Jamaica

Hey, mon – come to Jamaica. When you think of Jamaica, you may hear the undeniable rhythm of reggae or picture trees swaying in the sun and a band playing a Bob Marley hit. While all of this is definitely part of Jamaica's allure, there's so much more on this small Caribbean island to see and do. Christopher Columbus landed in Jamaica in 1494 and immediately claimed it for Spain, although it was later a possession of the British government for about 300 years. In addition to Spanish and British culture, there is a heavy African influence in Jamaica, a remnant of the massive numbers of African slaves brought to Jamaica by the British. All of these influences, along with the essence of life on a tropical island, have given Jamaica a unique flavor in music, food, art and all areas of culture. If you can arrange a visit during Carnival or one of the great reggae or jazz festivals, you'll see that Jamaica really knows how to put on a party. As a vacation spot, Jamaica's beaches certainly can't be beat. Even beyond swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing, there's an endless list of water sports available in Jamaica – from rafting, fishing and scuba diving to undersea tour boats and swimming with dolphins. For landlubbers, there are wonderful vistas for hiking, horseback riding and cycling, as well as caving, camping, golf and even bird watching. When the warm and beautiful Caribbean sun sets, a whole new world of fun opens up in Jamaica. This is an island with a rich history of music, so clubs are popular night spots for dancing. Restaurants offer everything from local jerk, grilled meats and fresh seafood to Asian, African and Continental specialties served in elegant dining rooms, on romantic terraces under the stars, or small shacks on the beach. All of these are Jamaica, a tiny island home to many vacation adventures.