Tour to Jamaica New Year. Jamaica is a piece of Africa in the Caribbean. Extreme in Jamaica

First acquaintance with Jamaica

The first impression of Jamaica was unexpected. I flew to the region Caribbean Sea, and after long journey in Mexico I expected to see more signs of “Latinos”, but it felt like I had landed in Africa, where I was also lucky enough to visit.

I have been on the island of Jamaica, Caribbean Sea, West Indies for a week now. Tour guide in travel company. This week I am gaining practical experience in conducting excursions. I settled in the town of Montego Bay, north of the island, far from “civilization,” an area from which you can only get out by car, which I don’t have. Public transport These are old passenger cars, mostly Toyotas with red license plates. They get full and head in a certain direction. But I haven't used it yet. Firstly, they do not pass near the house, and secondly, it is not recommended for foreigners.

In cities, especially in Downtown areas, the likelihood of meeting “unpredictable” guys is high, but it is not recommended to appear alone on the periphery. Anyone who wants to smoke marijuana smokes it everywhere, and many have illegal weapons. There are many poor people who can commit crimes for money and food. There is no Internet in the house yet either. The house is new, the area is prestigious. Mainly rental houses for employees large companies, business people. It is assumed that everyone has transport.

I went through four tourist routes. First impression: despite the forced isolation and limited “immersion” in the life of local people, an image of the “Jamaican people” is already emerging through communication with drivers, neighbors, sellers, and employees of tourist sites. People are different. But there were also those with whom we had an interesting conversation about life and faith.

The nature is beautiful - green hills all over the island, many rivers, waterfalls, mountains. The mountain tops offer stunning views - hills, mountains, and the rugged coastline of the Caribbean Sea. The island is 225 km long from west to east, and from 35 to 82 km from north to south, with an area of about 11 thousand square meters. Roads along the sea allow you to develop speed. And inside the island the roads are narrow, often serpentine, and traffic is slow.

But what's the rush? The island's residents say, “There are no problems in Jamaica. If you have a problem, it’s your choice.” Wise))

Christmas in Jamaica

Greetings from Jamaica to everyone on Christmas Eve and the upcoming New Year!

Jamaica is actively preparing for Christmas. This tradition was introduced first by the Spaniards and then by the British when they captured the island from the Spanish in 1655. In the 18th century, there were about 20 thousand English settlers on the island and about 300 thousand African slaves worked for them, who were also converted to Christianity, but they continued to practice their beliefs in secret. Therefore, Christmas here has a touch of African rituals.

Like many other countries, Christmas is celebrated here on December 25th. In Jamaica this holiday is called Jonkanoo. For two days, the city streets are crowded with merry people dressed in a variety of masquerade costumes. Musical performances can be seen everywhere. Christmas traditions in Jamaica are influenced by the rituals of African secret societies. And the very idea of the holiday belongs to the slaves, for whom Jonkanu was their main, long-awaited holiday.

Christmas in Jamaica is not considered a family holiday, so... most of indigenous people gather in numerous bars in noisy groups. Another part of the population, following tradition, celebrates the holiday in church. Parties that offer entertainment for every taste are also very common: a large assortment of various treats, cheerful music and dancing.

Map of Jamaica, Caribbean region

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See you on the exciting journey of life!

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I hereby, being the Customer of tourist services included in tourism product, and an authorized representative of the persons (tourists) specified in the Application, I give consent to the Agent and his authorized representatives to process my data and the data of the persons (tourists) contained in the Application: last name, first name, patronymic, date and place of birth, gender, citizenship, series, passport number, other passport data specified in the passport; residence and registration address; home and mobile phone; E-mail address; as well as any other data relating to my identity and the identity of the persons specified in the Application, to the extent necessary for the implementation and provision of tourism services, including those included in the tourism product generated by the Tour Operator, for any action (operation) or set of actions ( operations) performed with my personal data and the data of the persons specified in the Application, including (without limitation) collection, recording, systematization, accumulation, storage, clarification (updating, changing), extraction, use, transfer (distribution, provision, access), depersonalization, blocking, deletion, destruction of personal data, as well as carrying out any other actions provided for by current legislation Russian Federation, using automation tools, including in information and telecommunication networks, or without the use of such tools, if the processing of personal data without the use of such tools corresponds to the nature of the actions (operations) performed with personal data using automation tools, that is, it allows for in accordance with a given algorithm, searching for personal data recorded on a tangible medium and contained in file cabinets or other systematized collections of personal data, and/or access to such personal data, as well as transfer (including cross-border) of this personal data to the Tour Operator and third parties - partners of the Agent and Tour Operator.

