Barbados (AL 1 - 10) We spent 13 days visiting the island of Barbados in the Caribbean

Barbados Island

In our experience, based on our four visits to the Caribbean island of Barbados, staying at the all-inclusive Sandals Resort hotels is the most comfortable and enjoyable way to experience any of the Caribbean Islands.

We visited the island of Barbados for a 13 day vacation in November of 2021. The climate was tropical and ideal for open air trips, sailing and excursions. The official currency in Barbados is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which is fixed to the US Dollar. If you do as we did and stay all-inclusive at Sandals Royal resort, you will be currency free as all of the on-site facilities are free, along with a no tipping policy. 

Barbados is a tropical island in the Caribbean. As the most easterly island of the lesser Antilles in the West Indies, Barbados lies 160 kilometres east of the Windward Islands. It has a population of over a quarter of a million residents.

Barbados was first occupied by the British in 1627 and remained a British colony until internal autonomy was granted in 1961. The Island gained full independence in 1966, but maintained ties to the Britain monarch represented in Barbados by the Governor General until 2021, when the Queen of England was replaced by a elected Barbadian President as head of state.

Barbados is approximately 14 miles wide and 21 miles long, with 166 square miles of beaches, forests, and quite a number of natural features that make it stand out. It is surrounded by coral reefs and the island is known for its many sandy beaches

Our observed differences between a European versus a Caribbean vacation

• If seeking a sunny holiday, Europe is great to visit from May up until October, while the Caribbean is great to visit between November and April;

• Once the temperatures rise into the mid 20’s degrees on European beaches you have to wear shoes or stick to the boardwalks. Temperatures in the Caribbean can be in the mid 30’s degrees and you still will not have to wear shoes on any of its white Sandy beaches, as the sand does not hold the solar heat.

• Wine and beer are more prevalent in Europe. Rum in particular is significantly more prevalent in the Caribbean.

• The pace of serving staff in Europe can get frantic in very busy periods of service. In the Caribbean the pace of service is generally pedestrian and in very busy periods it can becomes even more pedestrian………So, slow yourself down to Caribbean pace as early as possible to avoid frustration.

Barbados is located in the Caribbean West Indies and is one of our favourite islands. While we have visited many other islands and have plenty of other islands yet to explore. It is the most beautiful escape from life’s winter pressures. From the stunning beaches to the fresh local seafood, our time spent in Barbados has been great each time. It’s a safe and friendly island, so you can relax as you travel to all ends of the islands to explore beaches, caves, flora, fauna, marine life, and fine dining. In Barbados everything on the island is relatively close together. It is possible to see several Barbados attractions in a day without spending hours getting around. This means you have more time for activities and adventures. Many people have a misconception that Caribbean islands are all flat and sandy. The islands we have visited have been so different. Barbados has mountains with beautiful lookouts and a tropical rain forrest, and even farming. If you venture up to the top of these mountains, you’ll encounter some pretty breathtaking views. The island of Barbados has dozens of beaches and mile after mile of pristine coastline, but there’s more to Barbados than sun loungers and beach bars. Once you get away from the sand, you’ll start to understand the island a little better and you’ll have an opportunity to meet more of the nation’s lovely people and explore its diverse landscapes.