Jamaica or Punta Cana? Those will be your destination choices when you win (let’s think positively) Lite Rock’s Artist of the Day Getaway to the Caribbean.

See more details about Lite Rock’s Artist of the Day Getaway and download the Artist of the Day Calendar

It just so happens that I have been to both, and, in my opinion, you can’t make a bad decision on your destination location.

But to give you a better idea of some of the fun things waiting in Jamaica, here are 5 cool things to do in Jamaica, if you ever want to leave your all-inclusive.  Many people never do.

Here’s a portion of a good activities guide travel article Anne Bee of Demand Media

"Slathering on the SPF and lounging on a sandy beach with clear water and a fruity drink often tops the vacation to-do list, but Jamaica offers more than just beach and resort activities.

Seeing the beauty of the island outside of resort properties can be done in many relaxing and invigorating ways.

1- LAND ACTIVITIES: There are many ways to experience Jamaica, and the beach is just the beginning. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV and many adventure excursions offer an exciting way to take in the terrain. Vacationers also can climb Dunns River Falls, spend the day on a Jeep safari or zip line through the jungle canopy.

If you seek something a little less adventurous, consider the many tours that focus on Jamaica's culture, history and music. Plantation tours are another way to enjoy and learn about the island.

2- WATER ACTIVITIES:Opportunities to snorkel and dive are plentiful in Jamaica. Negril, Ochos Rios and Montego Bay offer many diving and snorkeling sites and almost every hotel and resort offers guided tour packages. Some of the most notable dive sites include Runaway Bay, Spanish Anchor and Widowmaker Cave.

Most resorts offer guests windsurfing, jet skis, kayaks and many other ways to enjoy the water. Tubing, rafting, swimming with dolphins (or sharks!) and fishing excursions are common.

3- FOOD: While in Jamaica, ask the hotel concierge about local restaurants and roadside stands where authentic Jamaican foods can be sampled. Some dishes are indigenous, but many are inspired by British, French, Spanish and Chinese cuisine. Fresh produce creates the foundation for most meals. Pastries and breads are particularly good and, of course, coffee and rum-based foods and drinks are not to be missed. Some uniquely Jamaican dishes to consider are curry goat, fried plantain, jerk chicken, oxtail soup, ackee and salt fish, and Jamaican fried dumplings.

4-SHOPPING;  With duty-free shopping and open-air markets, those who love to shop will want to explore what is available beyond the hotel gift shop. Jamaica has everything from fine art and jewelry to colorful clothing, crafts, coffee, rum and cigars. Shopping can be found in all major tourist areas. Be aware that haggling over price is perfectly acceptable and that shop owners will do just about anything to persuade you to buy their wares. Most hotels and resorts offer shopping excursions.

5- TENNIS & GOLF: Tennis and golf are both popular island sports in Jamaica. Resorts offer the best grass and clay courts on the island and offer professional instructors. Those looking for tee time won't have a problem finding beautiful courses with breathtaking scenery. Resort courses offer great scenery, though players are mostly inexperienced. Serious golfers can arrange a trip to Tryall Golf Club, near Montego Bay, through a hotel concierge. Rose Hall, also in Montego Bay, offers three world-class courses.

 

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