.About Barbados
Destination of Choice for Caribbean Vacations
Caribbean vacations offer you the opportunity to relax and soak up the sun while being surrounded by tropical beauty and exquisite weather. Barbados, located in the Southeastern Caribbean, British West Indies, boasts unsurpassed beauty for those searching for truly tropical vacations. More than forty percent of visitors to Barbados are repeat visitors each year. Barbados is a charismatic island with a unique charm and warmth: with mile after mile of powdery white sand beaches; a delightful year-round climate of sunshine and sea breezes; acres of verdant, rolling sugar cane fields; exotic botanical gardens; and a rich and fascinating history–making Barbados vacations the envy of the Caribbean.
There is a refreshing mix that goes beyond the usual visitor criteria of sun, sea and sand - scratch the surface and discover a proud heritage and vibrant culture, a fascinating natural environment and the special flair of the Bajan people, who are considered the warmest of the Caribbean. Experience this rich culture, by choosing one of our extraordinary Caribbean vacations offered through Gems of Barbados Resorts.
General Information:
Location: Tropical Barbados is situated in Southeastern Caribbean, British West Indies - part of the Lesser Antilles chain, just northeast of Venezuela.
Size: Barbados is 21 miles long by 14 miles wide, a total of 166 square miles (431 square kilometres).
Capital: Bridgetown
Airport: The Grantley Adams International airport is located about 30 minutes from Bridgetown, on the South Coast of Barbados.
Distance from Canada, US and U.K.: Flight times to Barbados range from 3.5 hours from Miami and 4.5 hours from New York. Convenient service to the island is available with American Airlines, Air Jamaica, BWIA and US Airways. Flight time from London is 8.5 hours, with daily services available on British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and BWIA. The flight time from Toronto Canada is approximately 5 hours, with daily service available on Air Canada.
Electricity: 110/220 volts at 50 cycles. North American appliances do not require converters. European appliances may require adaptors.
Entry requirements: US, U.K. and Canadian visitors require either a valid passport or original birth certificate with photo ID (Drivers License or State ID). All visitors are required to have onward or return tickets.
Departure Tax: All departing passengers must pay a departure tax of $12.50 US per person, payable at the airport upon check-in. Children under 12 and persons who have been on the island for less than 24 hours are exempt.
Barbados is alive with magical scenery of bright blue skies, glistening azure seas and endless stretches of white-sand beaches, bordered by gently swaying palm trees. It is relatively flat, rising to low gentle hills in the interior. The west coast has white-sand beaches and calm turquoise waters, while the eastern side is fronted by vigorous Atlantic waves and a coastline punctuated by spectacular cliffs. The unsurpassed beauty of the island makes Barbados a favorite for Caribbean vacations.
Originally inhabited by Amerindians, before being discovered by Christopher Columbus and settled by the English in 1627, Barbados is the only Caribbean island which remained constantly under British rule until 1966, when she gained independence. It is no wonder the island is affectionately known as “Little England”. Barbados owes much of its appealing character to the huge African influence, which is clearly evident in the island’s music, dance, food and other forms of expression.
In Barbados, many diverse components blend harmoniously to weave the richly textured fabric of everyday life on the island today. Stability and harmony reign among a diverse “melting pot” population of varied races, religions and creeds. Experience this rich culture yourself by choosing one of our extraordinary Caribbean vacations offered through Gems of Barbados Hotel Resorts. Breathtaking scenery is complmented by World Heritage Sites, and an intriging variety of harmless wildlife.
Bajan Green Monkey
The north-eastern part, fondly referred to by locals as the Scotland District, rises to a relatively lofty 340 metres at the island's highest point, Mount Hillaby. Coral reefs surround most of the island. As for the climate, with an average of 3,500 hours of sunshine throughout the year, it's as near perfect as anyone could wish for.
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Harrison's Cave |
Morgan Lewis Windmill |
The “sporting lifestyle” thrives amidst world class facilities, delivering action from coast to coast. The island is poised to become the “Golf Center” of the Caribbean with 3 world-class championship golf courses; The Barbados Golf Club, Royal Westmoreland and the magnificent Sandy Lane Golf Country Club.
Barbados Golf Club
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Barbados also plays host to numerous international sporting events throughout the year, each one drawing competitors and spectators from across the globe. The bigger events include international test cricket, hockey, sailing regattas, fishing tournaments, surfing and windsurfing championships, thoroughbred horse racing, rallies and international polo. |
With over 100 restaurants from coast to coast and countless bars and nightclubs, Barbados runs the full gamut of choice when it comes to dining out and entertainment. The Caribbean island offers everything from sophisticated establishments serving gourmet cuisine, to smaller, casual roadside joints serving local dishes.
Caribbean & North America call: 1-800-868-9429
United Kingdom & Europe call: 0 800 028 5278
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