Why You Should Plan a Trip to Barbados

Barbados is the easternmost island in the Caribbean chain and an independent British Commonwealth nation. It is a major cruise ship port, but also a popular vacation destination with direct flights from the US, Canada and England. Islands closest to Barbados include St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. At 147 sq. miles in size, it is not considered a very large island, but what it may lack in size, Barbados definitely makes up for in its relaxed and welcoming attitude, friendly people, beautiful scenery and the variety of activities to enjoy. Read on to see why we think you should consider planning a trip to Barbados.

Rum

Considered by many as the birthplace of rum, Barbados offers so many ways to learn about and enjoy this golden elixir. Ways to enjoy Barbados Rum?

1. Rum Distillery Tours

* Take the Mount Gay Rum Tour at the Visitor Center in Bridgetown to find out more about the history and the making of Mount Gay Rum, first produced on Barbados in 1703. And yes, samples are provided.

* Visit the St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation. St Nicholas Abbey rums have won numerous international awards and the public can tour the beautiful facilities located in the northern parish of St. Peter. A general admission includes a tour of the Greathouse, the plantation grounds, the syrup factory and bottling plant and a rum tasting. Read about our visit to St. Nicholas Abbey here.

*Foursquare Rum Distillery Tour. Foursquare Rum currently produces some of the finest rums around, such as RL Seale, Rum Sixty Six, Old Brigand, Doorly’s XO and of course, the Foursquare series of rums. The Foursquare Rum Distillery is located St. Phillip Parish on the southeast side of the island. The tour is free and self guided which allows visitors to take their time walking through the facility and reading about all of the rum making equipment and history. After finishing the tour, stop by the tasting room to sample a variety of their rums which cost approximately $20 for 6 samples.

2. Rum Shops:
Rum Shops, small local establishments that sell beer and rum and sometimes food, are scattered all over the island of Barbados. These neighborhood shops give visitors a taste of Barbados from rum to beer to getting a chance to chat with the locals. Catch a rowdy game of dominoes and join in while sipping on your favorite Barbados rum. A few popular rum shops? John Moore’s Bar and Braddie’s Bar are two, but Barbados is literally dotted with Rum Shops, so don’t hesitate stopping by one that you are staying close to or spot while exploring the island!

3. Rum Punch
Barbadians know rum punch. Although just slightly different at each location, the authentic recipe is generally used – one of sour (lime juice), two of sweet (simple syrup), three of strong (rum) and four of weak (water), with a dash of Angostura bitters and some freshly grated nutmeg. Balanced, refreshing and delicious. Get the Authentic Rum Punch recipe here.

Beaches

There are so many beautiful beaches on Barbados that it’s hard to know where to start. If you are looking for calm beaches that are good for swimming, focus on the calmer south and west side. The north and east side are generally rocky, incredibly scenic, and well worth a visit, but may not be as good for swimming. A few of our favorites? On the west – Gibbs, Sandy Lane, Paynes Bay, and Brandon’s, Brighton and Brownes. In the south – Accra/Rockley, Welches, Dover, Miami and Crane. North and East? Bathsheba Beach is rugged and beautiful with unusual rock formations dotting the coast, Bottom Bay is sandy with beautiful palms and turquoise water – very scenic. It’s great for walking and picnicking, but swimming is not recommended due to the undertow.

Eats

There’s certainly no shortage of places to eat in Barbados. Delicious offerings are available from food trucks, beach bars, rum shops, Oisten’s Friday Night Fish Fry and finer dining restaurants such as The Cliff, and Champers. Typical Bajan food is infused with elements of African, Indian, Irish, Creole and British cultures. The national dish of Barbados? Cou-Cou and Flying Fish which is can be found in many establishments during the Flying Fish season. Other foods to try? Fish cakes, Cutters, Conkies and Macaroni Pie!

What to Buy in Barbados

Want to bring home something that reminds you or your wonderful vacation in Barbados? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Rum (check to see how many bottles you are allowed to return home with)
2. Bajan Seasoning and Bajan Hot Sauce.
3. Local art and handmade jewelry
4. Pottery (check out Earthworks Pottery for local, handmade pieces)
5. Sweet Bread and Tamarind Balls

Explore

Harrison’s Cave – a limestone cavern with stalactites, stalagmites and streams
Animal Flower Cave – scenic north shore stop with sweeping views
Hiking – join Hike Barbados for some of their scheduled hikes in different locations on the island
Churches – take a tour of some of the oldest churches on Barbados, such as St. James Parish Church, the oldest church in Barbados, which was originally built in the 1600’s.
Get on the water – book an excursion with a local company such as Calabaza Sailing Cruises to enjoy the sunshine, water, snorkeling and a whole different view of the island!

These are just a few of the reasons why we think you should plan a trip to Barbados. Who’s ready to go?!

Other posts you might be interested in:
Why You Should Plan a Trip to St. Thomas, USVI
Why You Should Plan a Trip to Barbados
Why You Should Plan a Trip to Kauai
Why You Should Plan to Tortola
Why You Should Plan a Trip to St. Croix

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC.  All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.