Barbados is a beautiful country, known for it’s pristine beaches, friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and yes, Rihanna. The island has an infectious energy and it’s no wonder they produced a world famous pop star. That Barbadian energy can be felt every Friday at the fish fry, pumping through the speakers of the bars on Saint Lawrence gap, and even at the grocery stores! Music is everywhere and you can’t help but get into a festive mood once you step foot on the island.
Photo by Willy Joseph Louis
How to get there
There are frequent flights from the USA, UK and other Caribbean islands with international carriers. Bridgetown, the country’s capital, is also one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean. I flew from Martinique to Barbados with Air Antilles.
Best time to go
High season correlates with dry season, which starts in November and wraps up towards the end of April. If you want the best deals then I suggest you book a trip in May. Hotels experience a steep decline in bookings due to the end of high season, which means they slash their prices – some luxury hotels even offer free nights or 50% off deals! If you consider yourself to be a risk taker then you can go ahead and book a summer fare as they will likely cost less. Just take into consideration that you may end up rained out for your entire vacation or caught in a hurricane!
Where to stay
Barbados has no shortage of wonderful places to stay on any budget. There are plenty of big-name hotels, like the high end all-inclusive Sandals Resorts or the Hilton. Travelers who like to be low key and mix with locals will feel more comfortable renting an apartment or villa during their vacation. Those seeking absolute seclusion will be in paradise at The Crane, a private resort on Crane Beach, voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Photo by Willy Joseph Louis
Where/what to eat
Oistins Fish fry is an absolute must! Hundreds of people descend upon this food haven every Friday for music, performances, and you guessed it – fried fish! Get the Flying Fish or the “Dolphin” (Mahi Mahi) with a side of macaroni pie and plantains and you won’t be disappointed. For those seeking a chic vacation dining experience, try one of the hotel restaurants. You’ll get the chance to dress up and eat great food with a magnificent view. Lobster is a must when fine dining in the Caribbean! It doesn’t get much fresher than on an island. Grabbing poolside drinks at a hotel bar is also a nice way to have a chic Caribbean experience without breaking the bank.
Turtles: a must see!
Barbados is known for it’s sea turtles, which are numerous and quite big so they are hard to miss! There are plenty of catamaran companies that offer day cruises which include a guaranteed sighting, but I’ll let you in on a little secret – you can pack your own snorkel gear and get out there and see them for yourself! If you’re a good swimmer you’ll be able to swim out to where the catamarans dock and join the fun.
