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Barbados is still very British. In fact, the island is commonly referred to as "Little England," and bears many of the same characteristics. Afternoon teatime is observed in some circles, cricket is the national passion and polo is played all winter. Many villages, streets, monuments and parks in Barbados are named after locations in the U.K., as well. And Bajans (BAY-juns), as they call themselves, often possess a bit of English reserve, putting emphasis on good manners.

What's more, British aristocrats have wintered in Barbados for decades, and the island reflects their influence in many ways. The resorts are luxurious, and the restaurants provide fine dining. Even duty-free shops are often more upscale than those on other Caribbean islands.

In recent years, the culture has seen an increase in American influence and more appreciation of African roots as well, resulting in a revitalized discourse on Barbadian identity, particularly in the arts. Barbados is generally conservative, and prides itself on being Christian.

Though "efficient" is a word that is not used often in the Caribbean, it fits Barbados better than many other islands. It's been catering to visitors for decades and has one of the most fully developed tourism infrastructures in the region.

Although Barbados lacks rain forests, mountainous terrain and world-class reef systems, the island's natural beauty and scenic variety are magnificent. You'll find dramatic natural caves, rocky cliffs with blowholes by the sea, miles/kilometers of sugarcane fields and some remote scenic beaches. Those seeking a week of relaxation on beautiful beaches, perhaps with a little nightlife and history mixed in, will likely be pleased with what Barbados has to offer.

The cruise ship trade is alive and well here, which can flood Bridgetown and area beaches many days, but visitors within the confines of their resort will rarely notice.

Another plus is the people of Barbados. Bajans are some of the best-educated people in the Caribbean (Barbados boasts a literacy rate of 99%), and they enjoy conversing on a wide range of subjects. This quality even spills over into entertainment: The island's calypso music always has something to say and often deals with Barbados politics.

English is the official language, but a dialect with its own syntax, special meanings and some African words is also spoken. Though it may seem like a cross between bad English and gibberish, it is remarkably expressive and is often used even by the highly educated for emphasis or comic effect.

Must See or Do

Sights—The stained-glass windows of St. Michael's Cathedral; the mysterious 1,000-year-old baobab tree in Queen's Park; the many historic military buildings at St. Anne's Garrison in Bridgetown; a distillery tour at the Mount Gay Rum refinery in St. Michael Parish; Harrison's Cave, a series of dramatic limestone caverns; Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill in St. Andrew Parish; serenely beautiful Codrington College; the Bathsheba Shoreline; Andromeda Botanical Gardens.

Museums—The island's colorful heritage at the Barbados Museum; vintage cars at the Mallalieu Motor Collection at Pavilion Court; colonial history at Sunbury Plantation House and Museum; the marine life museum within the Folkestone Marine Park; the history of sugar-making in Barbados at the Sir Frank Hutson Sugar Museum; the Nidhe Israel Museum of the island's Jewish heritage; social and political history in the Museum of Parliament and National Heroes Gallery; George Washington House at the Garrison; Arlington House in Speightstown; Springvale Eco-Heritage Museum in the scenic Scotland District; the little museum at St. Nicholas Abbey.

Memorable Meals—Sunday lunch in sea-sprayed Bathsheba at a choice of restaurants; Bajan dishes in a lush garden setting at Brown Sugar; upscale seaside dining at Cin Cin or The Cliff.

Late Night—Two happy hours and nightly music at Sugar Ultra Lounge; beach parties at Harbour Lights on Bay Street; anywhere in Oistins on the weekend.

Walks—Free nature walks with the Barbados National Trust on Sunday; guided hikes along the Arbib Heritage and Nature Trail; exploring the streets and waterfront of historic downtown Bridgetown; tranquil, green Welchman Hall Gully; the South Coast Boardwalk.

Especially for Kids—Feeding green monkeys and other local wildlife at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve; Barbados Concorde Experience next to the airport; playing on the water toys at the Boatyard.

Geography

Although the island is only 14 mi/23 km wide and 21 mi/34 km long, its geography varies dramatically. Rugged hills and rough seas are typical of the eastern side. (The highest point, Mount Hillaby, rises 1,115 ft/340 m above the sea.)

Gentle, rolling hills on the western side are lush with sugarcane fields. On the western coast, you'll also find white-sand beaches, coral reefs and stunning seas that range in color from deep blue to transparent green. This side of the island is more sheltered and offers beaches more suitable for swimming.

History

Although England eventually ruled the island, Portuguese explorer Pedro a Campos was the first European to come upon Barbados. When he visited in 1536, it was inhabited by Amerindians. They had disappeared (decimated by disease, according to one theory) by the time the first British explorer saw the island in 1625.

Two years later, 80 British settlers and their slaves landed at a site they named Jamestown (modern-day Holetown). The town prospered with the establishment of cotton, tobacco and sugar plantations.

The first labor force, however, was white, consisting mostly of indentured servants and political prisoners who had been "Barbadosed." As the more labor-intensive sugarcane evolved into the primary crop, the British colony's vast plantations were increasingly worked by African slaves. Most Bajans are descendants of those workers.

In the 1800s, slave uprisings and changes in world markets brought an end to slavery, and the prosperous industry slid into serious financial decline. Many plantations were destroyed in a series of destructive fires and hurricanes, as well. Today, only a handful of plantation great houses predate the great hurricane of 1831.

