Deciding to take your Spring Break in Jamaica could be the start of a holiday of a lifetime, but there are some things that you need to keep in mind to ensure that you stay safe but still have a great time.

DO make sure that your parents know where you’re going to be staying, who you are traveling with, have contact information and a rough idea of what you’ll be doing there – especially any places you intend to visit.  You should also make sure that you give your home contact information (such as parents names, address and phone numbers) to at least 2 of the people you are traveling with in case they need to be contacted.

DON’T accept/buy/take drugs – Jamaica may be a place where you can freely find them, but it’s not a good idea.  Really!  As accessible as they are, they are also illegal and the last place you want to spend your Spring Break is a local Jamaican police cell!

DO listen to any personal safety advice that’s given.  They are talking to you!  Just because you’re young and only there to have a great fun doesn’t make you immune to the darker side of Jamaica.  The advice may sound as if it’s your parents speaking, but it’s not just for your benefit – crimes against tourists affect the local economy wo poker spielentexas holdem poker trickspartie poker netgratis poker spielepoker superstars 2 spielenpoker flash gameonline poker kostenfreipoker rulespoker game set 300carte giocotavoli da gioco pokeromaha h lwww poker gratispoker tour ps27 card stud in lineacasino poker gratispoker texana onlinepoker game gratisholdem poker on lineasian poker tourgiocare a poker on lineplay omaha poker onlineplay poker,play wize poker,poker play moneystrip poker online demogioco a pokerplay omaha poker freesiti poker on linetornei poker texas holdemstrip poker gratistexas holdem gamepoker americanotexas holdem downloadpoker texana on lineplay omaha pokeromaha poker onlinedownload gioco poker gratispoker gratis multiplayerplay poker on linetornei pokerpoker texas holdem gratisкомпютри втора употребаpoker sala giochigiochi poker,giochi carte poker gratis,giochi poker per pcgioco di poker gratispoker tournament 2007poker gioco completosale poker onlinetexas holdem freewarestrategia texas holdemcalifornia poker??????download giochi poker so the hotel has reasons for keeping you safe!

DON’T take any expensive jewelry.  You’re probably going to spend most of your time in the water, on the beach or partying anyway so you don’t need it!  If you don’t take it, you can’t lose it or have it stolen!

DO follow any safety guidance given by activity instructors.  If you later take part in the same activity without an instructor, remember the safety warnings and make sure you have the right equipment.

DON’T go out on your own at night if you’re female!  Jamaica is a beautiful country, but it’s a culture is very much male dominated with women being of little value.  Enter any relationships with male locals with caution!

DO have a great time!  This could be a once in a lifetime vacation that you’ll remember for years to come.  Jamaica is an island paradise, a place where most people will only dream of visiting so get the most of out it – don’t spend the entire vacation on the beach!

The safety advice may sound a little dramatic, but think about it – it’s not so very different to what non-US people are told when they are planning a visit to New York City!  Most of it is common sense.  Don’t get too confident about your safety, listen to the hotel’s advice, and you’ll have a wonderful experience but still get home in the same condition you left!

When traveling abroad it’s usually wise to take with you a basic first aid kit – nothing fancy, just a tin with a few bits and pieces that can help you out if you have an accident and need a temporary bandage or pain killer until you can locate where the nearest source of medical attention is. If you are traveling to Jamaica, or anywhere else in the Caribbean there are some other things that it might be useful to carry with you.

Some form of aspirin/Tylenol to help reduce fever or relieve headaches – or muscle strains from sports your body is unaccustomed to. If you know that you intend to take part in water sports or new activities you may want to consider a pain relieving cream (or spray if you can find one that isn’t aerosol based – airline regulations apply here!).

An anti-bacterial cream to deal with any grazes or cuts that you may get taking part in activities, or even just walking on the beach if you stand on a sharp shell.

Hay fever medication – even if you aren’t known to suffer from hay fever, putting a packet of anti-histamines in your first aid box is just insurance against you finding out that you are allergic to a certain type of pollen – and it’s found in Jamaica!

Insect repellent! Anything that contains DEET should work fine. Pack this close to the top of the first aid kit – and also carry one in your on-flight luggage in case it’s a while before you get your bags once you arrive in Jamaica!

Sun block – again this should be a spare for the one you have in your on-fight luggage.

Anti-diarrhea medication. As with the hay fever medication, you probably won’t need it but it’s better to take it and not use it, than not to take it and need it!

Bandage, and plasters for cuts and sprains. Take the “one size fits all” variety so that it doesn’t matter where you hurt, your bandage or plaster will fit!

Thermometer – even one of those little forehead strips that you can get for kids to check for fevers will be good enough to tell you if you’ve got a temperature or you’re just a little unaccustomed to the tropical heat!

You should also pack any prescription medication you take, along with any syringes you need for taking it. Mark the prescription medication carefully, and include the prescribing doctor’s name in case you are questioned over it at customs and immigration. Always carry two sets of prescribed medication, one in your carry-on luggage and one in the checked luggage so that you are sure that even if one set goes missing, you have a back-up.

