Jamaica's mystique has been working its magic for decades, enticing travelers to make tracks to the Land of Reggae. The Caribbean island has fashioned its culture from the roots up — from the winding rhythmic bass line of a reggae tune to the hot-on-the-tongue taste of jerk cooking. Today, Jamaica is a worldwide cultural force with an appeal way out of proportion to its relatively small size and economic impact.
Jamaica — at 146 miles long and 52 miles at its greatest width — is one of the larger Caribbean islands. When Columbus beheld Jamaica on his second voyage, in 1494, he proclaimed the island, "The fairest land ever eyes beheld ... the mountains touch the sky." Throughout its history, Jamaica has passed from hand-to-hand. England took control of the island from the Spanish in 1655 and Jamaica finally became self-governing in 1962.
While the island has two major airports, most vacationers will be flying into Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, on the island's north shore. Jamaica's three major tourist areas are Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril, all on the north coast and each with their own unique island vibe. "Mobay" is known for its world-class golf and luxurious resorts; "Ochie" has attractions galore and a mix of resorts for all budgets; Negril is hip and laidback, epitomizing Jamaica's "Hey, mon" attitude to life.
Tip: Chances are you'll be staying at one of the beachside resorts. These have all the bells and whistles — enough to keep most guests occupied for the length of their stay. That's all well and good, but make the effort to get off the resort and mingle with the island's people. Chances are you'll have some of the most memorable moments of your trip away from your home base.
Once you're settled in, the action begins. There are plenty of options for water sports, including scuba diving, windsurfing, paddle boarding or easygoing evening catamaran cruises. On land you can horseback ride through the surf, tee off on a championship golf course or barrel along jungle tracks on an ATV. Shopping ranges from upscale boutiques to funky outdoor markets. Similarly, you can take dining high to low, from an elegant dinner to a down-home Jamaican meal at a roadside jerk shack.
Tip: If you have a special interest, schedule your Jamaican visit to coincide with one of the island's annual events, such as the Reggae Marathon in Negril or Reggae Sumfest in Mobay.
Planning a trip to Jamaica can be a fun experience in itself. Before you actually embark on your journey, try immersing yourself in the island's culture. It's hard to imagine anyone who is unfamiliar with the music of Bob Marley, but if that's the case, a perfect place to dip in is a greatest-hits compendium, Legend. Jamaica's music is broader than reggae, though. Drop into YouTube and search for other musical forms, including mento, ska, dub, rock steady and dance hall. If you're looking for a movie to get you in the mood, check out The Harder They Come, a rambunctious flick from the '70s, starring musician Jimmy Cliff as a reggae-singing outlaw.
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