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Long before The Beach Boys started crooning about Aruba and Jamaica, the tropical island of Jamaica was a favorite vacation destination. Nowadays, Jamaica, considered to be the most beautiful island in the Caribbean, is a favored stop for cruise ships and a romantic spot for air vacations. Getting to Jamaica, 90 miles south of Cuba, (526 miles from Miami) is easy. Major airlines (Air Jamaica, American, ATA, Continental, Northwest, Northwest Spirit, and US Air) all offer nonstop or connecting service from the U.S. Its two international airports: Montego Bay (Donald Sangster) and Kingston (Norman Manley) are connected by inner island air service.

As you deboard your plane on the tarmac, you'll be swept up in the affectionate enthusiasm of returning Jamaicans. Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love, the refrain of their national anthem will soon ring true in your ears, too. You'll need a passport but not a visa when visiting from the U.S. After you pass through passport inspection, it's on to your hotel. Many inclusive resorts include the cost of a van transfer in their rates. Otherwise, it's $18 to Negril (from Montego Bay), $25 to Ocho Rios, and $35 to Boscobel. You can also take a taxi. Make sure to only use taxis with a red license plate and a PPV designation. Rates are not set so agree upon a price before you leave.

Jamaica is 145 miles long and 45 miles wide; Montego is 4 hours from Kingston; Negril to Ochos Rios is 3.5. If lurching along in an overpacked bus with people hanging on the side is part of your experience, then go for it, but if not, then rent a car or motorcycle. Car rentals range from $25 a day in the low season up to $50-$125 in the high season. Generally, off airport agencies are cheaper.

Driving is on the left side. The main highways on the island (A1, A2, and A3) are paved but often in poor repair. Add lack of directional and traffic control signs and you may have an adventure on your hands, especially if you break down. However, being forewarned of the hazards, Jamaica's beauty can still be safely seen if you exert caution, stay away from crime areas especially near Kingston. Driving through Kingston, keep your doors locked and your windows up.

If you're able, consider a bike riding tour so you can inhale the ocean tropical flowers, and mountain scents while enjoying the camraderie of other tourists. Blue Mountain Bicyle Tours in Ocho Rios offers a day long bike ride that starts 5600 feet up in the Blue Mountains (you ride a bus up there). On the all downhill ride, you'll see coffee plantations, forest vegetation, and stop for refreshments and refreshing at beautiful waterfalls.

Departure is easy but sad. Make sure you have your paperwork filled out and your departure tax ready to pay. Join the sun-burned happy tourists wearing Jamaica Me Happy t-shirts on your flight back to the U.S. and remember "Don't worry; be happy."

Learn more about this author, Cynthia Wall.
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