The Caribbean

From tiny waterside shacks with only fried fish on the menu to elegant fine-dining restaurants overlooking tranquil ports, the food in Barbados is reason enough to leave the beach and get out and explore. Not surprisingly, considering Barbados’ rich cultural history, Bajan food is a world of flavors, with European, African and even Indian influences […]

Do you love music, culture, gastronomy and sport, or just laying back on a stunning beach in the tropical sunshine? If so, Barbados will tick all your checkboxes and then some. This lush tropical island at the southern end of the Caribbean has everything you’d expect from a Caribbean island and then some. If fun-filled

With more than 80 stunning beaches spread around its tropical shoreline, Barbados has sand to spare. On this small but perfectly formed tropical island in the Eastern Caribbean, you’re never far from an idyllic stretch of beach. Best of all, under local laws, Barbados’ beaches are open to all, whether you’re staying in a five-star

Barbados is one of the most visited islands in the Caribbean for good reason. The newly minted republic is blessed with naturally occurring marvels, a network of architectural and historical attractions, exotic wildlife, a wealth of water sports, and pristine beaches. It’s why favorite daughter Rihanna doesn’t stay away from home for too long and

While it may not boast the national parks and rainforest-covered interiors of neighboring islands, Barbados is a surprisingly good walking destination where it’s easy to get away from the crowds to explore windswept beaches, dramatic cliff tops and pockets of tropical forest. Most visitors to Barbados stay on the built-up western and southern coasts, but

Hailing a taxi may be an easier way to travel around the island, but nothing provides a peek into Bajan culture quite like hopping on a city bus. Barbados has one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly public transport networks in the Caribbean. With modern, electric government-run buses, always entertaining private buses and minivans, and

Everyone starts off a trip to the gorgeous Caribbean island of Barbados on the beach, but when you fancy a change from the sand, the rest of the island awaits. Scenic highways meander beside brilliant turquoise waters and backcountry routes criss-cross the rural interior, making Barbados a pleasure to explore by road. Drifting around the

Barbados’ Crop Over – not to be confused with Carnival, which is tied to Lent – honors the end of sugar cane season. This explosion of revelry features beautiful, vibrant costumes, bass-heavy sound systems that keep the crowds dancing, live music concerts, and, of course, all the things make Barbados such a great travel destination:

The Maldives or Barbados? Even muttering their names can unknot the most tense of shoulders. To pick one you need to ask what you want from a tropical island vacation. Do you favor fine dining over fine diving? Luxury resorts over life-giving rum? Peace and quiet over watersports? The one thing you don’t want is

Throughout much of the past two years, Cuba’s borders were closed, grinding the country’s tourism industry to a stop. In November the country reopened to visitors, and Smarttravelly guidebook writer Brendan Sainsbury made what had been a frequent trip in pre-COVID times from his home in Canada. Here’s how he got on. Plantains and other