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There are many who believe the glitz and glitter of the tourist industries and the accompanying commercialization of both the areas around the tourist centers and the culture of Jamaica overshadow the ‘real’ Jamaica, the people and culture that exist beyond the tourist centers, the true heart of Jamaica. This has led to the creation of a variety of opportunities to visit the other side of Jamaica, to see people and life beyond the often stereotypical vision of Jamaica that most visitors see.

The Meet The People Program is one of these interesting, non-typical experiences. It is run by the Jamaican Tourist Board, and has more than 500 local participants. These local volunteers come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, and their interests and skills are listed in a database. Tourists who sign up for the program provide the same types of information, and then locals and tourists are matched up. Amazingly, this is a free program and provides unparalleled social and cultural exchange. Aside from social engagements, such as family style meals in the local host’s home, the matched groups together explore their shared interests in Jamaica.

Country Style is a similar program, bring tourists and residents together for more natural interaction than would happen in the usual tourist scene. After all, spending time with someone on an equal footing, as opposed to with someone who is paid to see to your comfort, is a different experience all together. Based in Mandeville, Jamaica, visits are arranged with interested and interesting residents throughout the island.

Jamaica For Real is the creation of Oliver Foot. His family has been in Jamaica for generations. In fact, he is the son of the last British governor to rule Jamaica. He provides what could be called reality tours of Jamaica. His goal is to share his love for Jamaica, a love that includes those qualities that may not be attractive to those who treasure Jamaica for the tropical pleasures of the island, for the stunning array of creature comforts and entertainment, and for its majestic beauty.

With his Jamaica For Real tours, Foot shares the special beauty to be found in struggle, the social struggles against oppression that resulted in the rich ‘real’ culture of Jamaica. Visiting such sites as the Borderline, once a highly charged area between two politicized neighborhoods during the social unrest of the 1980’s. He tours Trenchtown, an area notorious for its poverty, one that received international attention through the reggae music that spoke of the desperate conditions to be found there. He shows the beauty of the countryside and its people, and offers a vision of the beauty to be found in the ordinary life. He presents an amazing and enlightening vision of Jamaica in a tour that shouldn’t be missed.

These types of experiences are a wonderful way to explore Jamaica. Aside from the wonderful people you’ll meet, you’ll gain an insight into Jamaica that few outsiders rarely acquire. Once you have a view of the ‘real’ Jamaica, the island will never look the same again.

No vacation in Jamaica is complete without a little bit of shopping to bring home a souvenir or two from your Jamaican journey. Aside from souvenirs, there are a great number of local products that are available nowhere else. In addition, the local art community is famous for creations that can grace the collection of any art enthusiast. The first step to enjoying a successful shopping experience is to know where to look for those special, unique items that will allow you to bring home a little piece of island culture.

Harbour Street, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, features an open-air craft market, where locals come to sell their wares. Among the many varied offerings, you’ll find hand-made jewelry of beads and semi-precious stones, textile products, including clothing of varying style and quality, some of which are richly colored cottons and sturdy natural fibers. There are often hand carved, wooden household items and small wood sculptures, created by some of the island’s many skilled artisans.

Island Village, at the Turtle beach Complex in Ocho Rios, is the perfect shopping area for those interested in reggae and island music culture. With more than 30 shops offering a variety of Bob Marley souvenir items, reggae culture inspired clothing, books, posters, and, of course, music, you’ll need a full day to explore this village. Staying the day, though, will be no problem. There are many cafes and restaurants, and an assortment of sights to be seen, including a museum devoted to reggae and island culture.

For those who prefer a more upscale shopping atmosphere, Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay is sure to satisfy. This busy thoroughfare hosts an eclectic blend of boutiques and strip malls, set amongst some of the best hotels and eating establishments on the island. Taj Mahal in Ocho Rios is a shopping mall built on a grand scale, featuring a variety of upscale products, and also offers some of the best coffees, rums, and cigars on the island. Kingston is one of the best places in Jamaica to buy quality artwork by some of the nation’s best artists. Frame Center Gallery and the Mutual Life Gallery are among the best known, and are recognized even beyond the island for the quality of art made available for viewing and purchase.

