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Perfect Place For Honeymoon – Jamaica

Doctor's Cave Beach Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica

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Ah, the honeymoon. This is the one best times in any married couples life. Everything is fresh and new, and all of the possibilities are still ahead. For an occasion this special, you want to go somewhere equally special; some place warm; some place sexy and fun. Some place like Jamaica.

Jamaica is perfect for the honeymooning couples. There are full service resorts that line the sparking beaches. Whether you want to spend your honeymoon basking in the sun and sand, or locked in your room with your one true love, Jamaica offers the perfect destination.

Jamaica is such an attractive destination for honeymooning couples thanks to its stunning scenery. It has gorgeous beaches and lush rainforests. There are mountains and crystal clear Caribbean waters. It has the type of views you will literally want to write home about. Make sure you send your family and friends pretty postcards back home; that way you can rub in the great time you’re having, complete with a picture of the scenery they are missing.

No matter how you want to spend your honeymoon, consider one of the many luxury Jamaican resorts. There are big names like Sandals, Breezes, Hedonism and Montego Bay. They are large and all-inclusive, and appeal to people who want to lounge around in complete luxury. For those who want a little more adventure along with a healthy dose of local color, consider a smaller villa. The smaller villas offer many more opportunities to explore more than the beaches while still maintaining the type of scenery you will find on any postcards in any shop on the island.

However you choose to honeymoon, clearly Jamaica is the place to relax with the one you love. A place as romantic as Jamaica will please you almost anywhere you go.

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Tying the Knot in Jamaica

Destination weddings have grown immensely in popularity over the last ten years or so. People are saying “I do” everywhere from Aruba to Punta Cana to Jamaica. Tropical weddings in Jamaica are popular because everything can be done in one spot, making it that much easier. If you and your significant other are planning to have your big day in Jamaica, be aware of the things that you have to do in order for it to go off with a hitch.

There are two main requirements when planning to tie the knot in Jamaica. The first is that you have to be on the island for, at the very least, twenty-four hours before your wedding day. The second is that you need to contact the Ministry of National Security and Justice in Kingston to acquire a marriage license. It should be noted that this process generally takes up to one month to be completed, so make sure you allow enough time before your planning to be wed.

When getting in touch with the Ministry of National Security and Justice regarding a marriage license, it’s always best to do so in person. There are certain documents that you have to present and fees that have to be paid before a license is granted. These include:

  • Birth certificates proving citizenship for the bride and groom. These must include the father’s name.
  • If either person has been through a divorce, a record of that divorce is required.
  • If either has person has lost a previous spouse, a death certificate must be presented.
  • If the bride or groom is under eighteen years of age, a signed letter of consent from parents is required.
  • A record of the full names, job titles, marital statuses, and the local address for both the bride and groom is required.
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Jamaican Cuisine: An introduction to Tours

While Jamaica is known for its white sandy beaches, cool blue ocean, and fabulous sea-side resorts, the country is also known for its spicy and flavorsome cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include jerk chicken and pork, as well as pepper-pot soup and ackee, which is Jamaica’s national food. If you’re interested in all that Jamaica has to offer as far as spices, food, and drink go, there are numerous tours you can take while on your vacation.

One of the most popular food tours among tourists is the Walkerswood Jerk Country Tour held in Ocho Rios. Lasting an entire hour, participants can see the Walkserwood site and walk through the various spice gardens. A stop at the “jerk pit” allows for sampling of as many as 21 of the delicacies that the company produces. There is also a gift shop filled with Walkerswood jerk sauces, as well as cookbooks. The company is one of the leading producers of jerk sauces and other products and its company site spans over seven acres.

Jamaica’s is the leading producer of rum—that’s no secret. If you’re interested in learning more about the many drinks that the country has to offer, then give the rum tour at Appleton Estate a try. The estate is one of Jamaica’s most popular distilleries and offers tours multiple time each day. The tour will run you $80, but when it’s over, you get to take a bottle of the estate’s famous rum home with you. In addition, you’ll learn about the distillery, the estate history, and about the entire process of making and bottling the rum.

These are just two of the most popular food and drink tours in Jamaica. If food is your thing, then you’ll be in luck. There are other tours and no shortage of restaurants for you to try out. A quick Internet search will offer up a list if you want to plan ahead a bit.

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Jamaican Activities for Everyone

While many people who take trips to Jamaica do so to experience the beaches, there are many other activities to participate in. Jamaica is the third biggest country in the Caribbean and offers something for just about everyone from biking to mini golf to rock climbing. If you’re looking for something to do that doesn’t involve a swimming suit and the beach, take a look at the following list for some great ideas, whether you’ll be vacationing alone or with your family.

