AT A GLANCE Jamaica is without doubt the most exciting and vibrant of the Caribbean islands - and its also

one of the most beautiful. As well as the glorious beaches, Jamaica has a fascinating culture, while art and music - especially reggae - are incredibly important here. WHEN TO GO The warm climate means that Jamaica is a great holiday destination at any time of year. The driest months are between December and April; however prices are often at their highest then. During the summer, the weather can be hot and muggy, while there is a risk of hurricanes in September and October. Spring Break takes place between March and mid-April so you may want to avoid these months. Weather May to June: The first of the rainy seasons, although temperatures still average around 28C July to August: The first of the dry seasons and hottest time to visit with temperatures averaging well over 30C September to November: This is the second of the rainy seasons on the island December to April: The driest and the coolest part of the year with January and February being colder than any other month

Images: Jamaica Beach by Katy Warner

THINGS TO DO There are a range of activities and things to explore in Jamaica from historical sites to spectacular scenery. Whether you want to book an excursion with a travel company or discover the island for yourself, theres plenty to see and do here. Attractions Blue Mountains: The longest mountain range on the island - the highest point is 2,256 metres The Enchanted Gardens: Features 14 natural waterfalls and beautiful botanical gardens Bob Marley Museum: A museum in Kingston dedicated to the famous reggae musician

 Devon House: One of the leading national monuments in the country and a symbol of cultural diversity National Heroes Park: A botanical garden in Kingston, 20 hectares in size and with several monuments to see Green Grotto Caves: Situated in Discovery Bay, St Ann, these caves are covered in green algae on the inside

Dunns River Falls: A famous waterfall near Ocho Rios, attracting thousands of visitors every year Blue Lagoon: A deep blue water hole with freshwater springs

Nightlife The Jamaicans love to party and youll find plenty of places around the island to have a drink and a dance. Beach bars that stay open into the evening are incredibly common, while there are also lively nightclubs in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Pelican Bar: A wooden bar on stilts, set in shallow waters off the south-west coast of the island Margaritaville: Try refreshing margaritas in the heart of Montego Bay, overlooking the Caribbean Sea Risky Business: A beach bar in Negril with live music in an evening Amnesia: A trendy club in Ocho Rios with two dance floors and an open air patio Pier 1: A seafood restaurant by day and a lively music bar in an evening John Crows Tavern: DJs play at this bar in Ocho Rios every Friday night Oceans 11: A cool and laidback bar in Ocho Rios with its own private stretch of beach

Activities in Jamaica If you dont want to do the same thing every day, a holiday in Jamaica has anything from swimming with dolphins to magnificent golf courses to keep you occupied. Beaches: Endless white sandy beaches are one of the highlights of holidays here, with the famous Seven Mile Beach in Negril being one of the most popular Windsurfing: Find excellent conditions in Montego Bay, whether youre a beginner or expert River rafting: From white water to bamboo rafting, theres plenty of fun to be had on the rivers here Swim with dolphins: Join the dolphins at Dolphin Cove for an amazing experience Golf: The island is home to 12 unique courses including the stunning White Witch Course Diving & Snorkelling: Montego Bay is the best area in the country for diving, offering an array of sea life and coral

Images: Bob Marley Birthplace by David E Waldron / Devon House by Dubdem Sound System / Dunn's River Falls by Meredith P / Pelican Bar by Dubdem Sound System

SHOPPING Many traditional items are created in Jamaica so therell be plenty of souvenirs to choose from. The shopping centres in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios offer a variety of shops, cafes and bars. Shopping here is a real experience and it is normal to barter for goods in flea markets and tourist shops. Shopping Areas: Montego Bay: Without doubt, the best area in the country for shopping with large shopping malls and traditional Jamaican items Ocho Rios: Enjoy a taste of Jamaican-style shopping here, haggling with the shop keepers and exploring the various craft markets Shopping Centres: Half Moon: Find jewellery, clothes and perfumes in this duty free shopping centre City Centre Plaza: Home to over 20 shops selling watches, leather, souvenirs and more Ocean Village: One of the original shopping centres in Ocho Rios with boutiques, food stores and more Island Plaza: Home to a variety of Jamaican art, as well as local handmade crafts FOOD & DRINK Expect to sample a raft of spicy flavours on your holiday in Jamaica. Famous Caribbean dishes on the island such as jerk chicken and beef patties will get your taste buds tingling, as well as curries which are also popular. Make sure you try the locally grown fruits and vegetables, and no meal is complete without washing it all down with a glass of traditional Jamaican rum.

Popular Jamaican Hotspots: Toscanini: Mixes Italian cuisine with local ingredients such as prosciutto and papaya The Houseboat Grill: This double decker houseboat in Montego Bay offers French inspired mains Ricks Caf: Serves everything from seafood to steak with loud music to accompany your meal Dragon Court: One of the best spots in Montego Bay for Chinese cuisine, with Jamaican influences Lions Den: Home to reasonably priced Jamaican fare, set in an artistic dcor Jack Sprat: A Jamaican themed restaurant set in a garden above the beach, serving everything from seafood to Jamaican style pizza
Image: BBQ Jerk Chicken by Outography.com

CULTURE & ETIQUETTE The Jamaican people are incredibly friendly and hospitable. If you ever need advice or you want to ask for directions, theyll be happy to help. Although the official language of Jamaica is English, Patois is spoken across the island and may take some getting used to. Useful Phrases Wha Gwan? - Whats going on? Every ting criss (crisp) - Everythings cool Yaunerstan? - Do you understand?

Dos and Donts DO be careful when driving as the Jamaicans are renowned for driving quickly and erratically DONT walk by yourself in some of the more remote areas of the city DO be careful when approached by hustlers trying to sell you goods. Just say no thank you if youre not interested DO try and sample new food and drink, such as beef patties DONT show off flashy jewellery or large amounts of cash when out and about DO chill out and appreciate the Jamaican way of life - sometimes that means having a little patience when waiting for food or drink! Tipping Tipping 10% in restaurants is normal, although some restaurants automatically add 10-15% to your bill at the end of the meal so make sure you check it. There is however, a no tipping policy in some all inclusive resorts. Taxi drivers do not often expect tips although it is sure to be appreciated if you experience good service. TRANSPORT Getting around Jamaica is very easy and if youre looking to explore more of the island, there are various tour operators who can organise bus trips to a range of locations. If you want the freedom of seeing the island at your own pace, you can hire your own car, while taxis are readily available. Getting Around Taxis: You can easily get a taxi booked from your hotel lobby, or if youre out and about, flagging one down in street is common practise. Licensed cabs will have red plates with either PP or PPV written on them. Car hire: Many resort towns and airports have car hire options. Airport: The main airports in Jamaica are in Montego Bay and Kingston. Fare Information Taxis: Taxis are not metred so always check the fare with the driver before getting in.
Image: Norman Manley Airport Jamaica by Dubdem Sound System

HEALTH & SAFETY British Embassy in Jamaica - UK in Jamaica Emergency numbers: Police: 119 Fire: 110 Ambulance: 110