Those desiring a degree of authenticity, something representative of the culture beyond the tourist industries would do well to pay attention to the small shops and stands to be found throughout the island. The further away from the tourist centers the better when it comes to finding those special, unique items that reflect native culture. Some of the unusual take home items to be found in this way include the spices used in native cuisine and home items that are both artistic and practical.

There are many wonderful areas for shopping in Jamaica, whether it is local crafts and creations or upscale bargains that interest you. It is important to note that a certain degree of haggling over prices is expected, and is just a part of the experience.

Travelers to destinations in the Bahamas, in addition to enjoying the many fascinating activities offered by the islands, ranging from the traditional attractions of sun, sand and surf to the culture attractions of museums and historical sight to the simply amazing zoos and aquariums, have the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant nightlife in the company of an international mix of tourists and residence. There’s always something interesting to do or to see in the nightlife scene of the Bahamas.

The Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino is one of the largest casinos in the Bahamas. It features all of the casino favorites, including more than 700 slot machines and 51 blackjack tables. Visitors can also try their luck at the roulette wheels and the craps tables, and there is even a baccarat table for those so inclined. There’s a theater with an 800-person capacity, with a variety of entertainment offered through the week.

There are two other major casinos in the Bahamas. These are the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino and the Crowne Plaza Golf Resort and Casino at the Royal Oasis in Freeport While opinion varies as to which of the three are the best, most people do manage to try out all three.

However, nightlife in the Bahamas isn’t just about gambling the night away in the glitter and gleam of the casinos. There are a variety of nightclubs, discos and bars, some open all night long.

One of the all-nighters is Club Waterloo, located on East Bay Street on New Providence Island. Housed in what was once a grand colonial mansion, there is one main bar, and five smaller bars. Each of the smaller bars has its own specialty and style. Among these smaller bars is Shooters Sports Bar, a Bicardi Bar, which is self-explanatory, and an outdoor, poolside bar. The cover charge is high, up to $30 on weekend nights, but in reality, you’ll rarely pay that much. Many taxi drivers sell what are called visitors’ passes that reduce the cover charge to a much smaller $5. This spot attracts a mixed crowd that typically includes locals and vacationers from Europe and the Americas.

Club 601 is another all-night spot on new Providence Island. It is a disco, and the music is usually of an international flavor, just like the crowd it attracts nightly. Other nightlife favorites in the Bahamas include the Blue Bee Bar on Great Abaco Island and Senor Frog’s at the British Colonial Hilton, at 1 Bay Street in Nassau, New Providence Island. Senor Frog’s tends to attract a young and energetic crown, though people of all ages enjoy the karaoke nights.

As in most of the most popular vacation destination, the nightlife scene in the Bahamas is interesting, exciting and active. You are sure to have a good time if you exercise a bit of common sense, caution and courtesy. Whether you choose a quiet bar tucked away in a lovely island corner, or dance all night at one of the discos or gamble until the dawn in one of the fabulous casinos, the Bahamas will offer you a memorable nightlife experience.

Great Abaco Island is the primary island of a group of small to tiny islands collected under the same name, usually refered to as the Abacos or the Abaco Islands. These islands are a part of the greater group of islands that make up the Bahamas. In addition to the many other attributes that make Great Abaco Island an excellent choice for a Bahamas vacation destination, the island is home to some important national parks and nature reserves.

Abaco National Park is best known for the lush vegetation that serves as a habitat for the multitude of bird species that attract birdwatchers from all over the world. It was founded in 1994, primarily to serve as a protective area for the Bahama Parrot, an endangered species. Abaco National park sprawls across 20,500 acres of land, with 5,000 of these acres being devoted to the pine forests that the Bahama Parrot prefers.