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Who said, that new year holidays- is it winter, frosts and snowfalls? If the snow is replaced by the white sand of a hot tropical sun beach, the Christmas tree by a palm tree, and the traditional “Soviet champagne” by the Pina Colada cocktail, then this New Year it will become even more interesting!

The New Year and Christmas holidays are a time of carefree relaxation and, of course, a wonderful festive mood.

What can make such holidays unusual and unforgettable? Naturally, an unusual setting and lots and lots of the Caribbean Sea. If you're bored of the traditional snowy winter, try New Year's Eve in Jamaica!

New Year's Jamaica

This amazing tropical island, “the land of forests and rivers”, will meet you snow-white beaches, cloudless sky and endless azure sea, which will erase all worries in a matter of seconds. There is no place for gray in Jamaica - all the colors here are only the richest and brightest. The locals are friendly and always look at the world with a smile, and everyone who sees them seems to be charged with uncontrollable cheerful energy - reggae energy.

Jamaica is transformed on New Year's Day. New Year trees are installed in city squares, and buildings are decorated with floral arrangements of tropical plants, which in combination look simply dizzying. Have you ever seen Santa Claus decorating the Christmas tree on sandy beach? But in Jamaica this may not be the case!

Jamaican New Year is not a family holiday. The main night of the year is usually spent here in cheerful, noisy companies, chatting with friends and simply celebrating carefree. At this time, a sea of fun, music and dancing awaits you here, which will not leave anyone on the sidelines of this irrepressible celebration of life. During New Year holidays Another significant event is taking place in Jamaica - annual performances of the country's best reggae bands take place. Agree, it is simply impossible to miss such a breathtaking spectacle!

Winter holidays in the tropics

To those who love leisure, New Year's tours to Jamaica will definitely be interesting, because this island can offer a variety of entertainment for tourists. Do you want to climb the mountains for New Year? Long chain The Blue Mountains will give you an unforgettable climb to a height of 2256 meters above sea level. The soul asks New Year's tour an imaginative trek through the rainforest?

The endless limestone plateau of Cockpit Country and the wild jungle around, gorges and waterfalls will become ideal place to take a break from the bustling cities and feel complete unity with nature. In addition, connoisseurs of good coffee will definitely appreciate the coffee plantations - in Jamaica you can not only see how coffee is grown, but also taste the aromatic, freshly prepared drink.

Extreme in Jamaica

If you can’t imagine your vacation without extreme sports and constant movement, go on a sports tour of Jamaica. Horseback riding and expeditions deep into the island will allow you not only to learn horse riding, but will also give you a lot of vivid impressions, after all, is it possible to compare the usual sightseeing bus with exciting horse rides?

Anyone who goes to Jamaica for extreme sports should definitely try rafting - traveling along the river on bamboo rafts. This is an incomparable experience. Exotic flowers, a sea of emerald greenery on the shores and beautiful natural caves will make your holiday in Jamaica simply unforgettable. If you prefer more familiar sea cruises, in Jamaica you can always be offered trips on a boat, yacht, catamaran and even a sailboat. Reggae music, tropical cocktails and magical beauty coral bays will make your New Year's sea tour in the tropics is truly fabulous.

Fans of extreme sports will also definitely appreciate diving in Jamaica. Montego Bay, Runaway Bay and Negril are deservedly considered the most the best places for diving on the island. Here you will see undersea world with your own eyes and you will be able to try everything that the rebellious soul of a true extreme sports enthusiast could desire: night diving, deep-sea (up to 27-28 m) and shallow-water dives, diving to sunken ships and aircraft. Good diving instructors will help you on your first dives, teach you all the details and monitor your safety.

