Choosing the perfect holiday destination for you and your friends, family or partner is a challenging task. Everyone’s dream destination is different, and their preferences are based on varying criteria. Furthermore, while some places are more suited for young couples, other are family-friendly instead. Fortunately, you have plenty of resources to help you choose.
This A Jamaican Experience article goes as far as to debate the ultimate destination battle being that between Jamaica and Mexico. The two have the same peak seasons, namely mid-December to mid-April, and tourists choose them for similar reasons. But if you’ve been considering going Jamaica this year, here’s what you need to know beforehand.
Beaches
It’s no secret that many people visit Jamaica for its stunning beaches paved with fine, white sand and breathtaking scenery. Furthermore, the entire island benefits from clear, turquoise-colored waters all along its coasts facing the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Therefore, regardless of what part you choose to visit, it will most likely have a great beach nearby.
The best destination to meet this purpose is Negril, a small resort town located in the western part of Jamaica, in the Hanover and Westmoreland parishes of the country. The Montego Bay Airport is nearby, making it as accessible as it is lovely. And if you’re looking for the best of the best, put Seven Mile Beach on your radar.
If you’re heading east, make sure to check out Boston Bay Beach. This location is an excellent choice if you want to sunbathe or catch some waves, but also if you’re after the best jerk food that money can buy on Jamaican land. Its authenticity is something that’s hard to replicate, which is why you should visit this area if you have the chance.
Culture
As Westerners, there is nothing more prominent that we associate with Jamaican than the Rastafarian religious belief system. Based on the coronation of King Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia in 1930, this movement became a pivotal element of Afro-Caribbean philosophy and gave birth to important customs and traditions. Still, the vast majority of Jamaica is Christian.
If you’re interested in witnessing a slice of culture unfolding before your very eyes, Kingston is the place to be. The Bob Marley Museum is a great choice for any reggae lover or pop culture enthusiast out there because it showcases essential aspects of the beloved artist’s life and times.
In addition, it’s located in the house where he lived and recorded from 1975 until his death in 1981, which adds a certain mystique to the entire experience. The prevalent themes in his work have to do with the Rastafari way of life, out of which reggae music was born. Nevertheless, Jamaica is much more than that.
It’s a colorful and vibrant country full of interesting things to try or just observe. No matter which part of it you choose to visit, you will surely have something to learn from the experience.
Cuisine
A big part of the tourist experience is indulging in a country’s traditional cuisine. And when it comes to Jamaica, you’re in for a number of deliciously spicy treats. Jerk chicken is one of the countries largest exports, but this recipe is also applied to meats such as pork or even goat. Rum is also a big part of the food and drinks culture of the country.
From a traditional point of view, papaya, maize, potatoes, and peanuts have been the central elements to many Jamaican dishes through the years. Then, the Spanish colonization of the territory brought along local influences, and Creole, African and Caribbean touches also made their presence felt through time.
Conclusion
Before you visit Jamaica, it’s important to decide where you want to go, and what you want to see. This will help you decide where to go. But regardless of the region, make sure to try the delicious cuisine and drinks that the local restaurants and bars offer. This is what turns a good experience into an amazing one.