The Abaco National Park, however, is home to many other species of birds, making it one of the best bird sighting areas in the region. An incredible range of birds can be spotted in the park. These include the West Indies Woodpecker, at least five species of Warblers, four species of Flycatchers, including the La Sangria Flycatcher, and a broad variety of doves. The Cuban Emerald Humming Bird, the Bahama Mockingbird, the BanaQuits, and many more colorful birds spend time in the park.

Marsh harbor is another excellent place for bird watching. Flocks of loud, colorful tropical birds are frequent visitors to this peaceful, beautiful resort village. The Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden is yet another fine place for watching birds, amongst statures of famous Bahamians from history.

At the Pelican Cays National Park, which serves as an underwater preserve, there is a wide variety of marine life to be seen. This land and sea park encompasses about 2,000 acres and contains numerous underground caves, coral reefs, tiny islets and small bays. Among the many varieties of marine life to be found here are grouper fish and spiny tailed lobsters. The park offers both day and night diving programs.

As large as these parks are, there are still several other nature reserves and parks in the area. In Hope Town on Great Abaco Island, Fowl Cay is a sea and land preserve that is especially attractive to divers and snorkelers. Chartered boating tours are popular in this area also, as the sailing is said to be superb.

Nature preservation is very important to the government of the Bahamas, They’ve invested thousand upon thousand of acres of land into the future of plant and animal life in the Bahamas. The shift in tourism philosophy is towards in the Bahamas is towards more eco-friendly, low environmental impact ventures. And, it’s paying off. The Bahamas have made great strides in restoring some endanger creatures to their natural habitats.

Great Abaco offers an excellent example of that commitment and success. It is a fascinating and beautiful vacation destination that should certainly be visited - with care and consideration for its ecology.

Jamaica has attracted the interest of those from far away places for centuries. First inhabited by native peoples, including the Arawak, Jamaica then spent time under Spanish rule before being possessed by the British. The wealthy classes of these European nations controlled vast territories in Jamaica, building large and profitable plantations, increasing their wealth with profits made on export products. They built fabulous mansions and homes, many of which still stand today, restored and open to tourists.

Certainly the most famous of these colonial era great houses is the Rose Hall Great House, located on Rose Hall Highway, which is a short drive outside of Montego Bay. The lurid rumors and supernatural tales that have been associated with this house for centuries have excited imaginations for generations, inspiring several novels and books to feature it as a backdrop. The home was built by John Palmer, originally of Britain, during the latter part of the 18th century. At one time, it was a vast plantation, where 2,000 slaves tended the sugar cane and other crops.

The wife of John Palmer’s grandnephew achieved notoriety through the rumors of numerous murders, sexual impropriety of - what was then - the highest degree, abject cruelty to the slaves of the plantation, voodoo, witchcraft, and her own violent death. Known now as the White Witch of Rose Hall, some believe her restless spirit still wanders there today. Tours are available every day between 9am and 6pm, with the final tour of the day starting at about 5:15pm. There is an admission fee of $15 for people 12 years of age and older and $10 for children 11 years and under.

Another late 18th century home of interest is the Greenwood Great House, located on Route 1A, a short drive outside of the Montego Bay area. This remarkable example of Gregorian influenced architecture was the home of Richard Barrett, who was the cousin of the famous poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This 14 room structure retains more of its original feel than do others of the era, as it has endure less renovation processes and still contains a great deal of the original furnishings, oil paintings and household items, including fine china. Among these is a collection of musical instruments that is simply amazing to see. Not surprisingly, the family library is a part of the tour, and has books dating back to the 1600’s. This lovely, historic home is open to the public daily, from 9am to 6pm. There is a $12 admission fee for those 12 years of age and older, and a $6 fee for children 11 and under.

