If you are planning a trip to the Caribbean and don't know which island you should go to, you can consider Jamaica. It is one of the most popular destinations for an island escape.

These are just some of the feathers in its cap: Jamaica is ranked

4th in best affordable Caribbean destinations

5th in best Caribbean family vacations

5th in best cheap spring break destinations

8th in best spring break destinations

Jamaica is synonymous with Bob Marley, reggae, rum and the Rastafari movement and then of course there is the sun, sand and sea. Ask people who have visited Jamaica about their impression about the country and all will have a different impression and this is largely because the country has so much to offer. So the best way to discover Jamaica is visit the country and form your own distinct impression. Here are some insider's tips to make the most of your trip.

Accommodation: Jamaica is the birthplace of the all-inclusive resorts, however today giving them stiff competition are the private Jamaica villas, cottages and apartments that you can book for the duration of your stay. These Jamaican accommodation rentals as they are commonly known provide you all the facilities, comforts and services of all-inclusive resorts and hotels and add to that privacy and space that only a home can provide. Compare the rates and you will find that a stay in a vacation home is much cheaper than a stay

Ask most experts and they will have a different impression about the country and so what is the real Jamaica like? The best way to understand this is to personally visit the land of sugar cane, coffee and limestone and come to your own conclusion. Yet, there is one point all visitors agree upon unanimously and that is all of Jamaica cannot be experienced in one trip. So if you are planning a trip to Jamaica it is best to choose your activities accordingly. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip.

Tourist pockets in Jamaica: Ocho Rios, which caters to the adventurous, Port Antonio known for top-notch surfing at Boston Bay beach, hiking the Blue Mountains, and river rafting along Rio Grande, and finally Negril popular for its beaches, most notably the Seven Miles Beach.

Best time to visit Jamaica: The high season is between December to April with the peak time being Christmas and Easter. To visit during this season, make sure to book your Jamaica accommodation rentals well in advance. During the late spring or fall, you can get special discounts at accommodations, restaurants and stores.

What to do: From climbing mountains to exploring the underwater world, there is no dearth of activities to indulge in Jamaica. For the avid golfers, there are world-class championship courses and for those with an interest in history there are plantations and great estate homes. For the nature enthusiasts Jamaica is a treasure house abounding in mountains, waterfalls, rainforests, and parks and reserves.