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, for sweeping views overlooking the mountainside and ocean.The best time to visit Jamaica is between December and April, when crystal-clear skies and slightly cooler temps make for gorgeous stretches of weeks on end that seem tailor-made for a trip to the beach. Such dreamy weather draws visitors escaping snow and ice back home, so expect beaches to be busier and prices higher during this season.

May provides a small window where visitors can enjoy nice weather with smaller crowds and lower prices, but with the start of the Atlantic hurricane season in June comes an increased likelihood of warmer, wetter weather. Hurricane season lasts through November, but travelers who don't mind a higher risk of rainy skies will quickly find that Jamaica can be a beautiful destination year-round."For a cultural high, plan to visit around Carnival in April," advises Kenton Jones, managing director of The Tryall Club.celebrations are some of the biggest and most boisterous in the Caribbean, complete with parades, parties, and over-the-top costumes made for getting down to calypso and soca music. Music lovers will want to plan a trip to Montego Bay's annual

, which draws a lineup of the biggest names in reggae for parties that last from dawn to dusk.Jamaica has two primary international airports: Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston. For travelers headed to the beach, flying into Montego Bay tends to be the best option, offering decent proximity and shorter travel times to popular destinations on the north and west coasts, like Ocho Rios and Negril. Kingston is the best choice for travelers sticking to the city or headed to destinations like the Blue Mountains and Port Antonio on the east side of the island.

Whether flying through Montego Bay or Kingston, travelers should have no problem finding convenient flights; these airports are among the busiest and best-served in the Caribbean.

You may be just as surprised as I was to learn that driving around the entire island of Jamaica can take up to 16 hours. Distances here are further than expected, so leave plenty of travel time in your itinerary if you plan to crisscross the island. "Renting a car is an option if you like flexibility and do not mind driving Jamaican-style," says Jones, though drivers should be aware that traffic flows on the left side of the road, a vestige of British rule.When cats reach seven, they’re considered mature, but they’re not elderly. They might slow down slightly or nap a bit more, but they can still be playful and active. It’s a good time to start watching for subtle shifts in behavior, appetite, or grooming habits.

Credit: Getty ImagesAges three through six are a cat’s most stable years. They’re often healthy, settled, and less prone to the unpredictability of kittenhood. Most have finished growing and are at their strongest physically. Routine vet care and attention to dental health can help keep things smooth during this stage.

Credit: Getty ImagesBetween 11 and 14, cats enter their senior years. Many stay active and happy, but this is when issues like arthritis, kidney disease, and thyroid trouble become more common. Regular checkups and bloodwork help spot problems early, and small changes at home can make daily life more comfortable.