  • Go rock climbing at Dunns River Falls. This is one of the most popular activities among tourists in Jamaica. Even the beginning climber can have fun here. You can get a tour guide to point out the safest climbing and swimming spots. If you visit, don’t forget a camera! There’s sure to  be plenty of photo opportunities.
  • Take a raft down the Martha Brae River. This is one of the best ways to take in some of the most gorgeous scenery that Ocho Rios and Jamaica has to offer. You can take a trip during the day or at night, and can even stop for a swim if you want to.
  • Do some bird watching. Jamaica has over 200 different species of birds to offer. The Bluefield Mountains offer some of the best locations for this activity, including views of Bluefields Bay and other scenery.
  • Go mountain biking in the Bluefield Mountains. Whether you’re a seasoned biker or just like to go occasionally, there are trails here for everyone. The most popular allows for a trip down the mountains without ever having to pedal, which allows you to be able to take in the scenery and wildlife while on the move.
  • Try some of the various Jamaican foods. Some of the most popular foods in Jamaica include jerk chicken and pork, as well as pepper-pot soup and ackee, the national food. These dishes are traditionally spicy but very tasty.
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Jamaican Sites: The Coyaba River Gardens & Ysassis Point

Voyager of the Seas in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Image via Wikipedia

When planning your vacation to Jamaica, don’t forget to visit Ocho Rios, which is very close to many of the island’s most popular tourists spots and natural island highlights. One of the most popular destinations within Ocho Rios is the Coyaba River Gardens where you can learn about the country’s plant life and other agricultural histories.

While the beach and resorts on the island are considered paradise by many tourists, the Coyaba Gardens offer the same feeling. With numerous walkways, various colorful flowers and plants, and plentiful waterfalls, the gardens are becoming a favorite place for those who don’t enjoy the beach that much. Because most people prefer the beach, the Coyaba Gardens are far less crowded and offer activities such as rock climbing at the waterfalls.

In the vicinity of the gardens is a small museum. Inside, you can learn about Jamaica’s colorful history, as well as the Taino Indians who were the very first inhabitants of the island. The Taino were written about by Spanish Explorers and were still living on the island when slavery was abolished.

Close to the museum is Ysassis Point, which offers perhaps the best view of the rest of Ocho Rios in the country. From this location, you can see everything from the natural hills all the way down to the waterfront where many ships dock every day. On a clear day, Ysassis Point offers one of the best photo opportunities you’ll find in Jamaica.

Regardless of your plans while in Jamaica, make a stop at one of the above places for an experience a little different from that of the beaches.

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Getting Around Jamaica

When many people plan a vacation to Jamaica, they usually end up staying in one spot—usually at some fabulous resort on the beach. In doing so, you could be missing so much of the Jamaican culture, as well as other sites on the island. The country is full of adventures, and getting around can be one in itself. If you’ve decided to move around during your vacation, there are some things you should know about traveling and transportation in Jamaica.

When in Jamaica, you have numerous options for getting around. Most tourists take a tour bus or taxi, but if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can use a rental car, a moped or scooter, and a bicycle. If you don’t have far to go, you can even walk if you want to.

If you choose the tour bus, be aware that they follow designated routes throughout the country and that much of the time, they’re very crowded. Jamaican taxis operate much like anywhere else in the world. Because they don’t use meters, they can be very expensive to use. What you end up paying to get around in these ways will vary, depending on how far you’ll be traveling, as well as which method you’ve chosen to get there.

There are numerous agencies for car rentals, the most popular being Avis, Budget, and Island. Like anywhere else you’d rent a car, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and a credit card. In Jamaica, you drive on the left side of the road, rather than the right, and many of the roads are narrow and very winding.

Drivers in Jamaica like using the horn on their vehicles. They do it to express anger, to let someone know they’re being let in, to indicate right of way, and sometime, they honk the horn for no reason. Keep this in mind when being honked at—it may not be for a negative reason.

Regardless of how you choose to travel around Jamaica, be sure to carry a camera or video camera. You’re guaranteed to see something interesting wherever you go.

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The History of Jamaica

As it is with other nations of the world, the island nation of Jamaica also has her own story to tell. In all sincerity, the history of Jamaica has been a very eventful one, one full of valuable lessons and admonition. Most historians trace the history of this beautiful island back to thousands of years before Christ. At such times, the island was said to be populated by the indigenous tribes.

These tribes were called the Arawaks and it was they that gave the island the name that it bears until today. It will interest you to know that the name Jamaica was derived from the Arawaki name xaymaca, which means the land of the woods and waters. That is an apt description of the island you might say, considering the tropical nature and geography of the islands.

The Arawaks engaged in agriculture, especially the cultivation of maize and fishing. They lived peacefully and in harmony until the coming of the Europeans. From mainland Europe, the Spanish were the first to set foot on the pristine island in the 15th century. When the legendary Spanish explorer, Christopher Columbus saw the island, he confessed that it was one of the most beautiful he had seen. Thereafter, Columbus decided to rename the island Santiago but this attempt was not successful.

