Barbados is a top notch Caribbean vacation destination. It may not have rain forests, mountains or coral reefs, but it does have a natural beauty that is unmatched as well as one of the most fully developed tourism infrastructures in the region, thanks to decades of catering to travelers.
Barbados is an independent island nation within the British Commonwealth. It’s located in the eastern Caribbean, just outside of the principal hurricane zone, meaning it is often spared from damage from tropical storms and hurricanes. The wet season lasts from June to November with temperatures ranging from 73 to 88 degrees, and the dry season lasts from December to May with temperatures ranging from 70 to 88 degrees. Its moderately tropical climate is perfect for travelers looking for warm weather and endless sunshine.
The official language of the island is English, but Barbadians (or Bajans) have a dialect with its own syntax and special meanings. Barbadians are some of the best-educated people in the Caribbean, and residents of the island have a 99% literacy rate. Currency is the Barbadian dollar, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted, so it’s easiest for travelers to have both types of currency.
The island may only encompass 167 square miles, but it’s teeming with activities and adventures. Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, has a busy cruise port, but is also home to many beautiful colonial buildings and one of the Western Hemisphere’s oldest synagogues, Nidhe Israel Synagogue. Also in Bridgetown is the Mount Gay Rum Distillery in the St. Michael Parish. Visitors can tour the distillery while learning about the history of rum and enjoying a tasting session. Just south of Mount Gay in Bridgetown is St. Michael’s Cathedral, the fourth structure ever built on the island. It has beautiful stained glass windows as well as the Caribbean’s largest pipe organ.
Travelers looking to take in the natural beauty of Barbados have no shortage of options. A visit to Queen’s Park offers travelers the chance to see one of the largest trees on the island, a 1,000-year-old baobab tree that is over 60 feet tall. The park also has an active art gallery. The Andromeda Botanical Gardens is a six-acre botanical garden with many varieties of orchids, palms, ferns, hibiscus and cacti. It is one of Barbados’ top tourist attractions. Harrison’s Cave is a series of dramatic limestone caverns located in the central uplands of the island. The cave’s flowing streams, deep pools of crystal clear water and towering limestone columns make it a unique experience.
To see the wild side of Barbados, travelers should visit the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, located in a natural mahogany forest in the northern parish of St. Peter. Barbados. Green monkeys are abundant at the reserve, especially during the afternoon feeding time. Visitors can also see many different kinds of birds like parrots, flamingoes and peacocks.
