Barbados
Barbados is the easternmost of the windward Caribbean islands. It is known as the "Little England of Eternal Summer" and its English heritage can be seen in everything from its architecture to its street names, to its afternoon tea, to its cricket matches. The island is 14 miles wide and 21 miles long and is crisscrossed by more than 800 miles of paved roads. Barbados has 275,000 inhabitants, more than 1,600 per square mile, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the Caribbean. English is the official language and the U.S. dollar and major credit cards are widely accepted.
The main tourist areas on Barbados lie on its southern and western coasts. This part of the island meets the Caribbean Sea and features smooth waves and flawless gold and white sand beaches. Most of the tourists accommodations and restaurants lie along this side of the island as does its capital city, Bridgetown. Barbados is one of the southernmost islands in the Caribbean and its weather and water temperatures are always warm and inviting. Unlimited water sports including diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and jet-skiing can be found all around the island. The year-round prevailing trade winds make sailing a favorite activity. The pounding Atlantic surf on Barbados eastern and northern coastlines makes watersports and swimming very risky, but surfers, windsurfers, and kiteboarders will love the rough surf and the excitement. Many rock formations line part of the coastline making it treacherous for boaters and swimmers.
A driving trip around the island with its distinctive geography is a feast for the eyes. Gently rolling green hills flow down towards the water's edge yielding panoramic vistas of surf and turf. Many of the roads are bordered by sugar cane fields and the remains of sugar plantations from years gone by. Agriculture, including sugar cane, is still a major factor in Barbados economy and local rum made from this sugar cane are some of the best in the Caribbean. The hillsides and terraces are covered with fragrant oleander, frangipani, jasmine, bougainvillea, and hibiscus as well as flame trees and coral vines. The island's interior also features a hillside nature reserve called Andromeda Gardens and also Harrison's Cave which is one of the finest cave systems in the world and culminates in a 40 foot waterfall.
Bridgetown, the island capital, is a great rendezvous point for your vacation activities on Barbados. Most excursion companies have offices here to help you with all of your watersports and activity needs. Bridgetown is also the duty-free shopping center of the eastern Caribbean with terrific values on china, crystal, perfume, jewelry, watches, and locally-made rum. Bridgetown, which centers around Trafalger Square, is a wonderful city to sightsee and many tours are available. While visiting this decidedly English city, take in a cricket match or a game of polo or take part in afternoon tea.
On Barbados the fun doesn't end at sunset, it's just beginning. The area's hotels, restaurants, pubs, and bistros offer top-notch appetizers, food, and drinks for every pallette. As you gaze into the sunset from the deck of your favorite restaurant, pub, or bar, usher in the evening with your favorite tropical drink and music that runs the gamut from jazz to raggae to calypso.
Barbados is a sophisticated Caribbean island destination that has been pampering its visitors for decades. If you are seeking a Caribbean island with a decidedly English flare, then Barbados will not disappoint. Its wide variety of activities, food and drink, shopping, and sightseeing will leave you not wondering what to do, but rather what to do next. Barbados is clean, safe, warm, and always friendly and ready for its next visitor...YOU!
