The Viral Under Eye Masks I Always Pack for Jamaica Plus 9 Other Items to Bring

Get the Full StoryWe likkle but we tallawah - we're little but we're strong. That's one of Jamaica's mottos, and it's been true for centuries. The native Tainos that first inhabited it named it Xaymaca, which in their language means "land of wood and water." And it is that, in excess. Bursting from its fertile ground is everything lush, green, and glorious. There are mountains all around, with dense woods that seem to spill from its inclines. Turquoise rivers and rolling waterfalls are tucked throughout the land, flowing beneath canopies bent under the weight of their thick leaves.

The culture is as rich as the landscape. The island's population is just under three million, but it's still one of the most recognizable in the world. We can talk about the music - reggae, dancehall, ska, lover's rock, the tradition of toasting. All were born in Jamaica and have since stretched their fingers to influence music worldwide: Reggaeton, dembow, Afrobeats, and so many other genres bear the lilt and cadence of the rhythms formed on the island.

And the music just scratches the surface. The way Jamaicans speak - their unique form of patois - stands out from all the other islands and is one of the most recognizable dialects in the world. The Rastafarian religion emerged here in the 1930s and has since become one of the most iconic across the globe. Some of the country's most famous, internationally-known figures: Bob Marley, Usain Bolt, and Marcus Garvey have all made history.

Jamaica's influence and culture far exceeds its size, and the beauty of the island is unmatched. Both are reasons why it's one of the best-known islands in the world. Anywhere you visit in the Caribbean will be a good experience, but Jamaica remains the cultural jewel of the region. If you're thinking of taking a trip, here's everything you should bring along and what you should do once you get there.

Share: