New Year in the rhythm of reggae. How to celebrate the New Year in Jamaica - a guide for Winter holidays in the tropics

Everything is fine if you do not have a non-standard situation. I discovered an error when booking the next day, there are still 3 weeks before the tour starts. According to clause 1.38.5 of the contract for the provision of services for booking a tourist product, the cost of making changes to the tourist product or documents regarding tour participants is equal to 2% of the cost of the tourist product. I had to pay, but the tour operator could have done it for free, and I think they could have, but they didn’t. In general, it’s not very clear why contact an intermediary if you can buy a tour from a tour operator. If I see my review in print, I will be very surprised.

Thank you for your service, we chose the tour, quickly received the documents, everything is accessible and understandable. Great deals and most importantly good price!

15th trip already. It’s great that you see all the options at once, and not from the agent’s words. Fast online purchase, many bonuses.

This is not the first time I have worked with you. Always contacting you online by phone is the best! Any time of the day!!! Payment only by card immediately 100% - then you know the problems - your installment plans (deferred payment) with the microfinance organizations behind them are scary!!! Confirmation of tours in a jiffy! But I buy my trips with connecting flights and booking accommodation to countries where well-known tour operators do not take them (there are no charters) myself! For example, Seychelles, Indonesia, Peru - it’s cheaper and what you want, but you have to be a little bit of it.

This is the second time I buy tours through Level Travel. Simple and intuitive navigation on the site is very pleasing. Booking, ordering and receiving documents went without any problems as usual. I received the documents for the tour a week before departure, just super. Well done!!!

For the second time I used the LEVEL TREVEL service to book a tour, this time to Jamaica. There were no longer any doubts about reliability; they called back immediately and asked if I had any questions. But with such an understandable service, there are no questions. The documents arrived by email quickly, notifications were sent both by SMS to the phone and by email. Moreover, I always booked tours late in the evening, when there was time. There is no need to adapt to the travel agency's operating hours.

The employee called back very quickly, the tour booking process had not yet been completed. It's hard to think of what could be improved :). Best the enemy of the good! Keep it up:)

I always used the site and was happy.... the last time I booked a tour to Egypt and was faced with deception... and twice... how strange.... firstly, when I picked up a ticket, the price for an economy flight and the price for business class were the same, of course, I was naive and chose business.... after filling out the passenger data they told me: what the heck! If you want a business, pay another 164 thousand... this is for a ticket price of 104 thousand rubles... oh well: I think the operator who entered the data mixed up something, I’ll survive the economy, I booked... after a while they call me and they say everything is fine, it’s a regular Aeroflot flight, which means that neither the airport nor the time will change... I’m waiting for confirmation, it comes: you have chartered flight... how are my eyes on my forehead? You yourself called and said that it’s regular.... I’m checking the Aeroflot schedule, the flight is regular, it’s the same.... now I’m sitting and thinking, why trust liars? And if the departure time changes to a completely inconvenient one, what if I won’t be able to fly at all? I chose the tour based on many parameters: taking into account the departure time too.... if the site really deceives me, it will lose a regular customer... although maybe you don’t care... I’m shocked...

It was my first time ordering a tour online, there were, of course, some concerns, but everything went so well that there was absolutely nothing to worry about.)) Everything is very convenient, clear, with pictures, excellent feedback. All documents were sent even ahead of schedule, there were SMS notifications regarding flights. The holiday itself was also wonderful. For myself, I don’t see any point in contacting agencies or going anywhere anymore. I liked choosing a tour while lying on the couch with a laptop much more. Thank you!)

Second time using the service. The first everything was fine. Saving time and effort. But the second time there were several problems at once. I paid for the tour for one night more than I actually used. I think this was not a mistake by the operator who provided the tour, but by Level. After receiving electronic tickets, I stopped and couldn’t find the number. Yes, it’s my own fault, but I asked the employees for help and didn’t receive any help. I was told that the ticket would be available one day before departure. But this is a regular flight and I already had a ticket. Operator Teztur helped. At that moment, when we were driving to the airport, a message came from Level that the flight was tomorrow. Unpleasant...

It’s not clear why, but the country is away from the “trampled” Russian citizens hiking trails. There are practically no Russians there. I happened to meet small groups of Russian citizens at resorts in Negril. And so tourists are mainly from the States (regular planes fly from Jamaica from Montego Bay to Miami).