The Spanish were brutal lords of the Arawaks and they drove them into slavery and torture. They were required to work extra hard for the benefit of the Spanish invaders. This was so much so that in less than two hundred years, there was virtually no Arawak left on the island. The inhumane treatment of the locals and slaves was to continue even after the British took over as colonial masters. However, as the saying goes, tough times never last, the nation of Jamaica gained independence in 1962 and has been progressing steadily ever since.

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Travel in Jamaica

From the beginning of time, it has always been the nature of man to move from one place to another. The reasons for the movement can be diverse; it can be for food, shelter, a spouse or even in search of a better life. Whatever the reason for travelling, the process has not stopped as millions of people are travelling from one point to another even as you are reading this. The island nation of Jamaica is not an exception to this phenomenon.

Because of the charming beauty of the Caribbean, not a few tourists move to the region every year for sheer thrilling adventure. One of such unforgettable moments includes traveling in Jamaica itself. It is always one of the most memorable events that any one can undertake. It is akin to traveling in paradise itself.

Traveling in Jamaica is quite easy because there are numerous routes open to the traveler. Either you decide to travel by rail, road, air or even by the waterways, Jamaica has all the options. For those that intend to travel by air, there are two international airports, one at Kingston and the other at Montero Bay, a luxurious holiday destination where you can enjoy yourself to the fullest. This is in addition to the fact that there are other smaller airports all over the island.

However, if you really want to enjoy the incredible beauty that is Jamaica, then it may be best for you to register with an experienced travel agency that knows the business in and out. This will not only save you energy and money, it will also ensure that you get to see the places that matter most. In addition to this, your safety will be guaranteed and will not be unduly harassed by the local authorities. Once you have done all these, then you are ready for that trip of a lifetime, in the heart of Jamaica!

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Tourism in Jamaica

Parishes and countys of jamaica alternative nu...
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The fact that the global tourism industry is now worth billions of dollars cannot be put in dispute. In fact, for some nations the economy is solely dependent on tourist dollars. The Caribbean is one hotspot in the global tourism industry and one of the most important players is the tropical island of Jamaica.

Jamaica is a tiny nation situated right in the middle of the Caribbean. Its economy is one that is very much dependent on tourist activities. According to some experts, as much as 50% of the Jamaican economy is based on tourism. This is clearly pointed out when we realize the fact that the island receives over a million tourists every year. Meanwhile, the population of Jamaica itself is just a little under three million.

The government of Jamaica has taken full advantage of the influx of tourists from all corners of the globe and is doing everything necessary to ensure that tourists enjoy their stay and that security is guaranteed at all times. This is quite important especially considering the fact that Jamaica has one of the world’s highest crime rates and that is definitely not good for tourism.

Without undue exaggeration, the island of Jamaica is truly a pearl of tourism and there is little wonder that millions of tourists throng the sunny island every year. What makes Jamaica beautiful and attractive cannot be enumerated. However, it will not be out of place if some of these are mentioned so that the whole issue is made more lucid.

The island of Jamaica is tropical and what this simply means is that there is an ample all-year-round supply of sunshine. Therefore, for those that are lovers of tanning and sunbathing, Jamaica is the place to be. Apart from that, the whispering palms and the exotic beaches are simply too alluring to be ignored. Also, you should not forget the fact that this is the land of reggae!

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Jamaica: Where Entertainment is Unlimited

In the tropical waters of the Caribbean is an island that has captured the imagination of the world for so long. It has been able to do this with quite a number of activities and achievements that still remain unrivaled. The island of Jamaica is a paradise in the tropics and one that is the fantasy of every tourist and adventurer.

Apart from the incredible natural beauty of Jamaica, the unlimited and seemingly endless entertainment that is available to the tourists and local residents alike is one charm that many find quite irresistible. This should not come as a surprise especially considering the fact that the nation has a culture that is very rich and diverse.

For the lovers of music, the island of Jamaica is one place that you will not regret going. This is because the steady and soothing beats of reggae are there to calm your frayed nerves just as the ecstatic beats of dancehall (ragga) will raise you to the high heavens. There are other forms of music that you can enjoy and sample. These include the evergreen calypso, ska, rocksteady and dub music. Without doubt, the island of Jamaica is one where melodies abound.

In a situation where you feel that music is not enough, Jamaica has more to offer you. A very important aspect of this is the legendary film industry of the island where you can see excellent flicks, especially the rare ones that you do not see anywhere else. As if that is not enough, there are various theaters all over the islands and you may even be lucky to see one or two plays of Shakespeare! The entertainment is simply endless.

After dancing calypso and afro-hip hop and you feel as if you are tired, there are numerous drinking joints and spas where you can relax your tired muscles. Jamaica is the place to be!

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