Barbados is the Bomb

When considering a travel holiday to the Caribbean, Barbados is considered by many to be the best choice of islands with its beautiful beaches, high standard of living, and amazing people.  Whether you are in the market for total relaxation or a holiday packed with activities and parties Barbados will not disappoint.

Barbados, located in the southern Caribbean, is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands. This isolated pear-shaped island is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide at its widest point, giving it a total land area of 166 square miles.

Endowed with rich natural beauty, the famous island nation of Barbados is located in the east of Caribbean Sea, near Puerto Rico, and is a part of the Lesser Antilles. This island was discovered in 1536 by the Portuguese, and 90 years later it was colonized by the British. It became an independent member of the Commonwealth in 1966 after being a British colony for over 300 years.

Barbadians or Bajans as locals call themselves are among the most educated people in the world with free education a right of each and every Barbadian citizen.

Although there a many private doctors and clinics on the island providing excellent care.  Health care is also guaranteed to every citizen and the standard of care is high.

The island’s lone airport. The Grantley Adams International Airport, is one of the most modern in the Caribbean and is serviced by many major airlines.

This charming island is made up mainly of coral limestone and is fringed with coral reefs.  However, the north-eastern part of the island or The Scotland District which runs through the parishes of St. John, St. Joseph and St Andrew is comprised of sandstone and clay. This area is well known for its lush vegetation and spectacular scenery and is covered in most if not all island tours.

The island is characterized by gently sloping; terraced plains which rise west to east ultimately reaching it’s highest point;  Mount Hillaby which ascends some 1100 ft.

Most of the development in the island can be found along the south and west coasts of the island with the Capital Bridgetown at its center.  Most hotels on the island are also located on the south or west coasts of the island, with the south coast being the most active, the hotels on the south coast in general tend to be mostly 2 to 4 star hotels with many no frills accommodation available while the west coast is where most of the luxury hotels are located, including the exclusive Sandy Lane Hotel, although there are exceptions to the rule in both instances.

The crystal clear ocean of Barbados beaches provide the perfect setting for days spent at the beach engaged in water or beach activities including jet-skiing, surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, parasailing, sailing, water skiing, snorkeling, wakeboarding and scuba diving.  There is also deep sea fishing, boat cruises boat charters available.  For the true water enthusiast there are rentals available for almost all disciplines including scuba gear, surfboards, kayaks and kite equipment.  Lessons are available for almost all water activities as well.

If you were to travel the coast of the island you would find the calm waters of the west coast meeting the small shore break conditions of the south getting increasingly rougher as you come around the east with the Atlantic waves rolling in and finally the equally rough conditions of the north battering the cliffs.

Transportation on the island is also excellent. The Transport Board (which is government run) and Route Taxi’s provide excellent coverage to just about every conceivable destination.  In addition there are many taxis and Rental Car companies available for those who wish to travel at their own convenience.

The nightlife on Barbados is varied and ranges from the rum shops to modern nightclubs, beach bars, pubs and also some of the best restaurants to be found anywhere in the Caribbean.

When ever I go to a new country I really like to find the activities that are unique to that country. Otherwise why go?

Below is a brief list you might want to check out for yourself.

Come Fry With Me

You’ll find the weekly Friday fish fry a common occurrence on most Caribbean Islands and Barbados is no exception. On the Southern coast is a little place called Oistins. Get there in a Friday night and you’ll find it a lively place to enjoy some good fresh caught, fresh fried fish cooked up with love and delicious local recipes. It’s also a fish market so if you are renting your own flat or doing a little house sitting, it’s a great place to shop for some homemade seafood meals of your own. Locals tend to stay late and dance until the sun comes up.

The Cave of No Return

Well, to be fair, you probably will return from this adventure. Harrison’s Cave is one of the best known attractions in Barbados. In this deep, dark hole you can explore deep beneath the earth and experience the wonders of subterranean geology. This cavernous hole below the earth offers trickling streams, beautiful, glassy pools and a wide variety of stalactites and stalagmites. Have a look at the Harrison’s Cave website for more information for more information.

Get Wild…Life!

Everyone should feed the monkey at least once in their life. No that is not some metaphor for carnal activity. At the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, if you ask real nicely, you might actually get the opportunity to do just that.  The zoo, opposite Farley Hill in the central parts of Barbados, offers a mahogany forest filled with green monkeys, red-footed turtles and a caiman pond. Other creatures that may be spotted include brocket deer and agoutis. The monkeys are most lively during their afternoon feed so time your visit accordingly. The BWR also offers a small aviary with macaws, cockatoos and parrots. There are also free roaming peacocks and pelicans to ad to your bird viewing pleasure. If you like reptiles they have an Iguana sanctuary and for those fond of flowers they have an Orchid display.

Thanks for reading and be sure to share this article with your adventurous friends.