Caribbean Jamaica Travel

A Caribbean Jamaica travel offers so much more than rum, sun and reggae. When it comes to diversity, few Caribbean islands can come neck to neck with this island country.

Jamaica’s motto is “Out of Many, One People” and this saying can very well apply to the very heart and essence of Jamaica. While good beaches and great food take up much of the day for the typical vacationer, a Caribbean Jamaica travel could also offer a lot of sightseeing, especially in Montego Bay (or just “MoBay” to locals), which is home to a large concentration of great hosues, formerly homes of the wealthy plantation owners whose kingdoms were powered by sugarcane.

So with Jamaica’s great diversity, here are the things you should know before you go on that dream Caribbean Jamaica travel:

Banks/Currency

Money is not much of a problem when you go on a Caribbean Jamaica travel. There are licensed cambios and bureaux de change in all resort areas. They are easily and readily accessible, so you don’t need to get Jamaican money before you get to the island. And if you’re worried that your resort doesn’t have a money exchange, banks in the area can exchange all currencies.

The official rate of exchange varies daily so if you want a rate that suits you, it’s not a bad idea to shop around first. In addition, many Jamaican ATMs accept international bank cards with Visa, Mastercard, Cirus, and Plus logos. Credit card advances? Banks give that too, as well as change traveler’s checks, and offer other financial services.

Climate

Like any typical Caribbean island, Jamaica has a tropical climate at sea level and a temperate climate towards the highlands of the interior. One popular Jamaican poem sums it all pretty accurately: “We have neither summer nor winter/Neither autumn nor spring….”

So when you go on a Caribbean Jamaica travel, bring clothes that are suited for tropical climate. Swim suits are a must if you’re crazy about water sports, but bring a jacket or a light sweater if you included hiking in your Caribbean Jamaica travel itinerary.

Communications

Being a popular Caribbean destination and all, Jamaica is well connected to the rest of the world. So when you go on a Caribbean Jamaica travel, expect direct international telephone service 24 hours a day. There are also telephone operators who will gladly facilitate collect, third party, or credit card calls, too.

Most hotels, resorts, and parish libraries offer Internet and email access, as well as fax, telegrams, and cables. There are three daily national newspapers and five weekend newspapers, and of course, other international editions of major newspapers and magazines, such as the New York Times, TIME, The Economist, and the London Times.

Driving

Do you prefer to take a 4WD-drive to your hotel destination? One thing you need to remember while driving on a Caribbean Jamaica travel is that driving in this island country is on the LEFT. Some flexibility is required to avoid collisions with pedestrians, cows, goats, chickens, and other domestic animals, but the roads aren’t too bad. And Jamaica has over 17,000 kilometers of road networks connecting all major towns and cities.

Technorati Tags: Caribbean Jamaica Travel, Caribbean, Jamaica, Jamaican, travel, raggae, Caribbean Islands, tourists, Pinoy Getaway, Teri’s Travel Tips, Teri Champigny

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If you will be traveling to Jamaica, you don’t have to worry about learning a new language. English has been the official language since the 17th century in Jamaica. You may, however, have to learn how things are said, and be able to understand fairly heavy accents. Jamaican English pronunciation and meaning is very different from American English.

While English is the official language, you will also hear a special language known as Jamaican Patois. Patois is an African/English based language. Patois is pronounced as Patwa. This language was developed by Slaves from Africa when the British first started bringing them to the Caribbean. Patois is also a language that is still developing, and today, it is not only spoken, but it is also a written language. It has become an official part of the African Heritage.

Even though Patois is not standard English, you should still be able to communicate effectively, if you listen closely. Dat is translated to That in English. Da or De is translated to The. Tree is translated to Three. To understand what is being said, it is important to listen to the whole sentence.

Also note that unlike English, Patois does not really pay attention to past and present tense. For a Patois speaking Jamaican to say ‘He Said’ he would say ‘He say.’ Furthermore, the use of Patois may be greater in some areas of Jamaica, while it is used less in other areas of the country.

Some words are perfectly clear and understandable, and based on old English are correct in terms of Standard English in reference to what they mean. For instance, a married woman is a Mistress in Jamaica, not a woman who is having an affair with a married man, as it would mean in Standard English. A jug might be a glass or pitcher.

Mawning means Morning, or Good Morning. Whey you come from means Where are you from. How you di do means How are you. Whe yu name means What is your name. A whe yu a go means Where are you going.

Again, listen to the whole sentence to determine what is being said. Even if you can’t understand all of the words, you should be able to pick out enough words to determine what is actually being said or asked.

Jamaicans love to talk! They like debates, verbal games, and often use proverbs to make a point. Part of your Jamaican adventure should include many conversations with the locals. Not only will you learn a great deal, the wording and the accents are pleasant to listen to, and often even amusing.

When talking to Jamaicans, don’t stand too close! They are very animated, and tend to ‘talk with their hands.’ They also get very excited, which in turn may cause them to increase in volume. This doesn’t mean that they are upset, however, in most cases. Also note that you don’t have to speak Patois to be understood. Jamaicans generally understand American English quite well.

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