Today Barbados is a cosmopolitan country with a strong character of its own. It is prosperous and progressive and still full of natural charm. The people are friendly, fun loving and warm. The best way to learn everything about the friendly people of Barbados, their lifestyles, history and places of cultural interest is to visit Barbados!
Barbados shares many common features with other Caribbean islands. Barbados shares in a rich Caribbean musical heritage especially Reggae and Calypso rhythms. Barbados also shares the distinctly Caribbean style of fine dining with blends of Creole, Indian curry, and European often centered around local fishes, fruits and vegetables. The semi tropical climate of Barbados and the cooling trade breezes blowing into the Caribbean from the Atlantic are also common to Barbados as well as to her neighbors. Barbados also shares in the dark history of slavery in the Caribbean which results in a local population that is mostly black but which also has significant white and mulatto minorities as well as Jewish, East Indian, South American, and other minorities which unite to create a people that is distinctively "Bajan."
On the other hand, Barbados is at the same time unique and distinct from her Caribbean neighbors. Her uniqueness may be explained by her unique geology which in turn helps to explain her unique geography which in turn helps to explain her unique history which in turn helps to explain her unique social and economic conditions that exist at the present time.
The history of Barbados is fascinating, and many historical places and buildings are popular tourist attractions. The first important facet of her history is that Barbados has always been English since the first English settlement at Holetown in 1627. Not that the English were the first European visitors as others visited the island on numerous occasions after Columbus first discovered the new world in 1492. Indeed, Barbados was actually a tourist spot for wealthy Brits and Americans long before the jet plane made travel available to the masses.
The weather is reliably balmy with daily highs year round between 22-27°C. Barbados is a medium sized island that is 21 miles long by 14 miles wide located in the far southeastern corner of the CaribbeanSeptember is the warmest month while January is the coolest but the average temperature variation is less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit! Except for somewhat more frequent rain showers during the green season (July - November), the weather in the winter will not be significantly different than during the summer.
The islands generally have very accommodating infrastructures. That is, many hotels on the islands are well experienced in assisting with wedding arrangements. The legal requirements are easy to satisfy.
Barbados is an island of great natural beauty, from the wonder of the underground caverns at Harrison's Cave to the colourful tropical flora found at Andromeda Gardens and Flower Forest. Add the miles and miles of white sandy beaches, and it is not difficult to understand why the west coast has become the haven for savvy travelers who stay at one of the many upscale resorts on this side of Barbados. This side the variety of plants and species along with the infinite shades of green interspersed by colors that only nature can produce, make it a difficult job to choose what to look at first. The plants towering above you could be the very same plants you may have in your home if you live in Europe, the UK, or North America. For those who are interested, most plants are labeled with botanical and common names.
Having rest on the Barbados you can experiencing events extensively with activities ranging from sports to culture, music and horticultural as well as enjoying exciting night life, excellent dining and dinner shows, shopping, romantic cruises and special activities for children.