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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What to do in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Posted on March 28, 2011 by TC Champigny

What to do in Montego Bay, Jamaica

What to do in Montego Bay (sometimes known as ‘MoBay’), Jamaica? Like many places in Jamaica, Montego Bay has many things that you can do. Most travelers arrive in Jamaica through Montego Bay which is the home of the North Shore airport, and the islands busiest cruise pier. As Jamaica’s second largest city, Montego Bay is located on the North West corner of the island and is Jamaica’s original tourist hot spot.

There are many tourist attractions in Montego Bay including a number of plantation tours. For the more adventurer traveler, rafting tours are a fun experience and can be guided or self-navigated. These tours encompass rafting down a peaceful river on a bamboo raft, or through some local white water. Fishing charters are available for angling enthusiasts or those looking to try out some spear fishing. Athletic travelers can also activities such as cycling, golf, horseback riding, and scuba diving.

When you think of Jamaica you think of Bob Marley, The King of Reggie. The Bob Marley experience is a new attraction featuring a documentary film on the legendary reggae great and a huge memorabilia shop. You will travel to the village of Nine Mile where he lived, loved and played. You will learn about the Rastafarian religion that he practiced and made famous with his music. And you will see his final resting place.

Montego Bay also has popular local shopping areas. Favored shopping centers include the City Centre, Holiday Village Shopping Centre, and The Half Moon Shopping Village. In addition, the shops around the airport provide a wide selection of tourist goods – although you’d be better to buy souvenirs in the city as this is where you’re likely to find some artifacts by local craftsman rather than mass produced commercial items.

A visit to Lester Art Gallery in the hills above Reading can be a tour in itself or can be combined with visits to other local places of interest. The Gallery is devoted to works of Polish sea captain and painter the late Michael Leszczynski, who anglicized his name to Lester and is famous for the work of his Jamaica period. The gallery is at his former home and studio which he built in the 1950s on a cliff side at the village of Belmont. The house has stunning views and located nearby are the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary and Mountain Valley River Rafting.

What to do in Montego Bay, Jamaica, well there are just so many things for you to enjoy. Come down to visit, you won’t be disappointed. Montego Bay like the rest of Jamaica is paradise. What more can you ask for but fun, sun, sand, beach and water.

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The Jamaican Culture

Posted on March 16, 2011 by TC Champigny

The Jamaican Culture

Jamaican culture represents a rich blend of cultures that have inhabited Jamaica. Nowhere else on earth will you find a culture as dynamic as in Jamaica. The people of Jamaica are a mixture of the many ethnicities that have come to its shores over the past centuries. What with weathering enslavement and oppression, the Jamaicans are survivors, and their past is full of fascinating stories just waiting to be told.

Jamaican culture is very diverse, simply because it has been inhabited by several different groups of people throughout the course of time. It was originally inhabited by the Arawak Tribe, which is now called the Tianos. Once Christopher Columbus found Jamaica, it was claimed for Spain, and naturally, a Spanish culture was born in the country.

Jamaica was taken over by British Rule in 1655, and remained under British Rule until 1962, although there were moves being made as early as 1938 to do away with British Rule in Jamaica. From 1655 to 1838, however, there was a slave industry in Jamaica, and by the time that Jamaica was established as its own country, you had Taino influences, Spanish influences, British influences, African influences, Chinese influences and Indian influences. Today, however, there is no evidence of the Taino influence remaining in Jamaica, although historians are working to gather information and artifacts from the Taino period.

Today it is the African influences that are the most prominent throughout Jamaica. The people who reside in Jamaica today are direct descendants of the people that inhabited the island during the earlier centuries. These descendants primarily come from the slaves of long ago.

Therefore, there is a very rich African-Jamaican culture in Jamaica. This group of people generally refers to themselves as black, afro, and sometimes even dread. African-Jamaican’s are very proud of their heritage, and celebrate it. The people who come to the island each year – approximately two million – as tourists add to that celebration.

The majority of Jamaicans are of Christian faith. The most commonly practiced religion is called Rastafarian, which a Christian religion with Ethiopian influences. There are, however a small number of synagogues in Jamaica as well. Obeah (witchcraft) is also practiced in more remote areas.

Rastafari and Reggae seem to go hand in hand in Jamaica. Although this is a major religion in Jamaica, it is still largely undefined. It is based on the Christian Bible. Bob Marley, from Kingston, Jamaica was a well-known reggae performer in the 1980’s, and this syncopated style of music is known as ska rhythms. Raggae, like dancing, is incorporated into many religious ceremonies and celebrations. Many of those who practice the Rastafari religion wear their hair in dreadlocks, and only eat certain natural foods.