Barbados gained independence in 1966, becoming a self-governing member of the British Commonwealth. The island celebrated 350 consecutive years of parliamentary government in 1989. Barbados' growing pride in indigenous—rather than British—history was demonstrated in April 1999, when the government voted to change the name of Trafalgar Square to National Heroes Square.

Over the centuries, the economy has shifted its focus from agriculture to tourism, with international business running a close second as a foreign-exchange earner.

Snapshot

Travelers seeking an orderly Caribbean holiday with a slight British flavor will like Barbados. So will those whose curiosity is active; Barbados boasts plenty of well-interpreted sites focusing on its rich historic and natural heritage. Barbados offers a startling number of spas, fine restaurants and heritage sites per square mile/kilometer.

With a stable democratic government and a strong middle class, Barbados does not upset its guests with rampant poverty, social unrest or racial hostility. Statistics show that a good percentage of travelers are repeat visitors.

Potpourri

If you don't believe that Bajans are crazy about cricket, take a look at the country's five-dollar bill. One of its legendary players, Sir Frank Worrell, is pictured on the currency.

A 1,000-year-old baobab tree sits on the grounds of the Queen's Park House in Bridgetown. The tree is something of a mystery because baobabs are native to Africa, and this one predates the arrival of settlers from east of the Atlantic Ocean. Nobody knows how it got there.

Barbados' green monkeys were brought from West Africa more than 300 years ago, and in that time have developed unique "speech" patterns—perhaps a Bajan accent. Monkeys can often be seen in the early mornings and late afternoons, even in residential areas. Though cute, monkeys are a nuisance to farmers.

Barbados has high levels of education, income and life expectancy. Bajans frequently live to 100 years old.

Poltergeist activity has been recorded at the Christ Church parish church, where lead coffins inexplicably moved around in the Chase family vault.

The mongoose was brought to Barbados to reduce the rat population in canefields. Unfortunately, rats are nocturnal, while mongoose are active in daytime. You might see a mongoose scurrying across a country road. They look like bushy-tailed rats but, like their cousins the ferrets, are actually part of the civet family.

Barbados was named after the ficus barbata, or bearded fig tree.

Barbados is the birthplace of rum and, arguably, the grapefruit.

Barbados is the only place outside colonial America that George Washington ever visited. A young man at the time, he was impressed by Barbados' fortifications, government and advanced agricultural methods. His lifelong love of theater also originated there. More importantly, he contracted and was cured of smallpox in Barbados, rendering him immune when others succumbed during the American Revolution.

Location

At least 50% of visitors to Barbados now arrive by cruise ship. Ships dock on the southwest corner of the island at the massive Deep Water Harbour, about 1 mi/2 km west of the capital, Bridgetown. As many as six to eight cruise ships may dock at one time at one of its 14 berths. Nearly 40 different cruise lines visit, and the Barbados flag is now flown on 76 ships of other nations, making the port the second most active in the Caribbean. When going off the premises, be sure to take along your ID and sailing card so you can get back in.

Barbados Port Inc., the administrative body that governs Barbados' ports, has an excellent website, updated daily, that offers information regarding cruise-ship schedules and other information (http://www.barbadosport.com). Additional information for those arriving by cruise ship is available at http://www.barbados.org/cruise.htm.

Near the piers is a modern, disabled-friendly terminal. Its interior resembles a colorful island street scene, with storefronts reflecting the designs and colors of the island's colonial past. Inside are duty-free shops, lots of arts-and-crafts booths, souvenir and specialty shops, a business center with internet access, pay phones, a post office and a tourism office. There's an ATM that dispenses local currency as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Outside, there's a simple restaurant under shade serving local food (a good place to select a taxi driver based on personality), and a bar with great music to put you in an island mood.

Once you disembark, take a Bds$4 shared shuttle to Bridgetown or spend Bds$6 for a shuttle to Brown's Beach (also known as Carlisle Bay) or Brighton Beach. Taxi drivers prefer to take you farther for a lot more money, and they often group cruise ship arrivals into shared taxis for a discounted rate. A taxi ride from the ship terminal to central Bridgetown will cost about Bds$12 per car. Rates are assigned by the government, but you should confirm them prior to using a cab. Preposted fares to other parts of the island range Bds$20-$70, depending on the distance. The Barbados Tourism Authority booth at the terminal provides good advice and will also assemble ad hoc groups to share the cost of island tours by taxi.

The 10- to 15-minute walk to town is landscaped along busy Princess Alice Highway and offers refreshments, art and crafts at the excellent Pelican Village en route.

Shore Excursions

Typical tours on Barbados include an island bus tour or an off-road Jeep adventure; visits to colonial plantation houses, formal gardens and other historic sites; and sailing out for a swim with the turtles, snorkeling, kayaking or taking a submarine descent to view exotic fish and colorful coral. Try to plan time to fit in a tour of the Andromeda Botanic Gardens and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.

The beachfront Boatyard caters to cruise passengers with food and drink, sun loungers and umbrellas, and inflated water toys to climb, jump on and slide down. Shopping excursions are very popular as well, and start literally at the terminal, moving next to Pelican Village and then to the main streets of Bridgetown.

Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for additional information.