Christmas in Jamaica: masquerade, music and gifts

Christmas in Jamaica is celebrated according to the Catholic calendar (December 25), but the traditions of the celebration are very unusual. Throughout the country at Christmas, the Jonkanoo festival takes place, during which you can see a masquerade and various musical performances, and the Christmas table is sure to be served National dishes- rice with ham, fried chicken and sweet pastries soaked in rum. And December 26 in Jamaica is called Boxing Day and is public holiday. There is a tradition on the island - on this day, after exchanging gifts, people return unnecessary things given to each other for Christmas.

If you want to spend your New Year's holiday in Jamaica in an interesting and educational way, be sure to visit the Spanish town, founded in the 16th century on the Jamaican shores by the son of Christopher Columbus. Also, do not ignore the amazing Castleton Nature Reserve - in this large botanical garden collected all the rarest and most unusual plant species that can only be found on the lands of Jamaica and the territories of adjacent countries. You should also definitely climb the Dunna waterfalls to admire the mesmerizing water cascades cascading down the rocks from a height of 190 meters.

Jamaica is a tropical fairy tale in which there is no place for boredom and winter mood, so New Year's holidays on the island are always simply unforgettable. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a New Year's tour to Jamaica, and your vacation here will be one of the most pleasant experiences of your life!

It’s not clear why, but the country is away from the “trampled” Russian citizens hiking trails. There are practically no Russians there. I happened to meet small groups of Russian citizens at resorts in Negril. And so tourists are mainly from the States (regular planes fly from Jamaica from Montego Bay to Miami).

The language is exclusively English. Ignorance of the language does not at all prevent you from having a comfortable holiday. An experienced tourist knows how to survive and get maximum pleasure abroad from a tourist who doesn’t know a damn foreign language. But this is a topic for another discussion.

So, the most striking sketches about the country. 98% of the population are black citizens. If you move 200 meters away from tourist centers(hotels, beaches, adjacent cafes and restaurants), then you won’t see white people at all. Everyone lives differently. But mostly very poor (we traveled a lot around the country).
Tourists are not allowed entry. At every step they try to sell three main services: 1) Taxi (even if he is not a driver himself, any citizen of the country is ready to organize a taxi for a fee anywhere), 2) Marijuana (offered everywhere, at any time and in any quantity). It turns out that almost 50% of the total in Europe and 36% in the USA is marijuana from Jamaica. Considered to be of high quality. 3) Braiding hair. Lack of hair is not a problem. If desired, they will be glued to you. Actually, these and other proposals are from local residents They pursue only one goal - to rob tourists. Everything in Jamaica is subject to this. Moreover, they can ask for money just like that :))) Especially if you go deeper into poor neighborhoods. I had to deal with this :))) It’s better to always have some change ready and happily give it to the locals who are starting to cling, pretending that you really like them.
By the way, I think it is precisely because of the criminal situation that most hotels in Jamaica operate on an all-inclusive basis. This is when you live in a hotel without leaving it. All the pleasures are there ( private beach, all sports, free food and drink at any time of the day [it is already included in the price of the tour], all excursions without leaving the bus, etc.). But this is no way to understand and recognize a country. And to spend a vacation like this, you don’t have to go so far. Therefore, based on personal impressions, I recommend that when traveling to Jamaica, you do not choose hotels that operate on an all-inclusive basis.

As an alternative hotel, I recommend the hotel where I stayed with my family - "Doctor's cave" beach hotel". The hotel is located next to the same name and best beach in Jamaica. This beach is a national treasure of the country and is depicted on the 50 dollar Jamaican banknote. The hotel is located in Montego Bay, Jamaica's largest resort. In addition to the tourist area, there are also “local neighborhoods” with all the exotic Jamaicans.

You won't see this in Negril or even Ocho Rios. In Negril, there is a complete tourist zone, and the police cordon will not allow local residents to enter it, not only with drugs, even with fruit.

At all travel business the country is very well organized. As we understand (this information requires clarification), no matter which company you book a tour package with, the Jamaican “Holiday Service” will act as the host. It's there Russian speaking guides. Mostly Polish women, as well as locals who previously studied in the CIS countries under the direction of the Jamaica Workers' Party (according to one of these guides). The availability of round-the-clock support (including by telephone, although local, there is no roaming with Jamaica) from these guides helps in all situations. The only thing you need to remember is to thank the guides (who are local). However, they will hint at this themselves.

