Travel information & Tourist attractions About Kingston Jamaica’s capital city Kingston is a cultural metropolitan with a busy commercial district and exciting nightlife. Situated on the southeast of the island, Kingston is the hub of economic activity hosting the headquarters of government, banking, and manufacturing. The city boasts a charming mix of eighteenth century Georgian mansions juxtaposed with modern houses and apartment blocks. While the downtown waterfront is the place to explore, New Kingston is the heart of the city, hosting the vibrant business district, hotels, restaurants and shopping malls, and transforming into an entertainment haven by night. About the airport Situated on the outskirts of Kingston, the Norman Manley International Airport is currently undergoing a comprehensive modernization to bring the facility up to world class standards. The development includes the expansion of the terminal area and major improvements to the runway, taxiways and aprons. Changes in architecture have transformed the airport into a spacious and modern facility delivering a vastly improved experience to passengers and other users of the airport. The new Departure Concourse will provide extensive brand name merchandising opportunities within a uniquely Jamaican Airport shopping and dining space; offering variety and convenience to the traveller throughout the new Terminal. Driving in Jamaica (Source: jamaica-guide.info) Driving is done on the left side of the road, as in the United Kingdom. For visitors to be allowed to drive in Jamaica, they are required to have a valid drivers licence from their country of origin, or an international drivers licence Driving in Jamaica can be an adventurous part of any vacation. Adventurous travelers who prefer to take their time, travel on their own schedule, and enjoy independence as they explore can rent a car or scooter. Bicycle rentals are also great option for travelers whose accommodations are within the city and want a quick and efficient way to get around town; perhaps to grab a bite to eat, or do small amount of shopping.  If you'd rather leave the driving up to someone who knows their way around, hiring a taxi or hopping on a bus may be more your style.  When choosing a taxi or bus, look for vehicles approved to carry public passengers. The license plates on public passenger vehicles are red and begin with with the letter P as part of the number. Travelling by bus or taxi is the most economical means of transportation on the island – however, visitors must note that these rarely run on a set schedule, especially in some of the more remote areas of the island. Visitor information (Source: visitjamaica.com) No matter where in the world you travel, it is always wise to read the news, stay safe and protect your property. Here are some tips to make your Jamaican vacation safe as well as fun. 1.  Make sure you travel with a valid passport or visa (if required). Also, bring another valid form of photo I.D., and photocopies of both I.D.s. in case of loss or theft. 2.    Read up on local laws and practices before you get here.  3.   Give friends and family your contact information and itineraries in case of emergency. 4.     Register with your country’s embassy or consulate before you travel. That way your country is aware of your whereabouts in case of emergency. 5.     Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times. 6.     Keep possessions close to your body.  7.     Don’t take around large amounts of cash. 8.   Avoid wearing expensive jewellery on road-trips or excursions. Language The official language of Jamaica is English, although most of us converse using ‘Patois', a dialect as colourful and intriguing as our Jamaican personalities. It may take some time for you to become accustomed to it. When that happens, though, you'll have fun trying the local expressions.  Food Our cuisine is as diverse as our people, as unique as our island. If there’s one thing that Jamaican people love it’s a “likkle bickle”. We enjoy our food, and for good reason too. Here in Jamaica, Mother Nature has blessed us with fertile ground and a near-perfect tropical climate. For instance, we have so many varieties of mangoes that we have run out of names and have simply started to number them. Somehow, everything that grows in Jamaica seems just a little sweeter, just a little more flavourful. Maybe it’s the sun. Maybe it’s the touch of love we put into planting, reaping and cooking. There’s a lot that goes into Jamaican cuisine. Our people arrived from all corners of the globe, bearing favourite ingredients. But on a small island, nothing stays the same for long, and necessity dictates that everything be modified – creatively, flavourfully, and with a little bit of life in every bite. We use cassava from our native Tainos, pickled meats and fish brought by the Europeans, yams and bananas brought by the Africans and curry by the East Indians. Put it all together, add some more spice, and what do you get? Jamaican cuisine! Banking and Currency Exchange Licenced cambio centres and commercial banks are readily accessible all over the island. Official currency exchange rates vary daily, so it’s advisable to shop around for the best rate before converting your cash. Most Jamaican ATMs accept international bank cards with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus logos. Banks also give credit card advances, change traveller’s cheques among other financial services.  There are two (2) banks, a Building Society and a cambio centre on the University Campus. Climate Jamaica enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and humid conditions year-round. Average temperature ranges from 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) to 32 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit). Though we’re known for our warmth and sunshine, the island sees two rainy seasons from May to June and September to November. Also, hurricanes may pass over the island primarily during the months June to September. Will it rain during your stay? If it does, don't worry. Most times, the short tropical showers provide a welcome break from the afternoon heat – just look at it as liquid sunshine, not rain!  