While choosing a destination for your next Caribbean vacation, many factors contribute to your ultimate choice. From group activities and exciting attractions to weather conditions and lodging choices, each traveler has a unique set of needs. Parents with young children will be more interested in kid-friendly lodging in Barbados, while some vacationers may be seeking a vacation geared towards more mature travelers. Regardless of the type of traveler you may be, there is an ideal Barbados destination to suit your tastes. The following are just a few of the ideas to consider when planning your Barbados vacation.
Accommodations
One of the most important decisions made when planning a successful vacation is choosing a perfect lodging facility. Your accommodations will play a large role in your overall Barbados getaway experience. The choices are seemingly endless, and include rental properties, all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts and more. Each lodging option offers a unique vacation experience.
At an all-inclusive resort, guests will be bathed in luxury while never having to worry about added costs during their getaway. Rental properties allow for a more personal experience that attracts families and large groups. Those interested in experiencing everything that nature has to offer should consider eco-friendly resorts, such as the Peach and Quiet, which offers a week-long package geared towards hikers. While weighing your options, consider factors like proximity to activities, complimentary features, on-site facilities, lodging design, and dining locations.
Food and Dining
Dining options can also heavily influence your Barbados vacation experience. More adventurous eaters will likely be open to sampling different types of cuisine, but those with picky palettes will search for familiar dishes. When vacationing in Barbados, recommended local foods include flying fish sandwiches and hearty oxtail stew. However, travelers will still be able to locate comfort foods like Italian food and even Chinese take-out.
Families and large groups often enjoy the endless options presented by all-you-can-eat buffet style restaurants, which are popular throughout the Caribbean. Those working with a tight budget should consider visiting local grocery stores and preparing meals in the comfort of your accommodations. Regardless of your preferred dining style, the culinary offerings of Barbados promise to satisfy every visitor’s taste buds.
Activities and Attractions
During your Barbados getaway, you will be presented with a broad array of different activities and attractions to fill your time spent in the Caribbean sunshine. Given the year-round warm temperatures of Barbados and its surrounding seas, one of the most popular activities on the island is water sports. From snorkeling and diving to sailing and windsurfing, there are a variety of options for enjoying the waters surrounding the island of Barbados. Visiting local beaches is also a great way to soak up the sun and relax. Many beach areas offer rental equipment such as snorkeling gear and kayaks.
Those staying on the western coast should consider a trip to the Folkstone Marine Park, which is an underwater park complete with beaches, marine life exhibits, diving and more. Other travelers may be more interested in visiting museums and historical landmarks. A popular site is Holders House, a traditional plantation-style home from the 17th century, which hosts an annual arts and music festival each April. Regardless of your lifestyle, every vacationer can find the perfect activity for their interests.
Safety
Safety is an important issue for all travelers. While some areas of Barbados are considered safer than others, it is important to keep in mind a few key ideas to ensure a crime-free vacation, regardless of where you are staying. Avoid walking in dark areas at night, especially if you are alone. Vacationers are advised to remove any flashy jewelry, and would be wise to act discreetly when handling money or valuables. If you employ common sense tactics when traveling to Barbados you are more likely to enjoy an incident-free trip.
Pack your Luggage!
Now that you have properly educated yourself on the various factors contributing to a successful Barbados vacation, you simply need to book your trip and pack your bags.