00:00In this episode we're taking you to the Caribbean and the incredible island of
00:04Jamaica. It's a country that pulses with life, with spectacular natural scenery
00:09pairs with a rich vibrant culture. It's little wonder it's one of the most
00:14popular destinations in the region. Welcome to Travel Smart Weekly.
00:30Two major airports mean Jamaica is well catered with flights with direct routes
00:35to Europe and North America. Once you're on the ground getting around is easy
00:39with plenty of taxis, rental cars and cheap public transport. A great place to
00:47start is Montego Bay on Jamaica's north coast. You'll find a quintessential
00:51Caribbean experience here. A place fringed by golden beaches and home to
00:56some of the island's best resorts, many of them all-inclusive, so you can just
01:00concentrate on relaxing. For something a little more energetic, but not too much,
01:06the clear waters along the coast are perfect for snorkelling. In the city
01:11centre you get an authentic taste of Jamaican life. During the day visit
01:16Gloucester Avenue, also known as Hip Strip. Here you'll find shops, street
01:20vendors and artisans selling colourful jewellery and souvenirs. Come nightfall
01:26this area is where you hop between restaurants, bars and clubs and where
01:30reggae music sings out in every direction.
01:39For nature lovers the landscapes in Jamaica are awe-inspiring. The Blue
01:44Mountains, a name you might recognise because of its famous coffee, are a
01:48misty escape from the shores and resorts.
01:52Hiking trails wind through dense rainforest and range from gentle walks
01:57to challenging climbs. I recommend starting early to catch an incredible
02:01sunrise. Closer to the coast, Dunn's River Falls, just outside Ocho Rios, is a
02:07natural wonder. Water cascades over limestone from 180 feet high. It's not
02:13just a beauty, but also accessible and fun, as you can climb the falls with a
02:17guide. You might recognise the waterfall and its neighbouring beach from the very
02:22first James Bond film, 1962's Dr. No.
02:26Beaches are a huge part of a Jamaica holiday.
02:29While you can't really go wrong, here are a few of our favourites.
02:36Close to Port Antonio is Zansan Beach, somewhere often overlooked by tourists,
02:41which makes it feel like a well-kept secret. The water is calm and warm and
02:46just off the coast is Monkey Island, an uninhabited islet that's lush with
02:51tropical vegetation. You can reach it by swimming, kayak or boat. Not far away is
02:58Boston Bay Beach, the golden curve of sand backed by green hills. The waves
03:03here, helped by steady winds, attract the surfing crowd. It's great for beginners
03:08who can rent boards and book lessons, as well as more experienced surfers.
03:13Bluefields Beach on the south coast is a place to escape the crowds. Instead of
03:18other tourists, you might find yourself next to local families or groups of
03:22fishermen. Under swaying trees, stalls sell fresh coconut and fried fish, which
03:28are lovely after wading in the clear, gentle water. Port Antonio, on Jamaica's
03:34northeast coast, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling resort towns. It's
03:39known for its unspoiled setting, which makes it perfect for relaxation. Head to
03:45Frenchman's Cove, a secluded spot where a freshwater river meets the ocean, as
03:50well as the Blue Lagoon, a deep natural pool of emerald blue water that makes
03:55for a brilliant swimming spot. That's it for this episode of Travel Smart Weekly.
04:01You'll find the next one out soon, which you can watch online on the
04:04Independence mobile app or on your smart TV. For more information about Jamaica and the
04:09Caribbean, be sure to check out independent.co.uk forward slash travel,
04:14and don't forget to tune in to Simon Calder's daily podcast. Bye for now!
04:39you
Comments