In Jamaica, dancing isn’t just enjoyable, it’s a true part of the culture, and has been so since colonial times. Dance and rhythms were often used in religious celebrations, and this is still true today. There are more than 30 different Jamaican dances, and of these thirty, the dances may be influenced by African dance, European dance, or Creole dance. The African dancing may be further categorized into either religious dancing or social dancing.

Sports are also an important part of the Jamaican culture. Jamaicans enjoy football, Cricket, horse racing, and even dominoes are considered a sport here. Jamaicans are master wood and metal craftsmen as well. Despite the hard economical times, Jamaicans tend to be a happy, celebratory people, who express themselves very well in both the physical and verbal sense.

So from painting to music, from dancing to sports, the Jamaican people have much to offer to its visitors and the world. Once you been to Jamaica you’ll never want to leave and you’ll never lose the lasting influence of Jamaica’s multifaceted culture.

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Ocho Rios Best Places To Stay

Posted on March 7, 2011 by TC Champigny

The Best Places To Stay In Ocho Rios

The best places to stay in Ocho Rios? Well there’s something for everyone. Budget travelers and big spenders will both find something to suit. It was once a fishing villa that now caters to tourists and is a port of call for cruise ships as well as cargo ships. Ocho Rios offers a wide variety of activities for tourists like scuba diving and other water sports, a favorite pastime for tourists.

Ocho Rios isn’t just a tropical paradise of natural beauty and fantastic tourist areas; it’s also the home of some great accommodation choices! There are a number of fantastic options for tourists looking for a place to stay. Where you end up spending your nights depends on your budget as well as what you’re looking for.

There are all-inclusive resorts for couples, family resorts, high-end hotels, moderate hotels, villas, lodges, and more. Although the all-inclusive resorts are the most expensive, the “all-inclusive” factor means guests pay one price for accommodations, meals, and entertainment. Some popular Ocho Rios all-inclusive resorts include Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club and Beaches Grand Sport at Ciboney.

The beautiful beach front, retro-looking Jamaica Inn is one of Ocho Rios’ most expensive hotels, complete with attractive patios, spacious bedrooms, deluxe bathrooms, room service, a pool, two bars, a tennis court, and more. If you are taking a family vacation you should keep in mind that children under 13 are not welcome at this particular hotel.

Built around a sensational 1,500-foot golden beach in a private cover is the Shaw Park Beach Hotel, with a 1950s look yet modern bedrooms and bathrooms. This hotel features a family-friendly environment, ocean front units, as well as live entertainment and a wide array of water sports.

Noel Coward’s Blue Harbour is a popular accommodation for Ocho Rios visitors. A nostalgic retreat compound once owned by Noel Coward comfortably houses about 10 to 12 guests at a time. The entire center can be rented in whole or in part, and includes the Villa Grande main house, the Villa Rose guesthouse, and the small Villa Chica cottage, and many amenities.

Moderately priced hotels in Ocho Rios include the intimate Hibiscus Lodge Hotel and the High Hope Estate. For accommodation that’s a bit easier on your budget, try Little Pub Inn, Parkway Inn, Pineapple Hotel, or Tamarind Tree Hotel.

By doing some online research, you can not only find out what accommodation is available that fits within your budget, but also what other tourists who have stayed there thought of it! Use this information to book the best vacation in Ocho Rios that falls within your budget. One of the places you can try to find out about a place to stay is this Ocho Rios site.

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Planning A Luxury Vacation To Jamaica

Posted on March 1, 2011 by TC Champigny

Planning A Luxury Vacation To Jamaica

If you’re planning a luxury vacation to Jamaica there are plenty of places where you can find everything you need to make your vacation truly luxurious. Experience the pinnacle of luxury included excellence in the Caribbean. Destination spas, five star hotels and fabulous restaurants are plentiful and easy to find everyone on the island. You can treat yourself to the finest of everything because Jamaica is very affordable. Jamaica is one of the finest tourist destinations in the world and is certainly the finest one in the Caribbean.

If you want to have a really luxurious vacation you can book a suite at one of the many high end resorts that dot the beaches around the island. Many of the fine resorts offer complimentary travel to and from the airport and may even have a car service that can you around the island. There are a lot of lovely attractions that you can visit or you can sit by the pool and soak up some warm Jamaican sun. There is also world class shopping and several casinos that can provide a lot of entertainment when the sun is too much.

