Ocho Rios

Jamaica's name comes from an old Arawak word, Xaymaca, meaning "land of wood and water." Looking around the island, it's plain to see where the Arawaks came up with that description. The lush greenery of Jamaica's inland contrasts perfectly with the pristine white sand beaches along the island's northern coast. Ninety percent of the island's 2.5 million residents are of West African descent, with the remaining population consisting mainly of small pockets of European minorities. The island lies 90 miles south of Cuba, and trails only its neighbors, Cuba and the Dominican Republic/Haiti in size, weighing in at 4,400 square miles.

In recent years, Jamaica's image has taken a bit of a beating, as some tourists have bristled at overly aggressive vendors and a rising crime rate. Some of the more affluent private resorts have taken to forbidding their guests from leaving the resort without a guide. Of course, this means that some people aren't getting the true feel of this island nation.

Travelers to Jamaica need not feel unsafe. As long as you take the same precautions that you would take in any major American city, you will have little to worry about. On the whole, Jamaica's people remain friendly and hospitable, and they are proud to welcome you to their island paradise.

Ocho Rios is on Jamaica's north coast, 64 miles or an hour and a half's drive from Montego Bay and two hours from Kingston, Jamaica's capital on the southern coast.

This small city has become a hugely popular tourist destination, with pretty much every major cruise line making a stop here. It has embraced the economic boom that has come with the tourism industry, and everyone is trying to get a piece of the action.

You may get the feeling that each person you meet here is trying to sell you something, and to some extent that is true. The people of Jamaica are poor, in general, and the little crafts they are constantly peddling may mean dinner on the table that night. If you do not want what is being offered, just politely and firmly tell them you are not interested. You need not feel intimidated.

If you come to Ocho Rios during the month of February, you will be treated to the Reggae Sunsplash Festival, celebrate the beautiful sounds of traditional Reggae music as well as the fascinating Rastafarian heritage.

So enjoy Ocho Rios beaches and restaurants. Negotiate yourself a good deal on some souvenirs, and allow yourself to get lost in Jamaica's island beat.