BOTTOM FIVE ISLAND DESTINATIONS

Jamaica

Tourists watch catamarans moored outside a restaurant in Jamaica's Montego Bay.

"Many visitors never experience the rich heritage that the island has to offer, as the 'locking away' of tourists behind all-inclusive [tour] gates has led to resentment and crime against visitors," bemoaned one of 522 expert judges who ranked 111 islands for National Geographic Traveler magazine.

"This discourages independent travelers who really want to experience the island's culture, food, and music," the expert continued.

In addition, "over-fishing has taken a serious toll, and the national parks are under siege."

For these reasons, the "beautiful and ominous" island ties for second-to-last place on a list published in the November/December 2007 issue of the magazine.

(Both National Geographic News and Traveler magazine are part of the National Geographic Society.)

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