Jamaica is a Caribbean island country that is located just south of Cuba. It's a dramatically mountainous island that is surprisingly affordable compared to other island countries in the Caribbean. It has a population of about 2.8 million people and its economy is mainly dependent on tourism, coffee, and other exports. The weather in Jamaica is generally hot and humid year around. It's a tropical island although the higher mountain areas can have a surprisingly temperate climate. It's also located in the hurrican belt and trips during the fall months should plan accordingly.

Visitors to Jamaica arrive by either plane or cruise ship. Several ports of call are popular cruise ship destinations and it's easy to see the influence this level of tourism is having on the area. Local buses are a great option for traveling around Jamaica. They're efficient, cheap and can be a fun experience to have. You'll likely have to tip the baggage handler so come prepared with small change. Trains are another option for some destinations, but generally speaking, buses are your better option. You could also rent a car and drive yourself around the country. Do be prepared as the roads are often in poor condition and traffic in towns and cities can be frustratingly congested.

Jamaica is probably most famous for its stunning beaches as well as its festive and fun culture, and unique food. Jamaica also has many all inclusive resorts if you're interested in a package vacation with the comforts of home and the luxury of a nice getaway. These options are often reasonably priced, but if you travel independently it will be cheaper. You will have a more authentic experience if you travel around on your own, but you also won't have all of the comforts and conveniences that many people enjoy from an all inclusive resort. These resorts also offer tours and excursions that allow you to see the island in a more structured way. They are often comparable to the excursions offered by cruise ships both in style and in price.

Nine Mile: This is a village town that is most famous as the birth place for the legendary Bob Marley. Today you can visit the Bob Marley Mausoleum where he is buried. You'll also see many guitars, awards, and photographs commemorating him here.
Seven Mile Beach: This is probably one of the popular and famous beaches in Jamaica. It's a great place to relax, swim and soak up some sun for awhile.
Dunn's River Falls: This waterfalls is definitely a highlight for many travelers to Jamaica. It's located in Ocho Rios and is a 600 feet waterfalls that is absolutely breathtaking.

Ackee and saltfish: This is the national dish of Jamaica and a must try for any visitors to the island. Ackee is a local fruit that looks a little like scrambled eggs, although its taste is quite different. The fruit is served with dried codfish, onions and tomatoes. The best option for trying this dish is to find a place that prepares it with fresh ackee, as opposed to canned. This is a uniquely Jamaican dish and something you won't find anywhere else.
Bammy: A traditional Jamaica dish that is thought to have been originally invented by the Arawak or Taino Indians, bammy is a flat pancake that is made from floury cassava and eaten most often for breakfast. It's comparable in taste to cornbread.
Jerk Chicken: Jerk chicken is probably the most famous Jamaican dish and has been exported to restaurants around the world. The chicken is covered in jerk spices and then grilled on a barbeque. While jerk chicken is the most common version, you can also find jerk pork and jerk conch.