Leave your hotel for world-class distilleries, sculpturesque landmarks, and more
There are plenty of reasonableness to love Barbados . The Caribbean ’s easternmost island is thebirthplace of rum(the first drop of the island smell are believed to have been distilled here in 1703 ) and Rihanna . ( She wasdesignated the island ’s eleventh national sub in 2021 . ) Plus , its beaches are the stuff of sure-enough - shoal postcards — talcum - white on one side , wild and rugged on the other .
But you ’ll never really know the island or understand what make “ Bim ” ( local argot for Barbados ) so beloved if you do n’t guess beyond your hotel room or your rod at the float - up pool bar . To truly revalue the essence of Barbados you have to get out and connect with the local culture and with Bajans themselves – whether that ’s by “ liming ” ( hanging out ) at one of its legion roadside rum shop ; hopping the bus into the cap , Bridgetown ; or sharing laughs while you ’re in product line for a crybaby roti at Chefette ( more on that afterwards ) .
The good news : It ’s promiscuous to do . traverse just 21 miles from N to south , and boasting a robust and reliablebus system , Barbados is a cinch to get around and a delight to explore . Whether you ’re swooping in for a prospicient weekend , touching down for five days , or staying longer , you ’ll require to go beyond your resort to immerse yourself in the island ’s refinement , make genuine connections , and love some reallygoodfood .
Getty Images/Jack Hollingsworth
Who I am : I’ve know in the Caribbean ( Jamaica , infant ! ) and written about the area for my entire career . I call myself the “ Carivangelist , ” because — throughmy work in mark , online , and on TV — I’m spreading the “ gospel ” of the Caribbean : That the islands arenotthe same ! Spread over a million square nautical mile , the countries of the Caribbean are diverse and intriguing , with vary account , topography , languages , cuisines , and cultivation . If you confabulate , and you never depart our ( albeit beautiful ) beaches , you do the islands — and yourself — a great ill turn . My advice : Peel yourself off your chaise , research the country , and meet the people . You wo n’t rue it !
Before You Go:
Where to Stay
Two Resort-Free Days in Barbados
Day 1
Morning: Hit the boardwalk before breakfast
Mid-day: Hop the bus to the beach
Afternoon: Shopping, snacks, and a historic square
Evening: Party with fried fish after sunset
Day 2
Morning: Wash down a cutter with some rum and a cruise
Mid-day: Crawl through caverns and stroll the market
Take This Home
Afternoon: Try a different kind of stargazing
Evening: Shopping and sustenance with iconic water views
The East Caribbean Island That Offers So Much More Than Rum
Long renowned for its distilleries, Barbados offers can’t-miss experiences for nature lovers, history buffs, and gourmands.
If you have three days:
All the above, but add…
If you have four days, plus:
All of the above, but add…
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