18 Reasons to Visit Barbados in 2018

Do your travel plans for 2018 include a trip to Barbados? Here are 18 reasons why you should visit Barbados this year.

 

1. Easy to Fly to

Barbados has daily, direct flights from major cities in the USA, UK, Canada & Europe. You can view the flights arriving today here. The Barbados airport is an international hub for the rest of the Caribbean which makes travel to Barbados cheaper, and easier than other Caribbean islands.

 

 

2. Perfect Weather

Nine hours of sunshine and an average annual temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. Add a cool island breeze to that and voila, you have the perfect weather. The ‘rainy season’ is May to November which is also the hurricane season in the Caribbean. As Barbados is quite close to the equator, it’s often not hit by Hurricanes. The last Hurricane hit Barbados in 1955.

 

3. Lots to do

Surfing, sailing, swimming or sunbathing, there’s lots to do at the many beautiful beaches in Barbados. Spend a day inland exploring the lush countryside at Welchman Hall Gully or explore underground in the majestic, limestone Harrisons Cave. Interested in our culture? Book an educational tour at St. Nicholas Abbey plantation house. Looking to dance the night away? Take your whole family to the all-inclusive Harbour Lights Dinner Show. For more tours, or to book online, visit Premier Attractions.

 

4. Best Food in The Caribbean

Ask anyone who has been to Barbados before and they will likely agree with our title as the ‘Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.’ From our fine dining restaurants to our street food – it’s all exceptional.  For local food, we recommend the Oistins Fish Fry, for a date night out book a reservation at the authentic Italian, Buzo Osteria Italiana. Feeling adventurous, ask for local delicacy “pudding and souse” at Castaways, only served on Saturdays.

 

5. Family Friendly

Make memories with your kids in Barbados. Kids are welcome at most attractions (with discounted rates) and many restaurants have kids menus. Bring Grandma and Grandpa too, long walks on the beach and swims in the Caribbean Sea is good for the mind, body and soul.

 

6. Incredible Accommodations

From all-inclusive resorts and hotels to private beachfront villas and country houses, you will find stunning options for places to stay in Barbados. If you’re coming all the way to Barbados you have got to stay on the beach! We recommend staying at Craggy Nook. Imagine staying in your private beachfront villa on the centrally located south coast. These modern, island style villas sleep 4-6 people and are the ultimate accommodation for family or friends visiting Barbados. But don’t just take our word for it, check out the Craggy Nook Trip Advisor reviews here.

 

 

7. Top Beaches 

Calm Caribbean coastlines surround the west and south coast of Barbados. Head East or North for a more rough and rugged, untouched beauty of the Atlantic coastline. Bathsheba and The Crane beach are known as the two most beautiful beaches in Barbados, but in our opinion, they are all breathtaking.

Fun Fact: There are no private beaches in Barbados, it’s against the law. The government enforced this to be sure that every local and visitor alike can explore and visit any beach they may discover.

 

8. Festivals Year Round

Plan your vacation to Barbados around a festival to get the most out of your trip. Here are some 2018 festivals you can look forward to:

Mount Gay Round the Island Regatta – Jan 16 – 24

Holetown Festival – February 11 – 18

Sandy Lane Gold Cup (Horse Racing) – March

Oistins Fish Festival – Easter Weekend

Barbados Reggae Festival – April 22-29

Barbados Gospelfest – May 19-26

Celtic Festival of Barbados – May 24 – 27

Rally Barbados – June 1 – 3

Crop Over Festival (Carnival) – July to August 6^th

Festival of Speed – October

Independence Surf Festival – November

Food & Rum Festival – November

Run Barbados – December

 

 

9. Value Destination

Barbados is not a ‘cheap’ destination but rather a ‘value’ destination. While things may cost more, you get what you pay for with a much for luxurious, authentic island feel. Book a stay in the discounted summer months to save even more.

 

10. Easy to Get Around

Rent a car, hop on a bus or a ZR (local route taxi that passes every 5 minutes on most routes) or take a taxi. There are many safe ways to get to and from when you visit Barbados. We recommend Stoutes Car Rental, in fact, our guests get 10% off their car rental booking.

 

11. It’s Safe

Barbados is a safe destination, but just like anywhere else in the world we would not recommend walking places or going to the beach at night by yourself. Public transport is safe and many locals will be happy to help you if you are lost or looking for advice.

 

12. Best Rum in the World

R.L. Seale has won international “Rum Producer of The Year” year after year, along with gold awards in many other categories at the International Spirits Challenge. Visit the factory at Foursquare and give yourself a free self-guided tour.

 

13. Friendly People

Barbados has the highest visitor return rate in the Caribbean. When visitors were asked why they always return to Barbados, the majority mentioned the friendly locals. The Bajan people will take their time to get to know you and make sure you enjoy your visit to Barbados. On your second and third visits, they will remember you by name or the nickname they gave you.

 

14. Historical Architecture

Driving around the island you will see thousands of ‘Chattel Houses.’ These houses were date back to Emancipation days when the former slaves were allowed to build on plantation land. As they did not own the plantation land they had to build ‘movable houses’ (wooden panels on a rock coral foundation) in case they had to move in a hurry. Many Plantation Houses still stand today, you can even tour a few.

 

 

15. Duty-Free Shopping

Walk with your passport when you go shopping in Barbados. Many stores like Cave Shepard, Michael Kors, Smart Store, Hugo Boss and other luxury stores at Limegrove Mall offer duty-free prices.

 

16. Swim with Sea Turtles

If you do one thing when you visit Barbados, do this! Swimming with sea turtles at the shipwrecks is fun for the whole family. Bring an underwater camera to capture a selfie with your new under the sea buddy.

 

 

17. Incredible photo ops

Wherever you go in Barbados, have your camera or phone ready to snap a photo. Monkeys may run by or you may drive past a stunning historical building. Take a drive to Cherry Tree Hill for the most stunning view in Barbados featured in Rihanna, Avicci and Simple Plan music videos.

 

18. There is no time like now.

Finally, you should visit Barbados in 2018 because there is no time like now. Right now, Barbados is one of the most desirable destinations in the world, come see for yourself.