Barbados A Blissful Sojourn In Idyllic Tropical Setting

Getting to Barbados is quite easy. British visitors do not need a visa. Direct flights are available with Virgin and British Airways from London, Edinburgh and Manchester.

The coral capped beautiful island of Barbados is the most popular Caribbean island. Arawak Indians and the Caribbean Indians of Venezuela were Barbados’ first inhabitants.

They had left the place by the time the Europeans started arriving in Barbados in 1530s. England established a claim over the island in 1625 with the arrival of Captain John Powell. He and his brother started tobacco, cotton, and later on, the hugely profitable sugarcane plantations after importing African slaves for the labor. Barbados became a possession of the British crown in 1663 and gained complete independence in 1966. After the decline of the sugarcane industry, the island’s economy is sustained by its tourism industry.

Barbados has nice and sunny climate throughout the year. The average temperatures hover between 21 to 30 degrees Celsius. June to November is the wet season characterized by short spells of afternoon rain showers. July is the wettest month. December to May is the dry period and is considered the peak tourist season. It would be sensible to consider the peak prices around Christmas while planning holidays to Barbados.

Getting to Barbados is quite easy. British visitors do not need a visa. Direct flights are available with Virgin and British Airways from London, Edinburgh and Manchester. You can conveniently travel around the island by public bus, taxis or rental cars. Driving in Barbados requires a permit that is granted to everyone between 21 and 70 years of age. The permit costs BDS $10 and is valid for three months. Arrange for travel insurance and ensure that you are up-to-date with your regular immunizations before taking off for your Barbados holidays. Barbados offers innumerable accommodation options for the tourists. They include modestly-priced guesthouses and apartments, full service hotels, beach front villas and luxury resorts.

Bajan delicacies must be tried for an amazing culinary experience and a unique taste of the Caribbean. From fast food joints to upscale restaurants, all offer the local seafood preparations. Enhance the pleasure of your holidays in Barbados by going for gourmet dining at the breathtaking ocean-front.

Water sports form a major part of tourist activities here. The wild Atlantic coast is the site for great action including wind-surfing, diving, snorkeling, sailing, yachting and fishing. The sparkling blue waters and the sprawling sands invite you for a lazy swim and basking in the sun.

Take your pick of the hiking and trekking adventure tours on offer. Go tunneling through a limestone cave on an island safari or take the thrilling Aerial Trek for a panoramic view of the island. Watch the stunning underwater life at close quarters on a glass bottom boat cruise. Explore the picturesque tropical wildlife with treks through the Wildlife Reserve and Flower Forest. The sports-inclined can go for a round of golf, play a cricket game or experience the excitement of horse-racing.

The famous tourist sites include Hastings Rock, St Nicholas Abbey, Main Guard Clock Tower and the Barbados Museum. Broad Street is the best place for shopping in Barbados. You cannot leave Barbados without swaying to the calypso beats. Enjoy the exciting nightlife at restaurants, moonlit cruises, dinner shows and open-air nightclubs.

The mere word ‘Caribbean’ conjures up images of sitting under little colorful umbrellas on a white sandy beach, with a tropical drink in hand. Very charming thought indeed, but a visit to Barbados reveals that the place offers a lot more.