10 Reasons to Choose Barbados for a Beach Vacation
by GuideToCaribbean /
Barbados /
Deep in the Caribbean, the island of Barbados makes a wonderful spot for your next beach vacation. Barbados is an independent nation, but since it functions as a constitutional monarchy recognizing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. It’s a delightful blend of casual island atmosphere tempered with a bit of good old British formality.
Here are 10 reasons why Barbados is a great choice for your next beach vacation:
- 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 whether you stick to your own beach or head out to explore.
- 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 to remember your visit.
- Warm water. Perfect temperatures for enjoying water activities like swimming with the turtles, snorkeling, or a boat ride.
- Great food. With strong influence from around the world, Barbados gives a special twist to Caribbean cuisine.
- Great beverages. Barbados may not have invented rum, but one taste of the famous Mount Gay rum and you’ll think that they did. You’ll find lots of refreshing rum drinks offered around the island.
- Favorable exchange rate. The practical side of me always looks for good value, and $1 US equals $2 BDS.
- Moderately high standard of living. You’ll find every modern amenity on the island, including Internet services, modern hotel and resorts, shopping, dining, and more.
- English is the primary language. While I think navigating an unknown language and culture is a wonderful experience, it can be taxing. In Barbados you’ll find English spoken everywhere, with a charming British-island accent.
- 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!
Why do you want to visit Barbados?