For a truly luxurious Jamaican vacation skip the hotels and look into renting one of the many private villas that can be found on private estates. Many of these private villas have private beaches right on the ocean and have every luxury that you can think of. Some of these villas are built on land that used to belong to European nobility and European and American socialites and wealthy families that would spend their winters in the Caribbean in mansions overlooking the expansive white beaches. Now most of those mansions are gone but the land is still privately owned and developers have built individual villas on the property where you can stay with a loved one or just by yourself if you need some time alone.

If you’re a boating enthusiast you can rent a villa with a private boat slip so that you can boat as much as you want and you don’t have to travel any further than out your front door. Most of these villas come with housekeeping service, private chefs, and some even have a private concierge so that you can get information on the best spots to eat and shop or get tickets to some of the wonderful shows, exhibits and attractions that the island has to offer. If you want to surprise someone that you love with a luxury vacation you should plan a vacation to Jamaica. You can even charter yachts, sailboats, catamarans, motor boats, or luxury and crewed charters to spend your vacation on.

Since the US dollar is worth more than the Jamaican currency the US dollar buys a lot in Jamaica and you can afford to rent that private villa or stay in a high end destination spa for the same price that you would pay for a business class hotel at another vacation spot. Traveling to Jamaica is the perfect way to get away from it all but not have to deal with the hassles of traveling since Jamaica isn’t that far from the United States. Lot of celebrities head to Jamaica during the year so if you rent a villa on a luxurious private estate you might just run into someone famous when you’re out walking around, boating, riding horses, or playing golf.

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On Safari In Jamaica

Posted on February 23, 2011 by TC Champigny

On Safari In Jamaica

Like adventure? Try having a safari tour in Jamaica. While the beaches and resorts in Jamaica are beautiful and luxurious, they can be crowded. You may find that you want to get away from the crowds, and there is no better way to do this in Jamaica than by going on Safari!

There are numerous places in Jamaica to Safari, and there are also numerous Safari companies and guides that will take you there. There are Swamp Safaris, offered by Swaby’s, where you can see more than 50 crocodiles. There are short Safaris and longer Safaris. There are Safaris where you walk, Jeep Safaris, and boat Safaris. The choices are unlimited.

The Jeep Jamaican Safari is quite popular, and costs approximately $77 per person. It lasts for five hours, and allows you to see rugged parts of Jamaica, as well as amazing views that you would otherwise never see. The tour serves to bring you to the beauty of Jamaica, while including information and experiences with the culture and the history. This tour includes a fifteen minute walk to hidden waterfalls, and you can learn more about this tour at any hotel or resort in Negril.

If you are really feeling adventurous, consider the Negril Canopy Tour Safari. This Safari lasts approximately four hours, and takes place in the Jungles of Jamaica, where you will move from one platform to the next by way of a cord and harness. This is an exhilarating experience, and costs about $70 per person.

For about $60, you can Safari under the water – with ease. No need for diving equipment, you will be fitted with a space age helmet that allows you to see everything while breathing easily. The helmet is weighted enough to allow you to walk around on the ocean floor, and your guide will be with you. This tour takes about three hours, but you are only under the water for 25 minutes at a time. This tour is offered by Sea Trek.

In Ocho Rios, you can go on ATV Safari for about $85. You can get information about these tours at any Ocho Rios hotel, which is where you will be picked up, and the tour takes three to four hours. You will be able to ride through an old sugar plantation, local villages, and Cranbook Flower Forest, where you can visit the Great House. The trip ends with a swim.

If the noise and speed of ATV’s don’t suit you, consider a bicycle Safari with the Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour, from Ocho Rios. This tour lasts for a whopping nine hours. It is, however, all downhill, so you won’t have to even pedal most of the time. The tour starts on the way up the mountain (by motorized vehicle) with brunch at the Papillion Café.

From there, the group travels (motorized) to the very top of the Blue Mountains, where you will be able to view the entire Caribbean at 7402 feet above sea level. You are then issued protective gear and a bicycle, and you are ready to make your way down the mountain. On your descent, you will see magnificent flora, landscaping, streams, waterfalls, misty slopes, birds, and various other wildlife and plant life. You will also be served lunch during the ride, which is followed by the world’s most rare and expensive coffee – Blue Mountain Coffee. This Safari ends with a swim at a secluded waterfall.

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