The host travel agency will offer a range of excursions. The most interesting is a trip across the country, through the Blue Mountains to the capital Kingston. There is nothing to see in Kingstone, and there is no time left. True, if you are a fan of Bob Marley, you can run through his museum for 30 minutes. But nature, mountains, waterfalls will leave a lasting impression.

On the way, you have the opportunity to taste the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee right on the plantation. Although you can also taste it in the hotel restaurant. To be honest, there is more talk about its taste and aroma. In short, it’s not for everyone... It’s interesting to go to the waterfalls in Ocho Rios, as well as to the south of the country.

Other excursions are less interesting. The cost of each excursion per person is approximately 80-95 USD. dollars.
Kitchen. Jamaican cuisine cannot be called completely unusual and exotic. But everything is quite tasty. Both prepared in the restaurant and in “local eateries”. They cook everything: pork, beef, goat, chicken, seafood (fish, lobster, lobster). The piquancy and purely “Jamaican” taste is determined by the use of local sauces and seasonings. Among the purely local delicacies, ackee fruits prepared in a special way with salted fish should be noted. It's really delicious and served everywhere. Among other exotic fruits, you can also try cooked breadfruit and sweet sap fruits. The rest is the same as everywhere else: bananas, coconuts, pineapples, oranges, etc. Moreover, in poor neighborhoods you can buy and chew refined sugar cane. So that would enhance the impression.
In Jamaica, many things are made from sugar cane. The first and most important thing is, of course, rum. Sold everywhere, in unlimited quantities, different brands and different tastes. IN tourist areas more expensive, 200-300 meters from the hotels, 2-3 times cheaper. Well, it’s like everywhere else at resorts.

If we talk about prices in general, then a holiday in Jamaica is not cheap. This is not Egypt or Thailand. But if you found money for a trip to Jamaica, then I think there shouldn’t be any problems there either.

An interesting observation. If you buy a trip to an all-inclusive hotel or go to a hotel with only breakfast, but without being tied to the hotel you will not deny yourself all the pleasures, you will leave the same amount of money. So, decide for yourself how to go. I have already expressed my opinion.
Have a good trip.

Consent to the processing of personal data

I hereby, being the Customer of tourist services included in the tourism product, and the authorized representative of the persons (tourists) specified in the Application, give consent to the Agent and his authorized representatives to process my data and the data of persons (tourists) contained in the Application: last name, name, patronymic, date and place of birth, gender, citizenship, series, passport number, other passport data indicated in the passport; residence and registration address; home and mobile phone; E-mail address; as well as any other data relating to my identity and the identity of the persons specified in the Application, to the extent necessary for the implementation and provision of tourism services, including those included in the tourism product generated by the Tour Operator, for any action (operation) or set of actions ( operations) performed with my personal data and the data of the persons specified in the Application, including (without limitation) collection, recording, systematization, accumulation, storage, clarification (updating, changing), extraction, use, transfer (distribution, provision, access), depersonalization, blocking, deletion, destruction of personal data, as well as the implementation of any other actions provided for by the current legislation of the Russian Federation, using automation tools, including in information and telecommunication networks, or without the use of such means, if the processing of personal data without the use of such means corresponds to the nature of the actions (operations) performed with personal data using automation tools, that is, it allows, in accordance with a given algorithm, a search for personal data recorded on a tangible medium and contained in file cabinets or other systematized collections of personal data, and/or access to such personal data, as well as the transfer (including cross-border) of this personal data to the Tour Operator and third parties - partners of the Agent and the Tour Operator.

The processing of personal data is carried out by the Agent and his authorized representatives (Tour Operator and direct service providers) for the purpose of fulfilling this agreement (including, depending on the terms of the agreement - for the purpose of issuing travel documents, booking rooms in accommodation facilities and with carriers, transferring data to consulate of a foreign state, resolving claim issues when they arise, submitting information to authorized government bodies (including at the request of courts and internal affairs bodies)).

I hereby confirm that the personal data provided by me to the Agent is reliable and can be processed by the Agent and his authorized representatives.

I hereby give my consent to the Agent and Tour Operator to send me emails/information messages to the email address and/or mobile phone number I have provided.

I hereby confirm that my rights as a subject of personal data have been explained to me by the Agent and are clear to me.

I hereby confirm that the consequences of withdrawing this consent have been explained to me by the Agent and are clear to me.

This Consent is an annex to this Application.