Barbados

This pear-shaped island nation is totally different from other Caribbean countries or holiday destinations. It is not mere sand and beaches for your holiday, but much more.

Tourism is the main stay of Barbados economy. Therefore, it is no small wonder that the island has a wide variety of holiday activities on offer. Barbados is located on the east of the Caribbean Sea and west of the Atlantic Ocean, enjoying the best and worst of their climatic zones. More than 500,000 holiday cruise ships call on Bridgetown, the Capital of Barbados, and other smaller ports every year.

You can fly into Sir Grantley Adams International Airport to launch your Barbados holiday. Be sure to cut your holiday package on the basis of luxury and budget offers. The west coast and south coast differ in terms of holiday experience. While the west is meant for luxury, the south is known more for its budget holiday packs. Both are favourite destinations with scuba diving, snorkelling and cave expeditions being the popular holiday activities.

If you prefer to spend your holiday in the southern shore of Barbados, you can rent one of the several private villas or utilise time-shares as well. The south is also a favourite honeymoon destination. Home-stays and apartments are also available on rent. As a rule, Bajan advisories discourage you from swimming in the beaches owing to unpredictable climes.

There is a lot that can be written about the beaches of Barbados to the extent of sounding repetitive. So to add value to your holiday, head straight to Central Barbados. Its limestone hills are fascinating not only in terms of what beholds your eye, but also for its engrossing history of slave trade.

The Atlantic Coast on the east is a favourite holiday spot for surfers. Wind-surfing, diving and hiking are also available to add variety to your holiday. Bathsheba is the popular surfing territory in these parts.

Bridgetown is a booming city according to Caribbean standards. A holiday in the capital would enable you to get an idea of the mixed cultural influence of the Barbados people. Duty free shopping, delightful restaurants and colonial style buildings enhance your holiday experience.

The main mode of travel on the island is by bus, though tourists usually utilise the services of car rentals to save holiday time. There are two things you should never fail to indulge in during your holiday - Bajan music and Barbados rum. Bajan music is quite lively and is part of the night life of the island.

When you finally get bored with your packed outdoor activities, Barbados offers several alternative holiday packages. You can visit some of the grand galleries and craft centres for a change. The travel trade would have it that the best time to visit Barbados is during its famous Crop Over festival when the entire nation is on holiday.