Vacations Blog

Barbados was the name the Portuguese explorers gave to the 21 mile long picturesque Caribbean island, supposedly after the bearded fig trees that grew there in abundance. Today Barbados is one of the most developed islands in the region, and a Barbados vacation has something to offer everyone, from all-inclusive getaways to unrivaled water sports and recreation, from historical landscapes and fascinating landmarks, to old forts and photogenic ruins. The people of Barbados speak English and a very unique form of dialect known as Bajan.

Five-star luxury resorts lie next to the beaches of the West coast and the South coast. The calm and lagoon-like beach of the island’s West Coast attract rich travelers, such as athletes and movie stars, that seek private Barbados luxury villas or expensive luxury spa hotels. The South Coast with its fine white sand beaches is the center of tourist activity on Barbados, offering a wide variety of accommodations that range from budget to mid-range. There is a wonderful stretch of coastal road that connects accommodations and beaches together. This makes your daily travels a breeze and quite picturesque. The East coast, although too harsh for swimming, is legendary with surfers, water sports enthusiasts, divers, and hikers looking for the strong waves and cool breezes of the Atlantic.

When you move further inland the island of Barbados becomes filled with nature, including large sugar cane fields and rolling limestone hills.
days navigating along the twisting, tiny street away from the busy atmosphere of the west and south coast of the island. This is a perfect setting for several days of calm and relaxed exploration of tiny winding roads and little villages amidst some of the most beautiful natural vistas on Earth.

There is more than nature, waves, and sand in Barbados. Bridgetown, the island’s capital, is a vibrant harbor city. It offers many attractions for sightseeing, including beautiful old colonial architecture, the Barbados Museum, the former port of Carinagee, which is now home to bars, restaurants, and boutiques, a number of churches, and the pedestrian Swan Street, which is a great window into the colors and rhythms of the local culture. Beyond walking, sightseeing, engaging in friendly haggling with street vendors, or relaxing at one of the numerous cafes on the riverbanks, one can pay homage to the drink Barbados is famous for: rum, which is available in the city’s many dutyfree souvenir shops. Some other attractions for lovers of island sports include catching a game of cricket at the island’s newly renovated and redesigned cricket stadium, or even watching a Thoroughbred horse race at the island’s one and only racetrack, The Garrison Savannah.

A Barbados vacation is rewarding to a curious, engaged visitor, who is appreciative of warm weather, beautiful nature, and new cultural experiences. Barbados residents are friendly and welcoming to strangers, and are likely to be “sweet fa so”–”very nice” in Bajan. Whether snorkeling amidst colorful fish, drinking rum on the beach, or dancing to the sounds of Afro-Caribbean Calypso music, a Barbados vacation is sure to be an unforgettable one.