Situated to the east of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, Barbados is an independent island nation and a tropical getaway with considerable historical sites to boot.

Barbados is not all sugar and spice; the island is also a haven of white sandy beaches, surfing, fine dining and deep sea fishing. On the southern shore of Barbados you will find privately owned vacation rentals and time shares as well as the middle and lower range accommodations along the water, broken up by small seaside towns like Hastings, Maxwell, Rockley and Oistins. In the capital of Bridgetown, you will find duty free shopping, delectable restaurants and a mix of colonial and modern government buildings. Bridgetown is also the hub for docking cruise ships and mooring private boats. Travel to Oistins on a Friday night for the famous 'fish fry.' Dance, drink and eat with the locals until the wee hours of the morning.

Many on holiday on Barbados might prefer to take to the sea, though, as its crystalline waters beg visitors to take a dip. Barbados facilitates by offering many aquatic activities scattered about its shores. If you've ever watched films or television and seen riders catching waves - well then, maybe it's your turn!


Beyond the Beach of Barbados

Barbados has many activities for the active and adventurous if relaxing by the beach is just not enough. Get in with the iguanas at the extensive Barbados Wildlife Reserve and enjoy a pleasant walk through the exotic bird sanctuary or along the many footpaths surrounded by forests of monkeys. Harrison's Cave, in St. Thomas province, is a very popular subterranean attraction and likely to be a bit crowded during the high season. If you're still not tired, take a trip to Welchman Hall Gully where stretches of walking path are surrounded by think wooded forest and hundreds of wild exotic species.

Of course, the gorgeous weather isn't the only natural wonder of this Caribbean island, as many geographical oddities dot the small island nation. Those on holiday in Barbados would be remiss to pass up the chance to visit the fascinating Harrison's Cave, a cavern featuring underground streams, lakes and waterfalls providing hours of exciting exploration.

Barbados has a lot to offer in terms of accommodation from apartments, hotels and guest houses and they all offer luxury amenities and comfortable beds. However if you are looking for exclusive luxury there are many chances to hire villas around certain areas of the island, many of which are to be found on the sea shores.

Remember that Barbados was a long time British colony and therefore English speakers will have no problem communicating. Additionally, the island nation has one of the highest rates of literacy in the Western Hemisphere, making this tropical tryst hardly third world. Travel to any destination on the island is cheap and efficient by taxi or bus.