D
on’t underestimate the size of Jamaica, the third largest island in
the Caribbean. Driving from one end to the other, it can take close to
six hours. Yet, within its confines are some of the finest stretches of
coastline in the Caribbean and the velvety green slopes of the Blue
Mountains rising from its core. Whether you choose the fine white
sands of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, or Negril, make that extra effort
to leave the premises of your resort, especially if it’s an all-inclusive
property. To fully experience a Jamaican vacation, you have to go
outside the walls to dine on wonderful Jamaican specialties like the
spicy jerk chicken, listen to live Reggae bands, and meet the people.
Go for a drive into the countryside, where churches are filled with
bonnet-clad women on Sundays and children walk to and from school
in their blue uniforms on weekdays. Then slow down on a river that
winds through thick forests tangled with bamboo and ripe with
mangoes and bananas. Soon you’ll be speaking the local language,
Patois, saying “Ya, mon, everything is Irie.”
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