If you want a memorable vacation with your family, it is time you visit the Caribbean Island of Barbados, a paradise of water sports, land sports, lush greenery, terrific food, and much more. This leading Caribbean tourist destination is so packed of adventures you will keep coming back.
PLACES TO VISIT
Wherever you go in Barbados, you will find something interesting to see and do.
Bridgetown.
In Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, you can admire the British colonial architecture. The city is situated on Carlisle Bay, a marine park today. You can see the George Washington House and Museum, Parliament Buildings, the Barbados Museum & Historical Society, and other interesting things.
Oistins
You should undoubtedly visit Oistins, a village in the central part of the island’s coastline and have a great time in Saint Lawrence Gap, an area famous for its nightlife, the white-sand Dover Beach and Miami Beach, Barbados Golf Club and more.
Holetown
Holetown, a small town on the western coast of the island is waiting for visitors with its Paynes Bay famous for sunset views and surfing, Sandy Lane Beach, St. James Church, Folkestone Marine Park, and more.
Bathsheba
The fishing village of Bathsheba is located on the eastern coast of Barbados. Visitors can see several charming historical churches there and the Flower Forest and Cotton tower signal station. You can explore the lush Joe’s River Tropical Rainforest on the outskirts of the town.
Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Close to Bathsheba, you can take a self-guided walk through the lush labyrinth of tropical plants, trees, and flowers in the Andromeda Botanic Gardens.
BARBADOS FOR FAMILIES
There are so many terrific things to do and places to explore with your kids in Barbados. One of them is Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where your kids will enjoy the interesting wildlife – monkeys, iguanas, and tortoises.
Another one that introduces a spirit of adventure is Harrison’s Cave. A thirty-minute train ride under the ground will be a thrilling activity for your kids.
After the adventure, head for Hunte’s Gardens, the magnificent piece of art made with plants. You can treat yourself to a glass of lemonade and a piece of cake at the veranda of Mr. Hunte’s house. Kids will savor it.
The Animal Flower Cave in the island’s north brings some more adventure. The gorgeous caves can only be explored with guided tours. Walking along the uneven paths, you come to the pools with anemones that gave the name to the caves. Kids like to take a dip in the pools.
ACCOMMODATION
Barbados is a great family destination. Family-friendly resorts offer all a family needs for kids of all ages – from toddlers to teens. Besides the spacious family rooms, kids can play outdoors or with board games, read books and watch DVDs. For your utmost experience, you can use child and babysitting services.
The western coast with calm waves on golden shores is the best, although more expensive than the southern coast. Even so, visitors can find accommodation for every budget.
WHAT TO EAT
Typical Barbadian (Bajan) cuisine is a specific mixture of African, Creole, Indian, Irish, Portuguese and British influences. Traditionally, the main dish is meat or fish with herbs and hot side dishes.
The Barbadian national dish Flying Fish (fried or steamed), is usually served with Cou Cou. Cou Cou is a side dish made with cornmeal and okra.
Another side dish usually served with fish, meat, or beef stew is Rice And Peas.
Cutters are also Barbadian favorites. These are ham, egg, or fish sandwiches. You can use your imagination to enrich them your way – with tomatoes, lettuce, or cucumber.
Nobody can resist Fish Cakes, spicy fried fish balls enriched with local herbs and spices, and hot pepper sauce besides.
The rich cuisine will also tempt you with Macaroni pie, Pudding and spouse, and numerous other tasty dishes. And while waiting for your meal, sip rum punch, made with Barbados’original Mount Gay Rum.
USEFUL TIPS
• At hotels and restaurants, tips are typically added to your bill. Otherwise, you can leave a tip depending on the quality of the service.
• Barbadian national currency is the Barbadian dollar.
• Credit cards and US dollars are accepted in most shops and restaurants.
• Staying in touch is not a problem in Barbados. The country can boast of a modern telecommunications infrastructure so you can count on WiFi and high-speed internet.
• As Barbados is a tropical island, you need light cotton clothes. At night it can get cooler, therefore bring a jumper.
• In more formal restaurants you need more formal, smart clothes.
TIME TO VISIT
The driest part of the year in Barbados is from December to April. Temperatures of around 30ºC are very pleasant. Being the most popular, this isn’t the cheapest time to travel to Barbados. The other part of the year is the stormy season, cheaper but not the most convenient time to stay on the island.
HIDDEN GEMS
In Carlisle Bay on the south coast, scuba divers and snorkelers can explore shipwrecks on the 17-meter-deep sandy bottom of the sea. Some of them are over 100 years old.
If you want to spend time in tranquillity, Shark Hole is an ideal choice for you. This small peaceful beach is equally good for snorkeling.
The secluded beach of Bottom Bay on the southern coast, with its azure water surrounded by palm trees, is another Barbados’ hidden gem.
About 25 minutes from Bridgetown, you will find the Sunbury Plantation House. With all the rooms open to visitors, you can learn about life on the sugar plantation.
TRANSPORTATION
In Barbados, visitors can get around the island by buses, minibusses, and route taxies. The fare is always the same, regardless of how long your ride is. Taxis are equally a great way to get around. Taxi companies additionally offer luxury cars or vans for groups of travelers.
Grantley Adams International Airport, located in Seawell, Christ Church, the only airport in Barbados, is a half-an-hour ride to the capital city of Bridgetown.
If Barbados’ towns do not sound attractive enough to your family, you will not resist the lush countryside and especially the white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water. Don’t hesitate and get your bags packed. In Barbados, you will have the time of your life.
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