The Rough Guide to Jamaica (Paperback)

~ Polly Thomas (Author), Adam Vaitilingam (Author) "There's no doubt that the Caribbean, in general, is an extremely popular destination from North America, and Jamaica is no exception..." (more)
Key Phrases: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio (more...)

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.

Product Description

INTRODUCTION Rightly famous for its beaches and music, beautiful, brash Jamaica is much more besides. There’s certainly plenty of white sand, turquoise sea and swaying palm trees, but there’s also a huge amount to see away from the coast: spectacular mountains and rivers, tumbling waterfalls, and cactus-strewn savannah plains. The towns and cities, meanwhile, affirm that the island is far more than just a tourist attraction, particularly Kingston – the dynamic, sprawling metropolis which helped to inspire the music of Bob Marley and countless other home-grown reggae superstars. Despite Jamaica’s immense natural allure, it’s not just the physical aspect that makes the country so absorbing and, to many visitors, so utterly addictive. Notwithstanding the invasion of tourists and American satellite TV, Jamaica retains an attitude – a personality – that’s more resonant and distinctive than you’ll find in any other Caribbean nation. It’s a country with a swagger in its step – proud of its history, sporting success and musical genius – but also with a weight upon its shoulders. For Jamaica has not avoided the familiar problems of a developing country such as dramatic inequality of wealth, and social tensions that occasionally spill over into localized violence, or worldwide headlines. The mixture is potent, and has produced a people as renowned for being sharp, sassy and straight-talking as they are laid-back and hip. People don’t tend to beat around the bush here; Jamaicans get on with life, and this can sometimes make them appear rude or uncompromising. P! articularly around the big resorts, this direct approach is taken to extremes at times, with harassment reaching infuriating levels. But there’s absolutely no reason to be put off. As a foreign visitor, the chances of encountering any trouble are minuscule, and the Jamaican authorities have spent millions making sure the island treats its tourists right. As the birthplace of the "all-inclusive" hotel, Jamaica has become well-suited for those who (like many people) want to head straight from plane to beach, never leaving their hotel compound. But to get any sense of the country at all, you’ll need to do some exploring. It’s undoubtedly worth it, as this is a country packed with first-class attractions, oozing with character, and rich with a musical and cultural heritage; if you’re a reggae fan, you’re in heaven.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Rough Guides; 2 edition (December 21, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1858285542
• ISBN-13: 978-1858285542
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,185,014 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you need to know, September 26, 2000

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

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.

6 of 6 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.

7 of 8 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.