09/13/2016
Destination of the week- Jamaica
Here are a few facts you may not know about one of the most popular Caribbean islands!
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean with a population of 2.7 million.
The staff at resorts work hard! Typically six long days a week. The average salary is around $100USD a week, so tip generously (if the resort permits)! The cost of living in Jamaica is quite high, with an apartment in Montego Bay costing around $450USD/month.
Jamaica is hot year round. The hurricane season runs from June to November; however, despite the powerful Hurricane Ivan of September 2004, relatively few hurricanes touch Jamaica.
Jamaica has the most churches per square mile of any country in the world.
Despite being a tropical country, Jamaica debuted their Bobsled team in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. The team came in dead last, won world recognition and inspired the film 'Cool Runnings.' They are still the source of pride and inspiration in Jamaica today.
Most people didn’t know that Jamaica is a bigger part of slave trade than the US, 388,000 slaves were brought to the US from Africa while 1,000,000 slaves were brought to Jamaica.
Most Jamaicans do not smoke ma*****na. The w**d is used mostly by Rastafarians for religious and meditative purposes though not all Rastafarians smoke it. Rastafarians make up less than 1% of the Jamaican population. Agreeably, a small percentage of Non-Rastafarian citizens use ma*****na for recreational purposes. But be warned, while relaxed it is still illegal to possess and use ma*****na (without a medical license).
There are three main areas where you'll find all inclusive resorts- Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril. Beaches in Jamaica tend to be smaller then other Caribbean islands, the exception being Negril which is home to the white sand, seven mile beach.
The tourist season runs from November to April with several direct flights a week from Ottawa. The more expensive times to travel being Christmas through March. Early December is a great time to get a good deal! All inclusive packages start at $800 per person for one week including taxes.
Have you been to Jamaica? Where did you stay?
