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.
Although crime has been on
the rise in recent years, Barbados is still a relatively safe
destination. The difference between the haves and the have-nots
doesn't cause the sometimes violent clash here that it does on
other islands, such as Jamaica. Bajans have a long history of
welcoming foreign visitors, and that tradition of hospitality is
still ingrained in most locals