The language is exclusively English. Ignorance of the language does not at all prevent you from having a comfortable holiday. Experienced tourist knows how to survive and get maximum pleasure abroad for a tourist who doesn’t even know a foreign language. But this is a topic for another discussion.

So, the most striking sketches about the country. 98% of the population are black citizens. If you move 200 meters away from tourist centers (hotels, beaches, adjacent cafes and restaurants), you won’t see white people at all. Everyone lives differently. But mostly very poor (we traveled a lot around the country).
Tourists are not allowed entry. At every step they try to sell three main services: 1) Taxi (even if he is not a driver himself, any citizen of the country is ready to organize a taxi for a fee anywhere), 2) Marijuana (offered everywhere, at any time and in any quantity). It turns out that almost 50% of the total in Europe and 36% in the USA is marijuana from Jamaica. Considered to be of high quality. 3) Braiding hair. Lack of hair is not a problem. If desired, they will be glued to you. In general, these and other proposals from local residents have exclusively one goal - to rob tourists. Everything in Jamaica is subject to this. Moreover, they can ask for money just like that :))) Especially if you go deeper into poor neighborhoods. I had to deal with this :))) It’s better to always have some change ready and happily give it to the locals who are starting to cling, pretending that you really like them.
By the way, I think it is precisely because of the criminal situation that most hotels in Jamaica operate on an all-inclusive basis. This is when you live in a hotel without leaving it. All the pleasures are there ( private beach, all sports, free food and drink at any time of the day [it is already included in the price of the tour], all excursions without leaving the bus, etc.). But this is no way to understand and recognize a country. And to spend a vacation like this, you don’t have to go so far. Therefore, based on personal impressions, I recommend that when traveling to Jamaica, you do not choose hotels that operate on an all-inclusive basis.

As an alternative hotel, I recommend the hotel where I stayed with my family - "Doctor's cave" beach Hotel". The hotel is located next to the same name and best beach in Jamaica. This beach is a national treasure of the country and is depicted on the 50 dollar Jamaican banknote. The hotel is located in Montego Bay, Jamaica's largest resort. In addition to the tourist area, there are also “local neighborhoods” with all the exotic Jamaicans.

You won't see this in Negril or even Ocho Rios. In Negril, there is a complete tourist zone, and the police cordon will not allow local residents to enter it, not only with drugs, even with fruit.

In general, the tourism business in the country is very well organized. As we understand (this information requires clarification), no matter which company you book a tour package with, the Jamaican “Holiday Service” will act as the host. It's there Russian speaking guides. Mostly Polish women, as well as locals who previously studied in the CIS countries under the direction of the Jamaica Workers' Party (according to one of these guides). The availability of round-the-clock support (including by telephone, although local, there is no roaming with Jamaica) from these guides helps in all situations. The only thing you need to remember is to thank the guides (who are local). However, they will hint at this themselves.

The host travel agency will offer a range of excursions. The most interesting is a trip across the country, through the Blue Mountains to the capital Kingston. There is nothing to see in Kingstone, and there is no time left. True, if you are a fan of Bob Marley, you can run through his museum for 30 minutes. But nature, mountains, waterfalls will leave indelible impression.

On the way, you have the opportunity to taste the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee right on the plantation. Although you can also taste it in the hotel restaurant. To be honest, there is more talk about its taste and aroma. In short, it’s not for everyone... It’s interesting to go to the waterfalls in Ocho Rios, as well as to the south of the country.

Other excursions are less interesting. The cost of each excursion per person is approximately 80-95 USD. dollars.
Kitchen. Jamaican cuisine cannot be called completely unusual and exotic. But everything is quite tasty. Both prepared in the restaurant and in “local eateries”. They cook everything: pork, beef, goat, chicken, seafood (fish, lobster, lobster). The piquancy and purely “Jamaican” taste is determined by the use of local sauces and seasonings. Among the purely local delicacies, ackee fruits prepared in a special way with salted fish should be noted. It's really delicious and served everywhere. Among other exotic fruits, you can also try cooked breadfruit and sweet sap fruits. The rest is the same as everywhere else: bananas, coconuts, pineapples, oranges, etc. Moreover, in poor neighborhoods you can buy and chew refined sugar cane. So that would enhance the impression.
In Jamaica, many things are made from sugar cane. The first and most important thing is, of course, rum. Sold everywhere, in unlimited quantities, different brands and different tastes. In tourist areas it is more expensive, 200-300 meters from hotels it is 2-3 times cheaper. Well, it’s like everywhere else at resorts.