There are many more of these great houses that are open to the public for tours and exploration. Among them are the Seville Great house and Heritage Park, in Saint Ann, home to numerous artifacts and relics of interest and includes views from a variety of perspectives in Jamaican history, the Brimmer Hall Estate in Ocho Rios, and the Appleton Estate.

These beautiful structures, shadowed by the oppression of the people upon which they were built, hold an important place in the history and culture of Jamaica. Any one of them is certainly worth an afternoon’s time to marvel and contemplate.

Quite naturally, one of the primary reasons the Bahamas have attracted visitors from all over the world is the abundance of beautiful beaches. Grand Bahama Island certainly has its share of these remarkable beaches, and as a beach vacation destination, this island rates as one of the best.

Xanadu Beach is a popular tourist destination located in Freeport. There are a variety of activities available, including water sports such as parasailing and beach sports such as volleyball. Because of the pleasant atmosphere, the beach also attracts a local crowd, in addition to tourists. This beach is not uncomfortably crowded, and although it attracts enough people to have an active social scene, it is large enough that there is room to enjoy a bit of solitude.

Taino Beach is the perfect place for those seeking the classic white sands beach experience, with all the traditional pastimes. It also has a small playground that is sure to please families with small children. Some of the best restaurants in the area are found in this area. Lucayan Beach is where tourist with an interest in active water sports go. Conveniently located across from the Port Lucaya hotels, it has a long and inviting sandy shoreline.

Gold Rock Beach is located in the Lucayan National Park and is simply gorgeous. It is about 25 miles from Freeport and is, despite its beautiful white sands on the edge of spectacularly blue waters, quiet and peaceful. Outdoor cooking facilities and picnic tables are available, making an all day visit an enjoyable event.

Mather Town Beach is an excellent place for those who enjoy meeting locals. The beach restaurant and bar Club Carib is located here, and is definitely worth a visit for its fine variety of reasonably priced, quality food. William’s Town Beach is another active beach, with water sports, including jet skis and snorkeling on the eastern side. Horseback riding along the beach is permitted here, and with the beautiful view, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, whether by foot or on horseback.

In addition to the many public beaches, there are also several private beaches where tourists can enjoy the sun and sand free from the distraction of the beach vendors that wander the public beaches hawking their wares and free of the crowds that sometimes fill those beaches during peak travel times. Many of the resorts offer excellent package deals that include private beach access and transportation to and from the beach. Some offer beachfront apartment rentals, perfect for families. The resort beach packages often provide for a variety of the classic beach activities, including bon fire lit planned parties featuring live music, limbo dancing, and, of course, fabulous food.

Beaches are an important part of the Bahamas vacation experience. The beaches on Grand Bahama Island tend to be of the classic, very beautiful, white sands sort. Because there are so many small beaches, there are plenty of opportunities to socialize with the locals, as well as with an international blend of tourists or to simply enjoy quiet solitude in the midst of spectacularly beautiful scenery.

A journey to Andros is a lovely respite from the world. There are many qualities that make Andros stand out from the other islands that make up the Bahamas. It’s a small, intimate sort of place, rich in natural beauty and wildlife.

Andros is an eco-tourist’s paradise. The fifth largest landmass in the Caribbean, it is an ancient island, gradually emerging from the sea with each layer of coral limestone. There are as many fascinating sights to be seen below sea level as there are to be seen above. Underwater explorers will see a wide variety of marine life, so varied and diverse that Andros attracts researchers from all over the world. On the top side of the island, there is an abundance of flora and fauna, including species and varieties found nowhere else on earth.

Small Hope Bay Lodge Eco-Tours is a wonderful way to explore these many natural wonders. Environmentally concerned and conscious, Small Hope Bay Lodge has been offering a variety of eco-tours for more than 40 years - long before the word or concept of eco-tour came into vogue. Their caring and knowledgeable staff make wonderful guides to accompany visitors through this largely unexplored island. In fact, Andros remains one of the largest tracts of unexplored land in its hemisphere.

