Bajans like to think of their island as "England in the tropics," but endless pink- and white-sand beaches are what really put Barbados on the map. Rich in tradition, Barbados is easily reached from the United States and has a grand array of hotels (many of them superexpensive). Although it doesn't offer casinos, it has more than beach life. It's a rich destination for travelers interested in learning about West Indian culture, and offers more sightseeing attractions than most Caribbean islands.

There are no rain forests, as in Puerto Rico, or volcanoes, but the Bajan landscape, when morning mists burn off to expose panoramas of valley and ocean, is one of the most majestic in the southern Caribbean. It's an ideal place to take lovely driving tours to take in all the little seaside villages, plantations, gardens, and English country churches, some dating from the 17th century.

Afternoon tea remains a tradition at many places, cricket is still the national sport, and many Bajans speak with a British accent. In spite of Barbados being called "Little England" in the Caribbean, many islanders are weighing the possibility of a divorce from the mother country.

Don't rule out Barbados if you're seeking a peaceful island getaway. Although the south coast is known for its nightlife and the west-coast beach strip is completely built up, some of the island remains undeveloped. The east coast is fairly tranquil, and you can often be alone here (but since it faces the Atlantic, the waters aren't as calm as they are on the Caribbean side). Many escapists, especially Canadians seeking a low-cost place to stay in winter, don't seem to mind the Atlantic waters at all.