Electricity The electrical supply in Jamaica is 110 volts/50 cycles standard, and electrical appliances use plugs that are two-pronged and flat (such as those used in the United States and Canada). If your appliances do not use 110 volts or flat two-pronged plugs, bring the requisite adaptors and converters with you. Although adaptors and converters are available in Jamaica, they may not be easy to come by. Most laptop computers have built-in converters and can be used with an adaptor. If the idea of lugging all this equipment around seems daunting, leave it behind. Most hotels have hair dryers, alarm clocks, radios and clothes irons available. Passport and visas Visitors travelling to Jamaica must present a valid passport and visa where necessary to gain entry to the island.  Residents must present their Alien Resident Card (Green Card) together with passport of country.   All visitors are required to travel with a return ticket or onward ticket for entry into Jamaica.  Tourist attractions in Kingston (Source: www.visitjamaica.com and www.discoverjamaica.com) The University of the West Indies – Mona Campus The Mona campus, located in Northern Kingston, encompasses 653 acres of land formerly part of two large sugar estates, Papine and Mona. Scattered throughout the campus are the famous historic ruins of a Roman-style aqueduct, water wheel, and other remnants of the sugar works which once stood on the site. The campus is nestled in a lush valley embraced by Long Mountain to the south and the southernmost peaks of the famous Blue Mountain Range to the North. Mona is perhaps one of the most scenic areas in Greater Kingston, with the surrounding mountains providing a verdant backdrop which enhances the serene atmosphere of the campus. · Established 1948 as a College of the University of London. · Gained full University status in 1962 · Nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountain Range, the picturesque Mona Campus is spread over some 653 acres. The Campus is rich in historical remains, the dominant feature being the century-old aqueduct that served the former sugar estate. · Total enrolment: Approximately 11,000 50% of undergraduates are under 25 68% of postgraduates are over age 30 2% of all students are over age 50 Devon House, This national monument is located at the corner of Hope Road and Waterloo Road. It is an elegant white three story Georgian-style Great House built in 1881 by George Stiebel, the Caribbean's first black millionaire. It has been beautifully restored and contains one of the world's finest collections of antique mahogany furniture. A large shaded verandah runs round the ground floor, and there are balconies on the first floor with great views over the gardens and surrounding countryside. In the landscaped grounds with towering palms and lush vegetation, are a Port Royal-style grog shop, Norma's on the Terrace restaurant specializing in Jamaican cuisine, craft shop, souvenir shop, and an ice cream shop where you can try delicious tropical fruit tasting ices. The Bob Marley Museum Located at 56 Hope Road on the corner with Marley Road, this museum was opened in 1986 and was formerly Bob Marley's residence and the site of the Tuff Gong recording studio. It contains an incredible mural 'The Journey of Bob Marley Superstar', painted by Everald Brown, and has a collection of Marley memorabilia depicting the life and career of the late reggae superstar. No photography is allowed. Blue Mountains The home of world famous Blue Mountain Coffee rises north-east of Kingston and soars in green pleats to a knife- edged backbone extending west-north-west and east-south-east for about 48 km. The chain is flanked to the east by the lower John Crow Mountains and to the west by the less distinct Port Royal Mountains. These mountains dominate the eastern parishes of St. Andrew, St. Thomas, Portland and St. Mary, rising swiftly from the coast to a series of rounded peaks they are culminating in Blue Mountain Peak (2.407 m), the highest point in Jamaica. The Blue Mountains are much more humid and cooler than the rest of Jamaica, so you find a quite different climate. Because of this more than 500 flowering plant species can be found in this area, about 240 of which are indigenous to the island, including 65 species of orchids. Royal Botanical Gardens The Royal Botanical Gardens, commonly called "Hope Gardens", occupies 200 acres of land in the Liguanea Plains of urban St Andrew. The gardens were established in 1873 on a section of land from the estate of Major Richard Hope, one of the original English colonizers who arrived with the invading force of Penn and Venables. Today the gardens are the largest public green space in the Kingston metropolitan region, and are home to Jamaica's most popular collection of endemic and exotic botanical collections. Of particular interest is the Cassia siamea grove by the main entrance, which was planted in 1907, and the other mini-gardens within the park - notably the cacti garden, with its rare varietals; the bougainvillea walk with its magnificent explosions of tropical colours; the annual gardens, with numerous species of exotic flowers; the sunken gardens and the lily pond. Port Royal In the 17th century, Port Royal was the headquarters of the numerous swashbuckling scoundrels that plundered the high seas. Of the more famous pirates to be associated with Port Royal are Sir Henry Morgan, Calico Jack and Blackbeard Teach. One of the oldest and most historic regions of the country, Port Royal has maintained much of its independence as well as its heritage. Much of the old city, described in the 17th century as the "wickedest city in the west", lies underwater beside the town, the result of an earthquake that in 1692 swallowed about two-thirds of the then-living space. Since then, another earthquake in 1907, numerous hurricanes, fires, and various population-decimating diseases have plagued the town. Despite all, the waters around Port Royal are a virtual archaeological gold mine, filled with pieces of history that tell of everyday life in the earliest days of English occupation. Jamaican Holidays in August There are 2 holidays in August – Emancipation Day which is celebrated on August 1 and Independence Day on August 6. These came about because on August 1, 1838 all slaves in Jamaica were completely freed and the country acquired its independence from the British colonial powers on 6th August 1962 after years of political subjugation.