Barbados
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Barbados is a gorgeous tropical paradise set far away from most other Caribbean islands. It is nearly 1000 miles east of the Netherlands Antilles chain. In 1536, during a quest for fresh water, the Portuguese "discovered" Barbados. They gave the island its current name, which translates to "the bearded ones." This name was derived from their observation of local fig trees that have roots resembling thick beards. Despite the Spanish name, there is virtually no Spanish influence that remains. The British landed a century later, and ruled the island until 1966. It was at that time when Barbados claimed its independence. The English culture, however, is alive and well, and this can be observed by the sport of choice on Barbados. Cricket is the featured game, and, in per capita terms, there are more Barbados born world-class cricket players than any other country in the world.

The capital, Bridgetown, is a marvelous city full of bustling activity and breathtaking surroundings. The island itself is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide. Barbados is quite flat, and the highest point is Mount Hillaby at 1,115 feet. Sugarcane is the crop that has sustained Barbados for decades. The valleys and hills are blanketed by acres of this sweet plant. The people in the city of Bridgetown are especially friendly and hospitable, and they had better be, because tourism is the island's most profitable industry. Unlike some of the other Caribbean islands, the government of Barbados is stable and the business community sophisticated. The population is 260,000, and a great number of them live in or around Bridgetown. The perimeter of Barbados is gorgeous white-sand beach, and the interior is comprised of exquisite rolling hills and flat grasslands.

All of the facilities on Barbados, and particularly in Bridgetown, are fabulous. The city of Bridgetown and all of the luxurious west coast has been named the Platinum Coast by British vacationers. Fine dining, scuba diving, sea excursions, and festivals are only the beginning of the fabulous activities of Barbados. Museums and archaeological sights highlight the rich heritage of the island, and so many of the locations combine education and entertainment. The miles of exquisite beach offer every water sport imaginable, and Barbados has a terrifically active nightlife. A combination of European and strictly Caribbean influences create a diverse and fascinating ambiance everywhere you go.