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Jamaica
Jamaica is one of the most affordable Caribbean islands, and fall is an especially economical season to visit. Visitors can expect to find big savings on airfare and accommodations, as well as pleasant weather. According to a famous line by H.D. Carberry, a Jamaican poet, "We have neither summer nor winter, neither autumn nor spring," as temperatures on the island don't vary much throughout the year. Although autumn is Jamaica's rainy season, it rains in short bursts, usually not enough to spoil a day at the beach. Historically, hurricanes haven't been much of a threat to Jamaica; the island was last hit in 1988.
Many travelers to Jamaica visit for its picture-perfect beaches, famous sunsets, and sprawling resorts, particularly in Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios. Watersports like snorkeling, diving, rafting, and tubing are popular pursuits in beach areas. Inland, in Jamaica's capital city of Kingston, visitors will find opportunities for dining and nightlife, though the peaceful hiking trails and coffee plantations of the Blue Mountains aren't far from the city's hustle and bustle.
The Best of Jamaica 2006 festival takes place October 4 to 8 at the Grand Lido Braco Resort & Spa in Montego Bay. The event celebrates Jamaica's culture, food, and history with cooking lessons, patois language instruction, food and drink tastings, and reggae and steel drum performances.
This fall brings savings on airfare, accommodations, and bundled packages. Air Jamaica has sale fares for travel through December, and Air Jamaica Vacations is currently offering a handful of Jamaica vacation packages. Spirit often discounts flights to Kingston and Montego Bay, and Spirit Vacations has several package deals.
In addition, several properties, including FDR Resorts, Round Hill, Jamaica Inn, Royal Plantation, and Coyaba Beach Club, are offering free nights as part of their off-peak specials.
I compared fall and winter vacation package prices, and found savings of up to $390 by traveling in autumn.
| Package | Provider | Off-peak rate | Peak rate |
| Airfare from Orlando, nine nights' all-inclusive hotel in Montego Bay | CheapCaribbean.com | $659 (August 20 to November 30, 2006) | $1,049 (February 11 to 24, 2007) |
| Airfare from Boston, six nights' hotel in Montego Bay | Expedia | $681 (October 5 to 12, 2006) | $771 (February 15 to 21, 2007) |
| Airfare from San Diego, three nights' hotel in Negril | Orbitz | $620 (November 1 to 5, 2006) | $845 (February 22 to 25, 2007) |
Browse VisitJamaica.com for vacation-planning tips and ideas.
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