Among the nature activities available through Small Hope Bay Lodge is the Snorkel Safari on Fresh Creek, in which participants travel along Fresh Creek in a dive boat. Occasionally, visitors are able to snorkel with dolphins, however this is not a guaranteed activity, because these are wild creatures, not the tamed and trained dolphins usually featured at dolphin swims. It is a different experience all together. As the boat glides along, visitors will view a wide variety of plant and animal life. The fee is $45 for adults and children 12 and older. The rate for children under 12 is $25.

Small Hope Bay Lodge also does a Shark Observation Dive. This allows close observation of sharks and their behaviors. This activity takes place a few times a week and costs $85 per diver and $45 per snorkeler.

They offer a variety of dive programs, of varying skill levels. Some explore the many underwater blue holes found on Andros. Others explore the barrier reefs that are plentiful around the island.

One of the more intriguing of the sights to be seen on Andros is Red Village. Just over 25 years ago, a fascinating indigenous tribe ruled by a chief, organized in the traditional native style and still adhering firmly to the ways of their ancestors, was found to be living in the area of the village. Tourists do visit the area, and of course, that has changed some things for this indigenous group, but the ways of their ancestors still reign supreme.

Andros definitely offers a unique travel experience. It is one of the great wilds of the region, a haven for birds and animal, as well as a place in which breathtakingly beautiful wildflowers are free to blossom at will. This is a Bahamas vacation spot that will offer experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

A vacation destination for decades, Jamaica is home to a number of quality golf courses. The temperate climate is a welcome part of the golfing experience, as is the general atmosphere of the golf courses, with many being notable for their outstanding customer service focus and their beautifully kept grounds. It should be noted that while many of the golf courses are private, most of the more exclusive facilities do make day passes available for vacationers.

Half Moon Golf Club, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is known among tournament players throughout the world for its classic lines and challenging set up. Open and beautiful, one of the most challenging aspects of this golf course is the wind. Over 7,000 yards long, this course offers a good work out, in addition to a fine game.

Luxurious, enchanting, and uniquely challenging are apt descriptions of the White Witch Course, a recent addition to the famed Ritz Carlton Rose Hall Resort of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The course is named for the infamous Annee Palmer who is said to haunt the area, and rumored to have indulged in illicit relationships with the slaves she held and treated brutally during the 1800’s to run her huge sugar plantation, and also said to have murdered three husbands before turning up strangled herself.

This magnificent course was designed by Robert Von Hagge, Rick Baril and Mike Smelek, and has a slightly different style from the typical Caribbean golfing experience. While there are stunning ocean views to be had at 16 of the holes, they rest upon high ground, as the course wanders through strong hills and players are cooled by the unobstructed ocean breeze.

Three Palms Ocean Course, found at Wyndham Rose Hall, is renowned through Jamaica and well beyond the island for the amazing scenery that its 6798-yard course is built around. Golfers will play alongside of the family graveyard of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the ruins of an aqueduct from the 18th century. There will be ocean side holes, canyons, waterfalls and gorges. This is a truly beautiful and historic course, and can only be an unforgettable golfing experience.

The Tryall Golf Course, at the Tryall Club in Montego Bay hosts the Johnny Walker World Championship and is a favorite playing spot of golfers all over the world. The 6,772-yard course extends from flowering forest to cool seaside, and includes mountain and ocean views that are simply spectacular. Fascinating relics of history along the course include an 18th century water wheel.

There are several other notable golf courses in Jamaica. These include the Manchester Club, one of the oldest facilities of its nature, which also makes available tennis and billiards, the rugged terrain of the Negril Hills Golf Club, which is known to be a challenging and exhilarating play. Breezes Golf and Beach Resort offers truly upscale play.

Whether you’re planning a vacation devoted to enjoying the very best courses that Jamaica has to offer or you are a casual golfer seeking fun greens for a day or two’s play, Jamaica is home to some of the finest golfing opportunities in the entire region.