A jewel in the Caribbean's crown, Jamaica is an island rich in
cultural and political heritage. With its thriving cities, stunning
mountainous vistas and to-die-for snow-white beaches, Jamaica is an
undeniably glorious destination. Boasting a unique history where
the creative and political are forever intertwined, its capital
city, Kingston, is a place like no other.
A turbulent breeding ground for the island's creativity, it
cherishes the rich musical output and flourishing art scene that
has made Jamaica world famous. And if the thumping heart of the
city isn't what you came to the Caribbean for, there are always the
magnificent Blue Mountains which have to be seen to be believed -
either from one heck of a trek or from the comfort of one of the
many swish bars in the 'hip strip' of Montego Bay, or perhaps from
the sandy haven of Negril, a favourite with honeymooners. Team
these with the lush forests, waterfalls and crystal clear rivers of
Ocho Rios, and you have the full Jamaican paradise package.
Flying time: Montego Bay 10 hours 15
minutes.
Time difference: GMT -5 hours.
Getting there: Direct services operate to
Montego Bay with British Airways & Virgin Atlantic.
Currency: Jamaican Dollar (but US Dollars are
widely accepted).
Vaccinations: Precautions for tetanus and
hepatitis A are recommended, with some regions under risk of
diphtheria. However, please contact your doctor for up-to-date
information.
Visas: British passport holders do not require
a visa. All other nationals please check visa requirements with the
embassy.
Best time to visit: Consistently warm tropical
weather ensures Jamaica is a popular destination year-round. On the
coast, temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C, with chilly mornings
and evenings denoting winter. Peak season runs roughly from mid
December to mid April; the wettest months are May and October, but
showers may occur at any time. Between June and November, Jamaica
is prone to hurricanes.