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Grantley Adams International Airport is located in the southeast of Barbados near Bridgetown and is the Caribbean's leading airport, serving as a hub for the region. If you have time, you can even hop over to discover the surrounding islands while you are there.

The beautiful peaceful island of Barbados, with its moderately high standard of living (GDP is ranked 53rd in the world), is a vibrant member of CARICOM (Caribbean Community), the CMSI (Caricom Single Market Economy), the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Economic ties with Europe are assured through the CARIFORUM partnership. Many foreign nationals can visit Barbados with no visa. Most other foreign nationals can easily obtain visitor visas.

The official language of Barbados is English, but regular visitors won't be able to help themselves from picking up the local dialect called the Bajan, an English-based Creole language, which can be a lot of fun to speak and to hear others speaking! British influence is also evident with driving being on the left, and an important Celtic festival being held annually.

Government investment in environmental conservation in Barbados is among the highest in the world; truly pristine natural beauty is available to be admired without being harmed in this really special corner of paradise.

Barbados is a relatively flat island. Getting around here is a pleasure for motorists and cyclists alike. A vast network of winding roads can make traveling short distances last a long time if you like to get lost and choose to take the long way through the luscious green countryside. Rental cars services are easily available, as are also bicycles and hired taxis called Zed-Rs. Helicopters also serve select locations on the island. Buses run regularly and serve most locations.

The island of Barbados is surrounded by coral reefs, and boasts two different, absolutely beautiful coasts. On the eastern coast, the crashing roar of the huge waves of the Atlantic on the white sand beaches awakens the senses to a full dose of natural beauty. Although the ocean here is not suitable for swimming, there are some natural pools where adventurers can have a dip. These beaches are secluded and are great places to get away from it all. On the other side of the island, Carlisle Bay Beach has calmer waters, and usually quite a few more people, which is great for socializing. Situated in a natural crescent-shaped harbor on the western coast of the island, swimming is excellent here year-round, and it is even possible to venture out to swim with turtles, tropical fish, rays, and seahorses! There are amazing shipwrecks for snorkelers to explore as well as submarine dives, including nocturnal dives. Other beautiful beaches to discover on the gentle West coast include Dover Beach, Rockley Beach, and Accra Beach: one of the best with 3km of boardwalk lining the tree-shaded route from Rockley to Hasting.

There is much more to do in Barbados than go to the beach, however. The inland of the island is lush, tropical and a totally non-stressful yet stimulating environment to be in. Many gardens and wildlife areas can be visited by the public, such as the Flower Forest, Hunte's Garden, Andromeda Garden and the Wildlife Preserve. Away from the sea, parrots, armadillos, flamingos, and monkeys live in forests of mahogany trees. The National Trust's exploration hike (also offered by moonlight!) is one of the best ways to get in touch with nature in Barbados. There is also a significant natural cave on the island, known as Harrison's Cave, which is not only of interest to spelunkers, but to anyone who wants to set their eyes on the pristine waterfalls and crystal-clear blue pools nestled among the stalagmites and stalactites.

Ocean air can really work up an appetite, and Barbadians sure do know how to cook! Expect a lot of delicious fish and other seafood including tuna, shark, cod, kingfish, shrimp, lobster, and crab, whether you are eating in a restaurant or in a home. The national dish, called coucou, is prepared with fresh fish, cornmeal, and okra, an abundant and delicious vegetable. Barbados is no exception to the Antillean mastery of rum production, in fact, rum production originated on this island of high sugar cane yield over 370 years ago. Visitors can enjoy getting to know all about rum, simply through its presence in Barbadian culture, or by directly visiting sites such as the Mount Gay Rum Visitors' Center.

Barbados is well-known for its active horse tracks, where gamblers flock to revel in the excellent sports betting environment. The tracks are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other national sports of high interest in Barbados are cricket (many international cricket stars are from Barbados), polo, golf, and motor-sports.

One of the most vibrant times of year is the Crop Over Carnival, beginning with pre-events at the end of the rainy season (May), and coming into full swing in July and August. Events are held around the island, including celebrations of calypso and soca music, and the crowing of the Sugar Crop Queen and King. International conventions are held year-round at the island's several remarkable convention sites.

The island's architectural heritage is one of the oldest in the region. There are many beautiful historical buildings to visit in Barbados such as the St. Nicholas Abbey, the George Washington House, and the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. One of the oldest Synagogues in the region is located in Bridgetown and is worth a visit.

Beautiful Barbados is nothing short of ideal for people looking to get away and relax, but the island has much more to offer than quiet, beautiful corners of paradise. Barbados is a vibrant and booming country that will have you coming back and never getting bored. Pristine beaches, lush natural forests, amazing food, a vibrant local culture, a highly-frequented international hub, and a decent standard of living. All signs point to yes! Barbados is a definite go-to destination for travelers looking for the comforts of Western culture in a tropical environment. Enjoy yourself, enjoy Barbados. Get to know your way around the small island, and make this cozy place your second home.

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