10 Reasons I Want to Visit Barbados
July 15, 2009 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Outdoor Activities, Sports & Recreation, Things to See & Do, beaches
I’m trying to come up with a warm weather vacation spot for this fall. Since it’s been awhile since I’ve been to the Caribbean, I thought this might be a good time to plan a return trip. Barbados, an island that I’ve not yet visited, is looming at the top of a pretty short list.
Here are 10 reasons why I think visiting Barbados may be a good choice for me:
I haven’t been there before, and visiting a new country takes me a step closer to the Century Club.- It’s a small island, only about 14 by 21 miles, with over 70 miles of powdery, white sand beaches. Plenty of great spots to pull up a lounge chair and spend some quality time.
- Sun year round. Over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, in fact. And that means year round warm temperatures of about 80-85 degrees. What’s not to like about that?!
- Tax free shopping in chic boutiques, modern department stores, and trendy shops making it a great spot for buying something wonderfully decadent.
- Warm water. Perfect temperatures for enjoying water activities like swimming with the turtles, snorkeling, or a boat ride.
- Great food and drink. Those who know me well were probably wondering when I’d get around to this topic. With strong influence from around the world, Barbados gives a special twist to Caribbean cuisine. And then there’s the Mount Gay rum!
- Favorable exchange rate. The practical side of me always looks for good value, and $1 US equals $1.98 BDS. More bang for the buck.
- Internet is available. A girl’s got to blog, you know.
- English is the primary language. After navigating Italian and Croatian this summer, it would be nice not to have to worry about communication on my next trip.
- History and culture. Continuously under British rule until its independence in 1966, Barbados still has a strong British flavor about it. Besides, this is the only place outside of the US that George Washington ever visited. If it’s good enough for George, it’s good enough for me!
Have you been to Barbados? Would you recommend it?
Photo credit: SXC
Hi there! Thank you for the post. This could be a great place to shoot our next video. Nothing could be more perfect than a nice, sunny weather in Barbados. All the best!
I see you mentioned the great food.. well here’s another reason – there are lots of special offers at top Barbados restaurants this summer and fall. See http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=233762450524&ref=mf for details.
Another thing I’d mention are the excellent activities including Atlantis Submarines, Aerial Trek (zip-lining), Barbados Concorde Experience, horseback riding, island tours, tons of watersports and so much more!
I hope you choose Barbados but wherever you go, have a great trip
It sounds like a perfect blend of fun activities and rest and relaxation. I like that combination for a vacation!
I’ve been to Barbados and stayed for month, I was working with a band so I got a truly authentic experience. It is a great little paradise on Earth, warm, slightly humid, and filled with friendly and warm people. It is really safe there so you don’t have to be paranoid, the crime late is extremely low. The rum is fantastic! Definitely try the Bajun fishcakes, had several different recipes and they were all delicious! I have yet to recreate the recipe here at home:( We stayed at The Accra beach hotel and resort, the rooms start at just $168.00 US!!! It was incredible, great staff, nice rooms, and RIGHT on the beach, I’m convinced if that hotel was on US soil, the rooms would start at $350.00 a night, and that’s a low estimate. One thing that surprised me is everything but rum and sugar is actually kind of expensive since it’s all imported, clothing, beef, coffee, etc. I was kinda disappointed but it was okay. The people drive like bats out of hell! The beaches are world class and make up for any slight negatives. The water is warm but refreshing with gentle waves, and the beaches are clean and not overpopulated. I am dark skinned and got super tanned there but never really burned, I do suggest a strong daily sunscreen. Watch out for goats at the gas station! Hahahha! have fun!
Thanks for the additional information and suggestions. It sounds like a little slice of heavern.