If we talk about prices in general, then a holiday in Jamaica is not cheap. This is not Egypt or Thailand. But if you found money for a trip to Jamaica, then I think there shouldn’t be any problems there either.

An interesting observation. If you buy a trip to an all-inclusive hotel or go to a hotel with only breakfast, but without being tied to the hotel you will not deny yourself all the pleasures, you will leave the same amount of money. So, decide for yourself how to go. I have already expressed my opinion.
Have a good trip.

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Jamaica is an island in the Caribbean Sea. Land of luxurious nature, cleanest beaches, incredible waterfalls and romantic adventures. The land of coconut palms and sultry midday sun. A country of picturesque rivers, mountain landscapes and evergreen forests, unprecedented beauty of bays and bays, magnificent sandy beaches and outlandish coastal reefs. “There are no problems in Jamaica” - this phrase expresses the basic life principle of the islanders. They constantly hum something, dance, whistle, in a word, they live to the rhythm of reggae! I want to live here, enjoy life, enjoy the bright sun, warm sea and the beauty of the surrounding world!

General information Capital: Kingston. Area: 10,990 sq. km. Population: 2,652,689 people. Admin. division: State consisting of 14 parishes. Official language: English. Currency: Jamaican dollar (100 cents). Geography: most of islands - plateaus and mountains up to 2,256 m high. Geography: State structure: The head of state is the Queen (King) of Great Britain, represented by the Governor General. The legislative body is a bicameral Parliament. Consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives Climate: The climate is tropical, trade wind. Average monthly temperatures range from 24 C to 27 C. Precipitation is 800 - 5,000 mm per year.

How to get there Flight: You can get to Jamaica using the services of a flight from Lufthansa, British Airways or the national carrier of Jamaica - Air Jamaica, with transit stops in Frankfurt or London. The airport tax for foreigners leaving the country is 27 USD. Visa: You can get a Jamaican visa upon arrival, at international airport Sangster Montego Bay. This requires a valid international passport, hotel reservation confirmation and return air ticket. The visa cost is 20 USD. Time: It lags behind Moscow by 8 hours in summer and 7 hours in winter.

A Little History The most ancient inhabitants of Jamaica are the Arawak Indians. It is believed that they sailed to the Arawak Indians in these places in 250 AD. The first to arrive in Jamaica, of course, was Christopher Columbus in 1494, who named the land Columbus discovered in honor of the august family the island of Ferdinand and Isabella. But the name never became commonly used. The island was still called Jamaica, which means “land of springs.” Jamaica became a colony of Spain, but in 1665 the island came into the possession of Great Britain. The slave trade started by the Spaniards developed and flourished, and many plantations were built on the island. For almost 2 centuries there was a struggle between the colonialists and fugitive slaves. In 1830, slavery was abolished and the plantations fell into disrepair. In the former capital of Port Royal, ships of English privateers were based - pirates, privateers serving the English crown, who attacked Spanish ships in the Caribbean. Apparently, as punishment for robbery during devastating earthquake Port Royal went under water, where it remains to this day. In 1962, Jamaica became an independent state.

Negril To imagine Negril, it is enough to refer to the saying of one of the locals: “You have suddenly arrived where your heart has always been.” Negril has recently become a resort center. Even young Jamaicans remember the times when there was only a lighthouse here to light the way for ships to navigate the rocky coast, and the indigenous people here were crabs (however, they were very tasty). The only refuge for tourists was a house called "Llantrissant", built by some Welshman in the early 20th century. He is still here. But what's around! Now it is a tourist center. The discoverers of Negril were the “flower children” - hippies, who in the early 70s chose this area for wallowing on the beach. Normally dressed people followed the hippies, and the construction of luxury hotels began. In the 80s, hippies returned here, developing the glory of Negril, but in a different capacity they were already lawyers, doctors, businessmen who annually came to their favorite Back to map

Montego Bay The second largest city in Jamaica is the capital of the island's resorts, Montego Bay, located in the northeastern part of the island. The Spaniards settled in this place in 1510 and called the bay “Lard Bay”, because it was from here that pork was exported to the rest of the colonies South America. In Spanish lard is "mantega", hence the name. Locals called the city Mobay. The city has a huge selection of hotels, restaurants, active night life, lots of shops and gorgeous white beaches. For scuba diving enthusiasts there is an underwater park. You can play golf on the 18-hole courses, which are open to everyone. Curious tourists can take a walk outside the city and see the ancient buildings of planters or explore the nature reserve. Hand feed a hummingbird. It is also interesting to ride along the rivers in a canoe by torchlight. You can follow the river to the site where colorful reggae festivals are held every year. Back to map

Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios Northern St. Anne's Parish, with the towns of Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay, is called the "Garden County" due to its stunning natural beauty. The most impressive attraction in the area is the many the most beautiful waterfalls. You can swim in the waterfalls, or climb to the very top. In addition to waterfalls, the district is famous for Fern Gully, where 500 species of ferns grow. In essence, this is not a ravine, but deepest gorge, along which the road runs into the interior of the island. The sun never shines into the gorge due to the dense vegetation, so the temperature in it is always 10 degrees lower. Back to map

Port Antonio Na east coast Jamaica's Port Antonio still looks like a sleepy fishing village. Lush vegetation, waterfalls and caves are shrouded in the shadow of the mountains, from which the magnificent Blue Lagoon opens up. Climate Tropical. On the coast the air temperature is 24 C - 35 C; in mountainous areas it is cooler, from 15 C to 27 C. From May to October it falls greatest number precipitation. Back to map

Kingston The capital of Jamaica, Kingston, is located on south coast, on the shore of a large bay. A quarter of the entire country currently lives in the metropolitan area. Founded by the British in the 17th century, it was long the largest slave trading center in the West Indies. At the end of the 17th century, when the first capital of the island, Port Royal, was destroyed by a devastating earthquake, Kingston took its place. now this main port and the economic center of Jamaica. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Kingston was destroyed as a result of a cataclysm. Tourists in Kingston are interested in museums - historical, natural history, art, the house-museum of the legendary Bob Marley and the residence of the main ruler. It is also important for travelers that the city has many hotels to suit every taste. In any hotel they will try to do everything for you to make your stay enjoyable and provide the opportunity for any activity: aquatic species sports (sailing, water skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing), sea excursions on a boat with a transparent bottom, through which you can enjoy pictures from the life of the water kingdom. Many hotels not only provide all kinds of amenities for visitors, but also provide conditions for family vacation. The concept of comfort includes rooms with beautiful views from the windows, and water parks with islands, slides and waterfalls and much more, including the most exotic entertainment on the sea and on land. Back to map

Photo of Kingston View of the city from Port Royal One of the many hotels in the city Party under open air Fortifications at Port Royal

New Year Trip to Jamaica for New Year – the best choice for connoisseurs exotic holiday and lovers of active pastime. New Year there is a big holiday here with all kinds of parties and colorful fireworks. On this day, Jamaicans either take part in folk festivities or celebrate in a narrow circle at their villas on the seashore. New Year's traditions in Jamaica are rooted in those glorious times when only a few indigenous people celebrated this holiday among pristine nature... By midnight, a rather heated crowd pours out onto the city streets... The sounds of sirens, horns, church stakes and exploding fireworks are heard everywhere. Such a cacophony of sounds has long symbolized the exorcism of the devil. Jamaicans, like Russians, have a belief: How you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it. Therefore, most celebrate this holiday with family and friends. The New Year's bustle does not at all disturb the relaxed atmosphere of this island. Everything here is always fun and cheerful!

Carnival The famous Johnkankus masquerade is one of the oldest New Year's traditions in Jamaica. Its hallmark is its unusual costumes, made exclusively from rags, rags, found objects and unnecessary trash. Carnival participants wear masks and headdresses made from animal skins. All this action usually takes place to the music of local musicians and DJs. In order not to stand out from the crowd, we recommend that all tourists stock up on at least colorful clothes. But you can also make yourself a costume from scrap materials and feel like a native Jamaican!

Festive table In addition to various everyday dishes, all kinds of fruits, oysters and smoked salmon are always present on the New Year's table of Jamaicans. These dishes are believed to bring happiness and good luck to the home. Worth a try!

And lastly... For a successful holiday and an equally successful New Year celebration, be sure to get yourself a multi-colored hat, like the most famous representative of Jamaica - Bob Marley

Who said, that new year holidays- is it winter, frosts and snowfalls? If you replace the snow with the white sand of a hot tropical sun beach, the Christmas tree with a palm tree, and the traditional “Soviet champagne” with a Pina Colada cocktail, then this New Year will become even more interesting!

The New Year and Christmas holidays are a time of carefree relaxation and, of course, a wonderful festive mood.

What can make such holidays unusual and unforgettable? Naturally, an unusual setting and many, many Caribbean Sea. If you're bored with the traditional snowy winter, try New Year's Eve in Jamaica!

