Lonely Planet Jamaica

Indulge in Jamaica s shimmering beaches, hidden waterfalls, ethereal sunsets and world-famous reggae scene. From the beach haven of Negril to the secrets of the Blue Mountains, this expert guide puts you on the inside track to the real Jamaica. No matter what your budget, it ll be cool runnings, mon!

• the lowdown on hiking, diving, sport fishing, rafting and more
• food and lodging options to please all, from roadside jerk stands to beachside villas
• the hottest spots for live music and dancing under the stars
• easy guide to understanding patois
• 31 detailed city and regional maps

Within the first 100 pages of this book is accurate, important information about everything you could imagine about Jamaica. I loved that this information came first, before all of the "guide" things. I beleive that within these important pages of this book, the reader can determine if indeed Jamaica is a place they might want to go to, or stay away from.

If you read this book and still have questions about Jamaica, you need to read the book again because its ALL in here.

I'm truly impressed.


great   January 12, 2002
0 out of 5 found this review helpful

Very informative. A must have if you are planning a trip and are not familiar with Jamaican culture.


For those who want to see and do everything   January 7, 2002
W. Wedenoja (Springfield, MO)
40 out of 40 found this review helpful

I have used four different guidebooks in two trips to Jamaica in the past two years. This Lonely Planet guide is clearly the most thorough and comprehensive (although the others are more than adequate). I can't think of anything of significance that was left out, and I've been studying the island for 30 years now. That said, it's probably far more than most tourists to Jamaica will need or want. The vast majority go to major resorts for fun in the sun. If that is your intent, then this book will be very helpful to you in planning your trip--choosing a place to go, places to eat and stay, and things to do-but so will the other guides. This is, however, the guide par excellence for those who want to know as much as possible about Jamaica, its people and culture, and who will be traveling around the island, perhaps to areas remote from the tourist industry, for an extended period of time. It will be invaluable for anyone who is moving to Jamaica and working there-such as missionaries, teachers, embassy staff, and Peace Corps volunteers.

The guide starts with an excellent 66 page overview of the island that you should read before you go. It also has a great 47 page history of popular music. And lots of beautiful color photographs. Followed by detailed information on where to go, where to stay, and what to do in every area of the country. Along with priceless sage advice on the local culture. The author really knows his way around the country and the people. It can be a tricky place to be, and most tourists don't venture far from the resort areas, so if you are going cross-country on your own then you should definitely read what he has to say.

Because it is so comprehensive and informative, I can also recommend this guide as a beginning reference on Jamaica. I don't know any other book where you can learn so much about the country between two covers.

You can rely on this guide totally. And, by the way, it's a tough book too, with a stitched spine to keep it together, so it won't fall apart before your next trip to Jamaica.