to See Jamaica

Posted on August 23, 2011 by TC Champigny

River Rafting – A Peaceful Way to See Jamaica

River Rafting is a great way to see Jamaica. It is peaceful, quiet, and relaxing or you can try the excitement of white water rafting. Jamaica is not just about the beaches and hotels. Check out the country side with river rafting.

Have you ever thought about trying river rafting? If so, your vacation in Jamaica could be the perfect opportunity to stop thinking and start doing! Whether you want a memorable romantic activity to add to your honeymoon, or a more exhilarating white water experience, you’ll find it in Jamaica.

If you are looking for a gentle river rafting experience where you can relax while someone else does the work, allowing you to lazily watch the wildlife and scenery slow pass by, then you could try rafting tours on the White River, Black River, Martha Brae River or even the Rio Grande. The rafts are approximately 30-feet long, and made from bamboo.

The raft captain will ensure that you have a safe journey and will enjoy your experience. If you want a moonlit rafting tour as something a little special, ask your hotel reception if any local rafting companies offer this – some of them do.

If you want to try your hand at white water rafting, or white water rafting is something that you pursue as a hobby, you can also do this in Jamaica. There are fast paced water locations in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Port Antonio. If you want to hire a local guide to help you navigate the rapids, this is also possible. White water rafting tours are generally 3-5 hours long.

Before booking your reservation, check out the details about what the tour will include and how long it will last. Does it include drinks or a picnic for example? If it’s only 45 minutes and allows time for swimming, is that 45 minutes of rafting time, or 45 minutes in total. If drinks aren’t included, then you should at least take some bottled water as it can get hot out on the river – and don’t forget the sunscreen and mosquito repellent!

Thirst, heat and bugs can turn your river rafting trip into something memorable for the wrong reasons, so ensure that you know exactly what the trip includes, and are equipped to deal with nature, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons.

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Ocho Rios, Jamaica – An Overview

Posted on June 9, 2011 by TC Champigny

Ocho Rios, Jamaica – An Overview

Ocho Rios, Jamaica is one of the best places for anyone to visit if they are wanting to experience a little of real Jamaican natural beauty that’s away from the pampered resort beach life. It’s not the capital of Jamaica, and it’s not the most popular tourist destination in the country but it has fun and excitement blended with rest and relaxation within this beautiful garden parish.

Ocho Rios may once have been a fishing village long ago but it does have its share of natural beauty and has become a port of call for cruise ships, but it also combines it with some of Jamaica’s real natural gems.

Dunn’s River Waterfall

This is the backdrop for many romantic vacations, and is something that many people coming to Jamaica want to visit – even those who are spending most of their holiday on another part of the island!

Dolphin Cove

Another of the area’s must-see places is only a short distance from the falls – the Dolphin Cove where you can actually swim with dolphins for a short period of time.

These are just a couple of the places you might want to check out. For nightlife you can choose from nightclubs, bars, and even a cinema so even though you are surrounded by nature’s beauty by day, you can still become a party animal at night!

Although getting to the area is going to require you hiring a car from one of the main arrival destinations on the island, it’s certainly worth the effort because the attractions far outweigh the inconvenience of having an airport on the hotel doorstep! Some hotels offer airport shuttles so check this out when you are deciding where to stay if you think this could be a problem. One thing to bear in mind if you are only going to Ocho Rios for a day to visit the Falls and/or the dolphins is to avoid the days when the cruise ships dock in the area – weekdays are common for the cruise liners – but check at your hotel so that you pick a day when it will be less crowded!

Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is a gem unto itself. Once you’ve discovered Ocho Rios you are going to want to come back for another visit.

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Snorkeling – A Fun Way To Enjoy Jamaica

Posted on May 18, 2011 by TC Champigny

Snorkeling – A Fun Way To Enjoy Jamaica

Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy Jamaica. It is one of the most memorable activities you can do on your vacation to Jamaica. It’s a great way to see Jamaica’s underwater life with having to take up diving. Even if you are inexperienced, or not even too keen on spending too much time in the water, you should be able to find some way of experiencing the beauty of sea life that lies not far from the beach games of Jamaica’s tourist beaches.