New Year's Jamaica

This amazing tropical island, “the land of forests and rivers,” will greet you with snow-white beaches, cloudless skies and an endless azure sea, which will erase all worries in a matter of seconds. There's no place in Jamaica gray color- all the colors here are only the most juicy and bright. The locals are friendly and always look at the world with a smile, and everyone who sees them seems to be charged with uncontrollable cheerful energy - reggae energy.

Jamaica is transformed on New Year's Day. New Year trees are installed in city squares, and buildings are decorated with floral arrangements of tropical plants, which in combination look simply dizzying. Have you ever seen Santa Claus decorating the Christmas tree on sandy beach? But in Jamaica this may not be the case!

Jamaican New Year is not a family holiday. The main night of the year is usually spent here in cheerful, noisy companies, chatting with friends and simply celebrating carefree. At this time, a sea of ​​fun, music and dancing awaits you here, which will not leave anyone on the sidelines of this irrepressible celebration of life. During New Year holidays Another significant event is taking place in Jamaica - annual performances of the country's best reggae bands take place. Agree, it is simply impossible to miss such a breathtaking spectacle!

Winter holidays in the tropics

To those who love leisure, New Year's tours to Jamaica will definitely be interesting, because this island can offer a variety of entertainment for tourists. Do you want to climb the mountains for New Year? Long chain The Blue Mountains will give you an unforgettable climb to a height of 2256 meters above sea level. The soul asks New Year's tour an imaginative trek through the rainforest?

The endless limestone plateau of Cockpit Country and the wild jungle around, gorges and waterfalls will be the ideal place to take a break from the bustling cities and feel complete unity with nature. In addition, connoisseurs of good coffee will definitely appreciate the coffee plantations - in Jamaica you can not only see how coffee is grown, but also taste the aromatic, freshly prepared drink.

Extreme in Jamaica

If you can’t imagine your vacation without extreme sports and constant movement, go on a sports tour of Jamaica. Horseback riding and expeditions deep into the island will allow you not only to learn horse riding, but will also give you many vivid impressions, because how can you compare the usual sightseeing bus with exciting horse rides?

Anyone who goes to Jamaica for extreme sports should definitely try rafting - traveling along the river on bamboo rafts. This is an incomparable experience. Exotic flowers, a sea of ​​emerald greenery on the shores and beautiful natural caves will make your holiday in Jamaica simply unforgettable. If you prefer more familiar sea ​​cruises, in Jamaica you can always be offered trips on a boat, yacht, catamaran and even a sailboat. Reggae music, tropical cocktails and the magical beauty of coral bays will make your New Year's sea ​​tour in the tropics is truly fabulous.

Fans of extreme sports will also definitely appreciate diving in Jamaica. Montego Bay, Runaway Bay and Negril are deservedly considered the most the best places for diving on the island. Here you will see undersea world with your own eyes and you will be able to try everything that the rebellious soul of a true extreme sports enthusiast could desire: night diving, deep-sea (up to 27-28 m) and shallow-water dives, diving to sunken ships and aircraft. Good diving instructors will help you on your first dives, teach you all the details and monitor your safety.

Christmas in Jamaica: masquerade, music and gifts

Christmas in Jamaica is celebrated according to the Catholic calendar (December 25), but the traditions of the celebration are very unusual. Throughout the country at Christmas, the Jonkanoo festival is held, during which you can see a masquerade and various musical performances, and national dishes are always served at the Christmas table - rice with ham, fried chicken and sweet pastries soaked in rum. And December 26th in Jamaica is called Boxing Day and is public holiday. There is a tradition on the island - on this day, after exchanging gifts, people return unnecessary things given to each other for Christmas.

If you want to spend your New Year's holiday in Jamaica in an interesting and educational way, be sure to visit the Spanish town, founded in the 16th century on the Jamaican shores by the son of Christopher Columbus. Also, do not ignore the amazing Castleton Nature Reserve - in this large botanical garden collected all the rarest and most unusual plant species that can only be found on the lands of Jamaica and the territories of adjacent countries. You should also definitely climb the Dunna waterfalls to admire the mesmerizing water cascades cascading down the rocks from a height of 190 meters.

Jamaica is a tropical fairy tale in which there is no place for boredom and winter mood, so New Year's holidays on the island are always simply unforgettable. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a New Year's tour to Jamaica, and your vacation here will be one of the most pleasant experiences in your life!