As Calypso plays out across the island, you can’t help but feel the rhythm reverberate throughout the body. Barbados may be one of the most developed islands in the Caribbean, but it certainly has its cultural head set on straight. Locals are as easy going as the vacation happy who flock to the island’s shores yearly. Blue waters and white sand visions come to life as hints of Great Britain appear throughout the island’s cityscapes.
Many visitors begin a trip through Barbados at the island’s capital, Bridgetown. The reason? Bridgetown hosts some of Barbados’ best colonial history and English character. Brits who find themselves homesick for London can stop in Bridgetown and hang out in a mini Trafalgar Square. It may not be the real thing, but in the midst of a Caribbean island, the cultural confusion may present.
The birthplace of many a cocktail filler hails from Barbados. Rum stems from the island, meaning visitors can imbibe the good stuff while on vacation. The Mount Gay Rum boasts the official title of the oldest rum producer. Located on the island’s west coast, visitors can down a few of the island’s favorite tipple.
Travelers can sober up post rum tour by merely marveling at Barbados’ grand natural scenery. One site, Harrison’s Cave, causes jaws to hit the bottom of the cave for its mysterious subterranean world and geological phenomenon. The abundance of stalactites, stalagmites, deep emerald pools and waterfall cascades make for a vision unlike any other. More of the island’s beauty comes through on Mount Hilaby. The highest point on the island at 343 meters boasts views across the east, west and northern coasts of Barbados.
The lush island continues with natural appeals at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. The mahogany forest may create a new appreciation for that mahogany coffee table back home. The Reserve has become a territory for green monkeys, tortoises, deer, pelicans, otters and raccoons. Peacocks, toucans, flamingoes and turkeys fill the rest of the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
Barbados keeps vacation goers active while taking a break from life back home. The island covers in activities like horseback riding and water sports. Specifically water sports, scuba lovers will find ample opportunities to view the rainbow of coral reefs lurking below Barbados’ shores along with hidden caves and old shipwrecks. Even beach bums can appreciate the less active aspects to Barbados by sprawling out on a baby pink hued beach at Crane Beach.
While the thrill of underwater Barbados may excite, cruising East Coast Road on the island could twist and turn a few stomachs. As Atlantic waves crash in, the drive satisfies thrill seekers with its rugged coastal appeals, looking out over treacherous reefs.
It may be all the rum, but Barbados can certainly go to your head. The island is no stranger to tourism, but its exotic gardens, whipping Atlantic waves and pretty in pink beaches are enough to forget the crowds sharing it all with you. Do as the locals have been doing for years and sit back, relax and truly appreciate what it means to be laid back in Barbados.
