Places of Interest:

For the romantic and those just wishing to de-stress, there are plenty of opportunities dotted across the Island. From a scenic trip rafting down the river to a mineral bath or a leisurely walk around a botanical garden you can enjoy the best that Jamaica has to offer for the romantic.

Keep the romance alive as you stroll around Devon House holding the love of your life in one hand and a grape nut ice-cream in the other (you haven’t tasted ice-cream until you’ve had one – ok, so its my favourite but I still think it’s the best); then

Take a stroll around Hope Botanical Gardens (with over 200 acres of flora and fauna, it’s the largest botanical garden you’ll find in the Caribbean);

Milk River Mineral Bath could soothe your aching feet after all that walking; or

A trip to one of the Island’s popular Falls - located all over the Island


Add A little knowledge to your history:

You can step back into history with a few visit and tours of places like: the Rose-Hall great house, the Maritime museum; working plantations and the Arawak Caves (containing paintings and artefacts of Jamaican’s first inhabitants). There are plenty of opportunities to gain historic knowledge of the Island. On your historic journey, don’t forget to visit:

The National Gallery in Kingston – described by the Insight Guides Jamaica, as the repository of the finest work of arts produced on the island;

White Marl Arawak Museum in Spanish Town which displays an extensive collection of artefacts;

Maroon Village in St. Elizabeth (Accompong) where Maroons or escaped Slaves have lived for centuries;

Fort Charles Maritime Museum in Port Royal –Find out how this city (Port Royal) sank beneath the waves following the 1692 earthquake and trace the development of Jamaican maritime history, looking at man’s relationship with the sea;

Bob Marley Museum, to learn about one of the Island’s Reggae Icons.


Shopping on the Island:

Air Jamaica offers a generous baggage allowance which we are grateful for. But let’s face it – people are still overloading their suitcases with unnecessary clothing and other items that are sold on the Island at a more economical cost. Be realistic: you spend all the money you have, getting ‘this n that’ for your various relatives and friends. Then you end up with more than your allowed weight and have to pay extra at check-in for excess weight. By the time you reach Jamaica you have no money left so your holiday is ruined from lack of funds. Then you either max your credit card or spend your holiday depressed.


Here’s an alternative: Book your flight and carry the funds with you. There are various ways to do this including money transfers into your Jamaican account, the use of specialist money transfer companies; travellers cheques or simply by putting your holiday funds on your card (travel or credit) and use your card while on holiday (there are exchange rates and charges to consider for this option).

Some of your relatives may live in the country and would love the opportunity to go shopping in the city. Children love outings and a shopping spree with Aunt Vie from England – what else could top that! Then there are those teenagers who really don’t need another pair of trainers and those who will ask “Is who she carrying ‘ole bruk come give?” They will more likely appreciate the cash so don’t waste your precious holiday time running from Liverpool Street to Oxford Street searching for deals.

Garden lovers could even combine their shopping trip with a tropical garden experience at the Half-Moon shopping Village

If you are departing from Montego Bay’ Donald Sangsters’ International Airport (MBJ) why not save the best of your shopping until last? MBJ Airport boasts the Islands largest shopping Mall. Why not check in early and make the last part of your holiday an enjoyable experience?


Family Entertainment:

Take in a game of the Island’s favourite sport – Cricket at Sabina Park;

Visit Cool Runnings water park in Negril; and

See a Pantomime @ Ward theatre

Visit a local church – see the authentic side of Jamaica, you might even get to take in a gospel concert before your holiday comes to an end (you won’t find these in the calendar of events).


Calendar of Events:

Different events take place throughout the year, so check out the calendar of events to see what is taking place during your visit. This can also be a starting point for planning your holiday. Calendar of events are available from the Jamaica Tourist Board or via the Jamaica Information Service and/or their respective websites.

© Janice S Ramkissoon 2007

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*Visiting Friends & Relatives
Source of Information: Jamaica Tourist Board (special thanks to Yolette Battic for her assistance with historical facts.)