All sides of the island offer snorkeling adventures but the best place is on the Northern side, if you take your vacation sometime between April and October, the water will be at its best temperature and will be perfect for your snorkeling activity. There are many different kinds of tours that you can take part in, either as a beginning snorkeling along the shoreline, or as an experienced snorkeling exploring the sea life treasures in underwater caves and reefs. Bring that underwater camera so you can take some of those beautiful underwater life shots that you dreamed of taking.

If you are tempted into snorkeling by the pictures you see of the underwater life, but aren’t really too sure if you’d be able to actually submerge yourself in the water and enjoy it – why not take a visit down to Montego Bay where the MoBay Undersea Tours operate. Here you’ll be able to reserve a place in their boat which has the perfect solution to your underwater problem – a panoramic underwater cabin where you can see all the sea life swimming around you, without getting as much as your feet wet!

If you do want to experience the real thing – snorkel, wetsuit and all – there are plenty of tours and classes that will help you get started, or more experienced, before you hit the water. Most areas also have rental outlets where you can borrow the equipment that you need to snorkel your way around Jamaica’s beautiful waters. Some places will even throw in a beginner’s class for those who rent their equipment.

There are many memorable activities you can do on your trip to Jamaica, but to experience the colorful underwater sea life snorkeling has to be one that shouldn’t be missed! Be the envy of your friends with those underwater photos that you took – you won’t be sorry.

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Spring Break In Jamaica

Posted on April 11, 2011 by TC Champigny

Spring Break In Jamaica

Spring Break, every college student dreams about it. Where do you want to go. Want to spend your Spring Break in Jamaica? You had best plan it several months in advance! Jamaica is becoming an extremely popular Spring Break destination among college students.

For Spring Break, Jamaica offers numerous parties, complete with Reggae music, and you can also enjoy the friendly people and the beautiful sites – not to mention the absolute perfect weather. You’ll need a place to stay, and you will want that place to be near the major Spring Break party hot spots.

Spring Break parties occur in Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios. Of these, Negril is considered a major party destination. There will be numerous live bands and parties along the beach, as well as party bars. At Negril, you can arrange accommodations in a luxury resort, or a small motel. If cost is an issue, stay at a hotel or motel in the area known as the cliffs.

Montego Bay is the second choice Spring Break location, but just as much fun as Negril. Most of the Spring Break activities will be found at Doctor’s Cave Beach, Cornwall Beach, and Walter Fletcher Beach. Many consider the parties here to be slightly tamer than those at Negril.

Ocho Rios is an ideal Spring Break location if you are looking for more of a laid back vacation than non-stop parties. In Ocho Rios, you will truly be on ‘Jamaican time,’ meaning that there really doesn’t seem to be much rush at all. You will find that both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios have cheaper accommodations than Negril during Spring Break.

Safety is a big issue. There have been reports that there has been an increase in the illicit use of the date rape drug. So, be sure to watch your drink. If you walk away from your drink, don’t continue to drink it – get a fresh one. The same holds true for food.

Bring travelers checks – not cash, and keep most of your checks locked in your rooms safe. You do not need to exchange your money for Jamaican money. It is best to use American money when possible, since many establishments quote prices in American and Jamaican, and you will be better able to understand the cost, and the amount of change that you should get back.

You must be eighteen years old to drink in Jamaica. Make sure that you drink responsibly. Also note that the mixture of drinking and vast sunshine can quickly result in dehydration. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Eat a good meal before drinking, so that you can tolerate the alcohol better. Under no circumstances should you drink and drive, or swim under the influence.

Ganja, or marijuana, is illegal in Jamaica, as are other drugs that are illegal in the United States. Stay away from them, or you could be charged as a drug trafficker, and Spring Break could turn into a twenty year prison sentence in a Jamaican prison. Stay with your group at all times. You will be safer.

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