One of the most popular islands in the Caribbean, in this episode of Travel Smart we look at what to do when in Jamaica.Ben Parker and Annabel Grossman guide you through what to do when you arrive in Montego Bay, where you’ll find the quintessential Jamaican experience. For the nature lovers, Ben takes a look at the winding trails in the Blue Mountains that suits every type of hiker. Ben also takes a look at the Dunn’s River Falls, famously captured in one of the first James Bond films.Get your smart guide to travel with Travel Smart.
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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