Compare Jamaica Holidays

Overview

It is easy to wax lyrical about the island of Jamaica in thenorth of the Caribbean. The glorious glow of its sunsets, theunique and engaging ways of its people, the alluring white sandybeaches and lush green mountains, the sparkling waterfalls. All caninspire the poet in anyone. The beauty of this island paradise hasdrawn visitors for centuries: first it was the wealthy few who wereprivileged to enjoy the unspoilt tropical delights of Jamaica.Today the northern and western coastlines of the island bristlewith tourist resorts and 'all-inclusive' hotels, and naturalattractions have been commercialised to cope with the crowds andmake the most out of the tourists.Somehow the commercialisation has not spoiled Jamaica, however.It still presents a magnificent kaleidoscope of colour and beautythat makes holidaymakers sad to leave, and vow to return.The name Jamaica originates from the pre-colonial nativeinhabitants, the Arawak Indians, to whom 'Xaymaca' meant 'land ofwood and water'. There is little left of the Indian culture: afterbeing discovered by Columbus in 1494 Jamaica was ruled by theSpanish for 150 years, and then by the British for the next 300years. Independence came in 1962 to the Jamaican people who are nowa warm blend of different cultures and nationalities, thoughsignificantly African based because of the influence of theimported slaves, who endeavoured to keep their tribal traditionsalive while being forced to labour on the island plantations.There is, however, a little trouble in paradise: the Jamaicanpeople on the whole are poor, and very reliant on tourism for theirliving. Some visitors object to being harassed by vendors,unlicensed taxi drivers, hair braiders and the like. Crime is alsoa problem. These minor irritations however should not keep anyoneaway from savouring the spirit of Jamaica, which is as rich as thelilt of the local patois and the rhythms of the reggae music forwhich the island is famous.

Money

The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is divided into 100 cents. The islandis well supplied with ATMs, banks and bureaux de change. Bankinghours are usually Monday to Thursday 9am to 2pm, and Friday 9am to4pm. Cambio exchange offices are found throughout the country, openlater than banks and offer better exchange rates. Retain receiptsas proof of legal currency exchange. Exchange bureaux at theairports and hotels also offer better rates than banks. Majorcredit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Both cashand travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars.

Time

Local time is GMT -5.

Language

The official language is English but a local patois is also spoken, a mixture of English, Spanish, and various African languages.

Climate

Jamaica's climate is tropical with constant warm to hottemperatures all year round, though cooler in the higher, centralareas. The wettest months are between May and November, when shortsharp showers can be expected. The heaviest rains occur inSeptember and October and the hurricane season runs from June toNovember, though, despite the powerful Hurricane Ivan in September2004, relatively few hurricanes touch Jamaica.

Current Weather Conditions for Montego Bay, , JM

Now 24°C Windchill: 24°C Partly Cloudy

Location: Montego Bay, , JM Wind: 0 kph N Humidity: 65% Visibility: 0.1 km Pressure: 1,014 mb falling Sunrise: 6:33 am Sunset: 6:15 pm

Wed High: 28°C Low: 21°C Partly Cloudy

Thu High: 28°C Low: 22°C PM Showers

Compare Holidays in Jamaica

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