In honor of Jamaica celebrating its 50th anniversary of Independence in 2012, JetBlue Airways has announced new daily non-stop flights from Fort Lauderdale to Kingston twice a day, starting April 30th until the end of October.

South Florida is home to a huge Jamaican expatriate population, and both JetBlue and the Jamaican government are doing their best to encourage them to make a visit back home something during the 50th anniversary. The flights run two times every day from Fort Lauderdale’s Hollywood International Airport to Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.  One flight leaves first thing in the morning. The other leaves late afternoon.

If you’ve booked one of the luxury Caribbean vacation villas here in Jamaica, don’t worry; the island is easy to get to. Aside from Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, there are also international flights into Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, and into the new Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios (yes, named after the author of the famous James Bond books).

If you’ve organized one of the stunning villas at the Tryall Club Jamaica, the Montego Bay airport is probably your best bet.  Ocho Rios is the next closest airport, and Kingston is the furthest away.

However, don’t let distance get in the way of an affordable flight.  There are express buses from city to city, and if you’ve organized a lovely Jamaica villa, you’ll probably want a rental car for your holiday.  There are several big name car rental companies offering competitive rates right at Norman Manley Airport, including Avis, Budget, National and Thrifty.

So with new flights to Jamaica being added all the time, and plenty to celebrate in this remarkable anniversary year, don’t you think it’s time you started planning your trip to the perfect Jamaica villa near a sunny beach, a beautiful golf course, and the biggest party in the Caribbean this year.