| If you are visiting Jamaica for the first time, here are | | | | trek up the Blue Mountains. You can talk to the staff |
| some tips that can help you plan your trip better. | | | | of your Jamaica accommodation rentals and they will |
| Accommodation: You can choose to stay in hotels, | | | | arrange for a guide and vehicle for you. The drivers |
| all-inclusive resorts, B&B or Jamaica | | | | will also be able to take you off the beaten track. |
| accommodation rentals comprising of private villas, | | | | Currency: The local currency is Jamaican dollar (JA$). |
| cottages, apartments and condos. While all have their | | | | The US dollar is widely accepted but it is advisable to |
| advantages, Jamaica accommodation rentals are ideal | | | | carry local currency especially if you are visiting the |
| if you are travelling with your family and friends. | | | | markets. |
| They combine all the facilities and services of a hotel | | | | Weather: The average temperature is 82°F while |
| with privacy and space that only a home can provide. | | | | on the mountains it is usually around 50°F. The |
| Added to this is the fact that they are more | | | | hurricane season is from late June to November while |
| affordable than hotels and all-inclusive resorts. | | | | the average annual rainfall is 78 inches. |
| Getting around: You should hireJUTA (Jamaica Union | | | | What to buy: There are some really interesting |
| of Travelers Association) taxis bearing a red Public | | | | souvenirs you can shop for including jewellery made |
| Passenger Vehicle (PPV) license plate. These drivers | | | | from coconut shells and wood carvings crafted by |
| are certified by the Jamaica Tourist Board and their | | | | roadside artistes. And other must buys include Blue |
| taxis are air-conditioned. The roads are a bit rough | | | | Mountain Coffee, rum and fiery scotch bonnet |
| and so it is better to hire a driver than drive yourself. | | | | pepper sauce. |
| However, should you wish to drive remember | | | | What to eat: Street food is safe and delicious. |
| Jamaica follows a left hand drive and the speed limit | | | | Popular snacks include cho-cho (similar to a potato), |
| within urban areas is 31mph. | | | | bammy (a pancake-shaped bread) and dukunu |
| Hire a guide: If this is your first visit to Jamaica, you | | | | (sweet cornmeal dumplings boiled and wrapped in |
| could hire a guide to take you around the attractions | | | | banana leaves). |
| specially if you are visiting plantations or planning a | | | | |