Jamaica, Caribbean travel resource.

Jamaica,Caribbean.

The popular image of Jamaica is emerald rain forests, waterfalls that tumble into cool, clear streams and glorious beaches that rival any in the Caribbean. The legendary "cool" of Jamaican culture is heard in its reggae music and by the dry wit of the young Jamaican men who pilot visitors down the Great River on bamboo rafts. You won't easily forget the throngs of competing taxi drivers who swarm outside the Crafts Market in Montego Bay.
Jamaica is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich islands in the world, but it's also a very poor country that depends heavily on tourism. It struggles with a flagging economy, high unemployment, social tension and the violence that accompanies the localized drug trade. As a result, when Jamaica makes news headlines, it's described as either a great destination or a place to avoid.
Travelers may receive some uncomfortable attention from Jamaicans who are struggling to make ends meet. Some visitors seek to avoid these situations by taking only escorted tours and sequestering themselves in one of the island's many all-inclusive resorts. As fun as the all-inclusives can be, avoid becoming cloistered (some of the resorts are more like fortresses than retreats). Explore the countryside and mingle with the people. The physical beauty and vibrant culture of Jamaica are still its greatest assets, and there's enough optimism and good cheer among its people to make you forget the hassles.