subject: Vacation In Jamaica - Learn Its History While Savoring Everything It Has To Offer [print this page] Jamaica is an extremely popular vacation destination. It's easy to get to from the eastern United States, being just 90 miles south of Cuba. There are mountain jungles to explore, offering horseback riding, camping, nature excursions, waterfall climbing, and river trips to name but a few. Of course, the island is known for its beautiful beaches, offering every kind of water sport imaginable.
Christopher Columbus, on the second of his four trips to the new world, first set foot on Jamaica in 1494. He discovered what would evolve into the largest English speaking island in the Caribbean. The island stretches 144 miles by 50 miles. Its friendly, warm and welcoming people help make Jamaica such an attractive vacation spot. Lying within the Atlantic hurricane belt, the island sometimes experience damage from a big storm.
As noted, Jamaica's official language of government and education is English, although the Patois form of Jamaican Creole is also spoken. Most Jamaicans use both Patois and English depending on who they're talking to, and often combine them.
Traveling Jamaica by car offers delightful sightseeing opportunities. The island climate is as welcoming as its people, with summer temperatures in the 80s and winter temperatures in the 70s, moderated by the cooling breezes of the Caribbean. Jamaican cuisine is justifiably world famous, often zesty and refreshing, and quite unique. Chicken jerk is popular, as are many seafood offerings, including conch and chowder with crabmeat.
All kinds of relaxation can be indulged in Jamaica. For instance, how would you like to be under a palm tree enjoying a warm tropical breeze, or maybe swimming around a reef packed with colorful tropical fish, and then eating some jerk chicken and sipping a cold Red Stripe, listening to Bob Marley in the background.
Jamaica's history is rich with heritage, unique culture, and pride. When visiting, be sure to pick up information and maps from the Jamaica Tourist board. You can also get an excellent map from Maps.com. Driving in Jamaica can be a little dodgy- they drive on the left, and Jamaicans are not great respecters of traffic regulations, so beware!
Jamaica boasts some well-known exports, such as Blue Mountain coffee (did you know that?), but their best industry is, quite obviously, tourism. Jamaican hospitality is widely celebrated, offering food, fun, and excellent accommodations, and along with its natural beauty the island is a top destination in the Caribbean.
Currently, Jamaica is ranked as one of the best five destinations in the world, and there is not much more you could ask for in a getaway vacation. Jamaica can truly give you the kind of experiences you have been looking for.