Taking a first aid box on your Jamaica vacation isn’t planning for the worst, it’s providing insurance. You pay for it and you don’t intend to have to use it – but it’s just good to know that it’s there just in case!

There are many reasons to visit Jamaica – the beautiful beaches, the blue ocean, the mountains, the jungle, the wind, the sun, and the shopping. Because Jamaica is a very popular tourist and cruise location, you can expect to find the usual tourist souvenirs available everywhere you go…but this isn’t really what you should be shopping for in Jamaica.

What you may want to consider buying while in Jamaica includes various art and craft products, as well as wood carvings, which can be found in numerous craft markets and at roadside vendors.

Rum is a good souvenir purchase as well. Look for Appleton rum, and be sure to take a tour of the factory while you are there. Tia Maria is also good. This is rum mixed with Blue Mountain Coffee, vanilla, and cane syrup. You will, of course, also want to purchase some Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, which is a rare coffee, and one of the most expensive.

Blended oils, herbal scrubs, beeswax candles, potpourris, shower and bath gels, vegetable soaps, and other aromatic products, made from local natural products are also idea. Jerk (a seasoning), sauces, jams, jellies, and chutney’s are also worth your time and money, as well as Cuban Cigars. Definitely make sure that you get some Pickapeppa Sauce.

Look for the duty free shops. There are duty free shops located in all three of the resort areas. In Montego Bay, look for the Montego Freeport Shopping Centre. In Ocho Rios, look for Island Village. In Negril, look for Time Square Shopping Center (Craft Market). In Kingston, there is a duty free shop called Mall Plaza. Port Antonio has no duty free shopping. Most resort hotels have duty free shopping inside them, but you may find cheaper prices at these other locations.

Also, be prepared to barter. Don’t ever pay the displayed price. Barter that price down with the shopkeeper – they expect it and you will enjoy it! You will also, of course, save a great deal of money. You will need to present your passport, your immigration slip, or your return airline ticket in order to purchase items in duty free shops.

You do not have to convert your money to Jamaican money in order to shop. When possible, shop with American money, and pay prices that are quoted in American dollars. This will help you to better understand how much things cost, and how much change you should receive. Note that one American dollar is worth about $60 Jamaican dollars.

There are some things that you will find available in Jamaica, which you should not buy, because they are actually illegal. These items include black or white coral, turtle products, reptile products, and butterfly products, many varieties of shells, and wild plant or orchid specimens. Some items may not be illegal, but may have export restrictions,

which means that you can’t take them out of the country.

Also note that many tourists who are not knowledgeable in illegal drugs often purchase Ganja, as the seller convinces them that it is just an herb, with various healing qualities….well, it is an herb. It is marijuana, and it is illegal in Jamaica. Don’t buy Ganja!

Many couples from various countries choose to honeymoon in Jamaica, and many of them also decide to actually get married there. Jamaica is a beautiful place for a wedding, and Jamaicans adore weddings as well!

First, to get married in Jamaica, there are two things that you absolutely must do. First, before you arrive, you should obtain your marriage license. You apply for this license through the Ministry of National Security and Justice, which is located in Kingston. You can call for instructions at (876)922-0080.

In order to obtain the marriage license, you must show proof of citizenship, parental permission form (if under 18), Proof of divorce, if applicable, and a copy of death certificate if you are a widow or widower.

Getting the marriage license is the hardest part, and it can take a while if you are trying to obtain it yourself. If you want to speed the process up, call the resort or villa where you will be staying, or where your wedding will be hosted, and ask them for help in acquiring the license. Many wedding packages include this service.

Once you have the license, you are ready to travel to Jamaica for your wedding. You and your potential spouse must be in the country for at least 24 hours before you can be married. Furthermore, the ceremony must be performed before 8:00 PM (Jamaican Time), and there must be two witnesses present. The witnesses must be present for the wedding and after the wedding when the marriage documents are signed.

From a legal standpoint, that is all that there is to it. The actual wedding, on the other hand, is a whole new ballgame. Again, do consider a wedding package that is offered by one of the resorts. They can make your wedding very detailed and special. You can actually ‘mix and match’ packages until everything is just as you want it to be.

Everything will be handled for you, and you will find that you probably spend less on your Jamaican wedding than you would on a traditional wedding in your own country. It is a good idea to book your airfare and hotel accommodations through the airline. Purchase the wedding package separately. You will save money this way.

If guest will be traveling to Jamaica for your wedding, it is ideal to reserve a block of rooms at the resort or hotel for them. You should check with the airlines and the hotel to find the best deals possible. Also, consider working with an experienced travel agency when arranging blocks of rooms, as they can usually get you the best deal.

While everything will be handled for you, your wedding attire must be supplied by you. Some packages will include the bouquet, but the wedding dress and the groom’s tux are left up to you, the happy couple.

Most packages will include the services of a wedding consultant, who you can work with over the phone or via e-mail prior to your arrival. They will ensure that everything that is needed for your dream wedding is in place, without you having to worry and fret over the details. In Jamaica, your wedding can be as elegant or as relaxed as you want it to be. Get married in a gorgeous dress in a pristine chapel, or get married on the beach in your swim wear – anything you desire is possible! After all, this is the enchanted island of Jamaica, where all of your dreams can come true!

