Flights to Jamaica are already available from London and Manchester, but from May 2008 a new route is opening up from Birmingham, meaning that many more British travellers can enjoy everything that sunny, smiling Jamaica has to offer.

Let’s begin with the people. As the country’s motto so aptly states, Jamaica really is a nation ‘out of many, one people’, and it’s believed that every race in the world is represented on this fascinating 4,250 sq mile island. Visiting Jamaica, you will experience African, English, Spanish, Irish, Scottish, Indian, Chinese and Syrian people - and everyone in-between - living and working side-by-side, and who together form an incredible mosaic of international customs and traditions. Their ancestors have helped shape a uniquely Jamaican culture, ensuring life is constantly exciting, vibrant and different.

With 450 years of cultural intermingling behind it, there is an abundance of things to see, do, hear and experience in Jamaica. To soak up some history be sure to visit the elegant, bustling capital Kingston, the old Georgian Port of Falmouth, and historic fishing villages such as Treasure Beach, Port Antonio and Oracabessa, which many consider to represent ‘the real Jamaica’.

If you love music, you’ll love Jamaica. The hypnotic, infectious, life-affirming beats of Reggae, Jamaica’s most internationally recognised music can be heard wherever you go. Expect it to be blaring from car stereos, soothing you on beaches and in beach bars, and playing from boom boxes stacked high in nightclubs and on street corners.

So tightly woven into tourism and culture across the island, music is a major attraction for many visitors, who often travel specifically for festivals and major cultural events. For instance, The Jamaican Film and Music Festival is taking place in Montego Bay this August to September, the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival boasts internationally renowned performers in June, and Reggae Sumfest in July is the hotly anticipated reggae event of the summer.

Itself a natural attraction to local artists, the island of Jamaica has inspired outstanding visual arts, enjoyed by many holiday visitors. The island’s rich history and culture has proved to be the perfect stimulus for ideas, images and stories to come to the fore.

Such diversity of people in Jamaica has of course shaped a wonderful food and drink culture. Jamaican people love their food, and with good reason - the incredibly fertile land and near perfect tropical climate ensure constant supplies of delicious fresh fruit and vegetables, while fish is obviously in abundance. Seek out the famous Jerk pork, chicken, prawns or goat, which is considered a truly Jamaican wonder, as well as traditional rice and peas, fried plantain, and many spicy dishes that are guaranteed to titillate the taste buds. Fabulous coffee, rum and beers will also impress while mouth-watering fruits on sale wherever you go will keep you healthy and happy.

So, Jamaica is the perfect island get-way for you and your family. Beach-lovers can laze on white sands, swim with dolphins, windsurf and scuba dive. Active visitors can enjoy horse riding, mountain walking and excursions to landmark caves and waterfalls. You might even fancy an airborne trip over the island. Culture-seekers can explore historic homes, colonial streets and plantations or take in art galleries and museums. And of course the music, shopping, dancing and eating opportunities are endless. Whether sightseeing or chilling out at a reggae beach party, diverse Jamaica offers a unique and unforgettable mix for everyone.

From : Timesonline.co.uk