Barbados is an island located in the Caribbean off the northeast coast of Venezuela. The country was colonized the British in 1627, and thus is portrayed as the “Little Britain” of the Caribbean. The country became independent in 1966 thanks to many social and political reforms that occurred in the 1940s and 1950s. Eventually, tourism exceeded the sugar industry as the country’s most important economic industry. Barbados has developed into a very stable democracy, and it has an extremely high rate of literacy, ranking among the top countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Getting Around

Turtle swimming underwater in Barbados

The two ways of getting to Barbados are by plane or by boat. Sir Grantley Adams International Airport is a very large international airport, and many cruise ships arrive in the Bridgetown deep water harbour, which recently was expanded to accommodate more ships. To get around Barbados, the bus system is cheap and fast, especially if you are heading to a location on the main route. For some of the sights, however, a car is necessary. If you decide to rent a car, keep in mind that the driving is on the left (like England), and the roads on the island are very narrow, so be cautious. Taxis are another option. Be sure to negotiate a price before you get in, because unlike in North America they do not use meters. You can also rent bikes and mopeds, which allows you to explore various sites that are not accessible by car. The road conditions are poor, however, which can be hazardous to a journey on a moped or a bike.

Things to See & Do

Promenade in Bridgetown, Barbados

There are many things to see and do while in the Barbados. On the west coast of the island are many deluxe resorts, while many historical sites with beautiful views are located in the interior highlands. One of the sites located in the interior is the Botanical Gardens. Take a trip down to Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, to see if there is a game of cricket being played. You may also want to tour the Mount Gay Rum Distillery, located in Spring Garden Highway, Bridgetown. The tour includes a rum tasting and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Atlantis Submarine Tours allow you to dive 50m below sea level in a submarine. This is the closest way to experience marine life, sunken ships, and tropical fish without having to get into the water. Often the tours are cancelled later in the day because of rough water conditions, so take a morning tour. Catamaran Cruises offer the opportunity to snorkel with sea turtles. The tour includes a buffet lunch and drinks, as well as giving you the chance to snorkel above many shipwrecks. Scuba diving also gives you the ability to explore some of the most transparent and beautiful waters in the Caribbean. For nightlife, there are many beach bars to choose from.

Tropical Sunset

Food & Drink

Bathsheba, Barbados

For a traditional Barbados food option, try the flying fish, which is known as the icon of the islands. It is fried and lightly breaded and comes with very hot yellow sauce. Pepperpot is a traditional dish; it is a pork stew served in a dark brown sauce which is very spicy. Cutters are local sandwiches which use salt bread as opposed to white or whole wheat bread. Local vendors offer roasted peanuts, barbequed pig tails, fish cakes, and fresh coconut. For drink options, the water in Barbados is some of the purest in the world, and can be drunk straight from the tap. Rum and rum drinks are offered at every bar, and bear and wine are easy to find as well. Mount Gay Rum is the most famous domestic brand, while 10 Saints was the first domestic beer brewed in Barbados. Both can be found at shops and bars.