Jamaica as a tourist destination

Close your eyes and try to imagine warm sunny days, crystal waters, beautiful sunset, coconut trees and cool sea breeze. Imagine days without worries, just the tranquility of basking in the sun, sipping on cold drinks and the feeling of warm sand beneath your feet. Can you just imagine? What if I were to tell you that all that you have just imagined, is in fact real, and is in fact Jamaica.

Located to the south of Cuba and on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the Caribbean and the World and in 2018 the island celebrated its number one ranking as Best Destination in the Caribbean and number 14 as Best Destination in the World. Many may question, “why choose Jamaica when there are many other islands and places in the world?” 

There are several reasons to travel to Jamaica, but some of the main ones are warm weather and beaches, music and culture, many attractions keeping you one with nature, a hotspot for weddings and honeymoons as well as great food. There is no other place on earth that can give you the feel of closeness and familiarity that Jamaica can. In Jamaica the weather is warm all year long, but especially in and close to Summer.

As an island in the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is surrounded by spectacular white sandy beaches such as Seven Mile Beach in Negril which is the longest beach in Jamaica and located within the vicinity of some luxury resorts and ocean front restaurants. In 2018 it was named as the 8th Best Beach in the world by TripAdvisor®. James Bond Beach in the Ocho Rios Area is where the popular James Bond movie, Dr. No was filmed.  Dunn’s River Falls and Park is a must when you visit Jamaica. It features a falls that cascades over 180 meters and ends in the breathtaking sea. 

Other than its white sandy beaches and pristine waters, Jamaica is famous for its music and culture. As the country’s motto states, “Out of many, one people”, this can be found in its rich culture and diversity. Jamaica has one of the most popular and unique cultures in the world that is embraced by locals and visitors alike. The population is over two and a half million and made up of persons from many different cultures, working together as one nation. Reggae is a style of music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. Visit the Bob Marley Museum situated on the site of his home which he purchased in 1975. Local street dances &  music make up a part of the culture. Why not go get loose with the rhythm and sway of the music.?  

“Jamaica is a land of unique culture, engaging activities, and breathtaking landscapes. It is these features that make it the ideal destination for not only vacation but for weddings and honeymoons. The picturesque surroundings make the perfect backdrop to bring out the romantic in anyone. Being one with nature gives a sense of relief and allows you to reflect on life away from distractions and demands of our regular lives. The Blue Mountain Peak is the highest on the island. The mountain is covered in lush greenery and has cozy cottages to accommodate all nature lovers in the cool climate. It’s the perfect place for hiking and camping and is also home to the Blue Mountain Coffee. 

You may be wondering, with all these amazing attractions and attributes, Jamaica is way out of your budget. Let me tell you, there are many ways to get the best deals when traveling. In the past we would make use of our travel agents, but we are now living in a technological era. We have our agents at the tip of our fingers,

the World Wide Web. There are many websites available that offer discounts on travel, such as TripAdvisor, Travelocity and a few more. You are able to do package bookings, meaning book a hotel, a car and flight all in one deal. In some cases, companies off small financing. Take for instance Spirit airlines that offer cheap seats and constant discounts for frequent flyers. The world of AirBnB has now made it even easier, doing short term vacation home rentals and enjoying your vacation at your speed and within your budget. There are also hostels available where you pay little to none and share rooms with strangers or friends. It’s a great way to promote cultural exchange. At the end of the trip, you may have made a new friend.

Traveling improves your health, whether mentally or physically. It is a good way to get away from all the distractions of life and to realign yourself. Jamaica is undoubtedly a special destination that even the rich and famous find time to visit from time to time.
There are so many ways to kick back and relax and watch your worries fall away. With the many airlines and development of new accommodations in the growing country, traveling has never been so easy and affordable. Whether you are interested in nature, dance, music, food or just chilling on the beach, there is no place better than Jamaica.

Citations

• Buisseret, D. J., Ferguson, J. A., Black, C. V., & Bryan, P. (2020, March 20). Jamaica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/place/Jamaica
• McLeod, S.-kae. (2017, November 16). 11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Jamaica At Least Once. Retrieved from https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/jamaica/articles/11-reasons-why-you-should-visit-jamaica-at-least-once/
• Morrow, K. (2020, April 2). Tropical Paradise: 23 Best Beaches In Jamaica: BEACHES. Retrieved from https://www.beaches.com/blog/best-beaches-jamaica/
• Torberg, S. (2017, June 14). Importance of taking vacation. Retrieved from https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/thrive/importance-of-taking-vacation