How Jamaica perfect holiday? Visit the Caribbean of course.

Gently swaying palm trees lining sandy white beaches, reggae, rum and beaming faces sum up most people's idea of Jamaica – and they're not wrong.

Jamaica sits swinging in its own tropical hammock ninety miles south of Cuba, serenely sipping the delights of the Caribbean while its inhabitants infuse the island with their own indelible culture.

Spectacular mountains, tumbling waterfalls and a rich variety of flowers, trees and colourful wildlife complement Jamaica's rum bars, reggae-halls and bustling markets, along with the island's unique mix of customs and ethnicity.

Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East can all claim to have added their own ingredients to the Jamaican melting pot of culture, after the island played host to a variety of settlers and inhabitants over many centuries.

The British captured Jamaica from the Spanish in the 1650s, creating a wealthy and busy colony that produced around 22 per cent of the world's sugar by the 18th century.

Years of cruel and oppressive slavery by the British carried thousands of African slaves to the New World to work the sugar plantations, until the abolition of slavery in the 19th century.

Jamaica was granted independence from Britain in 1962, leaving the once controlled and conquered nation and its diverse inhabitants to forge a new future for themselves.

Today, Jamaicans are fiercely proud of their history and their impact on the world, from Bob Marley and reggae to the Jamaican National Bobsleigh Team, although an underlying tone of political disquiet simmers throughout the country.

The nation's capital city, Kingston, has a negative reputation that masks much of the charm lying beneath it, yet while there are many areas tourists are advised to stay away from, visiting one of the city's many carnivals can be an unforgettable experience.

Montego Bay on the north of the island epitomizes both sides of Jamaica's coin, with devastatingly attractive white beaches and beautiful historic houses contrasting with honking cars, small tourist-filled streets and the drug-hustlers' constant calls.

Jamaicans' way of life means most islanders are straight-talking and to the point, which means some can often come across as rude and irritating – especially around the big resorts.

However, in general most are quick to smile, witty, laid-back and friendly.

Away from the cities, Jamaica's Cockpit Country is a must-see, despite it generally being considered the island's most inhospitable region. With its massive limestone denudations covering 500 square miles, the hilly, forest-filled area is a jumbled mass of vegetation, rivers, streams and caves – ripe for a brave exploration.

UK travellers will find their money goes far in Jamaica, with a cheap meal costing around £1, a small bottle of rum about £3.80 and an average room just £13 per night.

The best times to visit to island are based around potential hurricanes, which unfortunately can occur at almost any time, although most days see the island a balmy 30C (68F).

Despite the over-zealous street peddlers and the odd hurricane, there is little reason be put off by Jamaica. Many travellers find themselves returning again and again to indulge in the easy-living atmosphere of the island, whilst the government has spent millions of pounds making sure tourists are treated well.

Most visitors to the country that invented the "all-inclusive" holiday generally find themselves indulging in the island's unique atmosphere – sitting on a palm-lined beach, discussing life and the universe with a friendly Rastafarian whilst sipping rum … and, of course, listening to a bit of Bob Marley.