The Rough Guide to Jamaica, 4th Edition [Paperback]

Polly Thomas (Author), Adam Vaitilingam (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2007

The Rough Guide to Jamaica is the complete guide to the Caribbean''s liveliest island. The full-colour introduction includes the ''Things Not To Miss'' section with photographs of the island''s highlights from the Bob Marley Museum in bustling Kingston to rafting the Rio Grande. The guide contains detailed and discriminating reviews of the best accommodation, restaurants, bars and cafes - and the latest spots to catch the hottest reggae and dancehall. There is informed coverage of Kingston and the major resorts of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril, as well as the lesser-known beaches in Portland and the south. Expert advice and practical tips are given on everything from where to watch the cliff divers at Negril to finding secluded waterfalls and mineral baths. The Contexts section provides detailed coverage of Jamaica''s history and fabulous music scene from Marcus Garvey to Beenie Man.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Jamaica is a small but complex island. Famous for her beaches and music, there is an abundance of stretches of white sand bedecked by palm trees and lapped by turquoise waters. Reggae, Jamaica's other celebrated quality, is alive and happening. It is necessary to have a good guide to find your way to the Blue Mountains and Back River, check out the wildlife, and understand the island's culture--as well as to navigate your way through Kingston to the best reggae haunts, drinking holes, and Jamaican food stands. Jamaica: The Rough Guide does justice to all the major resorts and beaches, and to Jamaica's lesser-known charms. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

The holiday-makers' favourite guidebook series The Sunday Times Travel Magazine --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Rough Guides; 4th edition (January 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843536919
• ISBN-13: 978-1843536918
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,030,818 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Travel > Caribbean > Jamaica

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you need to know, September 25, 2000

By 

W. Wedenoja (Springfield, MO) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jamaica: The Rough Guide, First Edition (Rough Guides) (Paperback)

I have been to Jamaica many times since 1972, doing research as an anthropologist, which includes reading everything I can about its people and culture as well as traveling about and living in various communities. I picked up this book shortly before my most recent trip, hoping to get some hints on places to stay as it's been awhile since I've been back. I read it thoroughly as I traveled extensively around the island for 18 days. And I'm quite impressed. It is an extremely informative and accurate guide to the history, culture, things to see and do, places to eat and stay. The hotel reviews are brief but to the point. The advice is sound. The maps are very helpful. The only criticism I can make is that in at least two cases I found the directions to be wrong. I am most impressed with the fact that the book can really get you out of the tourist areas and into the real Jamaica. It is a great guide for those who want to EXPLORE the island and come to know it well. This takes time, a car, and money, though. Finally, I'd like to add that the book is just the right size, easy to carry, and has a very sturdy cover and binding, so it'll survive more than one trip. I suppose the greatest compliment is that a Jamaican friend wanted me to give it to her after she discovered it had information on her own town that she didn't know.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a good choice, January 8, 2008

By 

G Barnhill "traveler" (the south) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rough Guide to Jamaica, 4th Edition (Paperback)

A good all around Jamaica travel guide. Add to it the following: 1] DO NOT rent a car and drive in Jamaica. 2] The locals drive like banshees, death or dismemberment on the highways is common. 3] there are numerous drivers willing to take you around cheaper than you can hire a car with insurance and they give out great tips and advice 4] There are no roadsigns you will get lost, then try to find gas stations and the Jamaician Police write lots of tickets--especially to tourists who are expected to pay in cash roadside.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable guide, October 5, 2007

By 

Paula K. Freeman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Rough Guide to Jamaica, 4th Edition (Paperback)

This book was absolutely indispensable on my first trip to the fascinating island of Jamaica. All sections of the island are thoroughly covered, including recommendations for lodging, restaurants, and the multitude of places to visit.

This is a must-buy guide to anyone traveling to Jamaica for the first time or the tenth.