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When you visit Jamaica, you will definitely need a way to get around. Jamaica isn’t necessarily a small place, and there is a great deal to see and do. Public transportation is available, but not very reliable. Many hotels and resorts have shuttles to various attractions, but those shuttles run on schedules, which may make it difficult for you if you are running on your own time schedule.

Having a way to get around on your own may be more ideal for you. In this case, you actually do have a few options. The first obvious choice is renting a car. You should note, however, that in Jamaica, you drive on the left side of the road – not the right.

This is confusing to many people who are accustomed to driving on the right hand side of the road, and can even be scary! If you do rent a car, pick it up at the airport. Be prepared! Car rental prices are very high in Jamaica. Make sure that you get a deal that includes unlimited mileage! Also make sure that you get a good road map. Currently the Discover Jamaica road map, which is published by the Jamaica Tourist Board, is the best one to have.

Another option is to travel around by Taxi. Note that many taxis in Jamaica don’t operate on meters. Therefore, it is important to agree upon a price with the driver before you get into the taxi. There are special taxis and buses that are owned by the Jamaica Union of Travelers Association. These special taxis and buses have red Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) plates on them.

You can call a taxi or flag one down on the street in Jamaica. Rates are set for the car, not for the number of passengers in the car. Note that the rate is usually higher after midnight.

Another option that gives you more freedom at a smaller expense is to rent a moped or motorcycle. These can usually be arranged for through your hotel, and the daily rate is anywhere from $45 to $70. You will, of course, be required to put down a deposit, which usually runs between $100 and $300.

For getting around the local area, with no plans to go very far, consider renting a bicycle. This is the absolute cheapest option, and you won’t have to worry too much about which side of the street to drive on, or other traffic laws. You also won’t have to worry about parking, and bicycles can usually go where cars and motorcycles cannot.

No matter which option you choose, make sure that you are dealing with a reputable company or person. Scams are rampant in the ‘getting around town’ industry in Jamaica. Again, make sure that you agree on prices in advance, and try to use a company that is operated by one of the tourist associations or one that is recommended by your hotel. Have your transportation lined up when you book your trip for the best results.

©2007 Teri Champigny - All Rights Reserved.

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Teri Champigny is a world-traveller, professional
photographer and Niche Marketer. You can see more
of her information on Jamaica on her site at
http://www.Jamaica-Travel-Tips.com.  To Search the 50+
Champigny web sites, visit http://www.ChampignyWeb.com

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There are some things that one just can’t see very well from a moving vehicle. For this reason, it is a good idea to find guided walking tours in Jamaica, so that you can see historic places that you may not otherwise see. Guided walking tours are available in most areas of Jamaica, and you can usually get information concerning these tours through your hotels concierge.

In Kingston, start at Fort Charles, which is the oldest of the six fortresses in the city. From there, go to the Royal Artillery Store, which is also called Giddy House and the Victoria Albert Battery. Next, visit the HMJS Cagaway. This is a former Royal Naval Station. Head north along Church Street. You should see the Parade Grounds on your left.

The Parade Ground was once called the Chocolata Hole. There is a monument in front of the Parade Ground that is made out of an old ship mast. Be sure to check it out. Across from the mast, you will see the Royal Engineer’s Arch. Even the Post Office is historical. It was built in the 18th century. From the arch, continue north, and you will find St. Peter’s Anglican Church. Be sure to check out the graveyard while you are there. The church has been there since 1726.

Continue on Church Street until you get to Tower Street. Off of Tower, take a left on Love Lane, and then a right on the next street, and a left on Gaol Street. Old Gaol is a 17th century jail house. Continue to the end of Gaol Street and turn left on New. You will find the Old Navel Hospital on New Street.

Other sites of interest, which will be within walking distance in Kingston, include Morgan’s Harbour Hotel, the Courthouse, and the plaque where Fort Rupert once stood.

In Montego Bay, start just north of Walter Fletcher Beach, and visit Fort Montego, Old Fort Craft Park, Georgian House, Sam Sharpe Square, The Cage, Burcell Memorial Baptist Church, and the St. James Parish Church. Interesting guided walking tours in Montego Bay include the Accompang Maroon Tour and the John’s Hall Adventure Tour.

In Port Antonio, visit the Central Square, where the old clock tower is, the courthouse, the Village of St. George Shopping Mall, the Titchfield Peninsula, Folly Beach, Fort George, the Titchfield Hotel (once owned by Errol Flynn), the De Montevin Lodge, Christ Church, Musgrave Market, Port Antonio Marina, and the Boundbrook Wharf.

Note that if you are taking an unguided walking tour, you may have to fend off hustlers on the street. If this is going to be your first trip to Jamaica, stick with the guided walking tours, and save the unguided tours for your next trip. Also, remember that it is very hot in Jamaica. Be sure that you carry bottled or canteened water along with you, and wear a hat to protect your head from the sun, as well as sunscreen.  Take your time and enjoy the sites, and rest in the shade often.