He sells seashells on his surfboard

Reggae. Rastafarians. Rum. If you're thinking Jamaica then you are already part way to a relaxing and memorable vacation.

Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean, well-known for its chilled-out way of life, white sand beaches, azure ocean and warm weather.

Music is a big part of Jamaica's culture and identity and just about everywhere you go music wafts through the streets. Some of the world's best reggae musicians play in Jamaica and it's not hard to find a nightspot that bustles with music and energy.

Jamaica has a varied landscape, with mountains, forests and waterfalls. Spot crocodiles on a river safari through tropical jungle or pay a visit to the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary where Jamaican hummingbirds flit from flower to flower. Rum distilleries open their doors to visitors and tours are also offered around Jamaica's old sugar plantations.

The biggest tourist resorts in Jamaica are located in and around Montego Bay and Negril.

With a seven-mile beach, Negril has no shortage of space to walk, relax or enjoy water sports. Negril is close to the "real" areas of Jamaica where you will find the quiet, traditional fishing villages of Oracabessa and Treasure Beach.

Montego Bay is in a prime position for accessing the western side of Jamaica and it caters nicely to the needs of tourists, with an assortment of spas, resorts and hotels.

Getting to and around Jamaica

Travel to and from Jamaica is primarily by plane via either Norman Manley or Montego Bay international airports. Once on the ground you can rent a car if you plan to explore the countryside, or use the reliable bus system in and around Kingston and Montego Bay. The easiest and least expensive way to get around the island is by taxi. They drive designated routes, stopping to drop off and pick up customers along the way.