Summer break is here and everybody’s excited to unwind, relax, and enjoy alone or with friends and family. Traveling is one of the many ways to do it. It can provide so much satisfaction in your thirst for adventure, fun, and new learnings. It is inevitable to focus on the good things that it can bring but it is a must for you to be prepared and safe. Here are some ways to stay safe while traveling. 

Be prepared. 

Study your travel destination including culture, traffic routes, specialty dishes, historical landmarks, must-visit places, and the likes before your scheduled travel time. Bring a map with you and always keep it handy. Pack light and avoid bringing items that you don’t really need. 

Be safe and vigilant. 

If possible, avoid carrying too much cash. Just bring enough or use credit cards instead to cover your expenses. Put your wallet inside your jacket or front pants pocket and never at the back pocket. When you carry a shoulder or body bag, always hold the strap while the bag is placed in front of your body. You may put your wallet or purse under the car seat and it should not be displayed prominently while inside the car. 

Never leave the car doors unlocked and windows down. Lock them and keep the windows up at all times especially when you are travelling with young children. If there’s a need for you to open the windows because it’s hot, you may do so as long as it’s not enough for someone to put an arm into the car. 

Always park in a well-lighted area for safety reasons. When you are approaching your car, hold the keys already to open it and go inside immediately. 

Never walk or drive alone and be careful in whom to deal or speak with. It pays to ask from the staff of your hotel about the people and places that you need to avoid. 

Never dress inappropriately or act like a lost tourist because you can be spotted by thieves easily. When a person is trying to distract you, never entertain him. Walk hastily and keep in pace with many people or head straight to the nearby police station or highly secured establishment where you can ask the help of security guards when you feel that you are being followed. Be cautious and alert at all times. 

Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or showing your expensive gadgets while walking on the area. Bringing all your valuables with you is not advisable. You may store them in a hotel safe. 

Keep your hotel room locked at all times. If someone is trying to enter your room and you haven’t called for a room service, ask for an identification card even if he is wearing a uniform or might as well call the front desk to be sure. 

Furthermore, learning your hotel’s fire escape is a must to be prepared in case of emergency. 

Enjoy! 

Planning and being ready before you travel can make your stay worthwhile. Being adventurous is highly encouraged but be cautious with the things and food that you try. According to the former host of award-winning Born to be Wild and travel junkee, Kiko Rustia, if you are going to an unfamiliar place especially in remote areas, bring your own drinking water and food. In one of his television interviews, he taught the televiewers how to prepare a protein and carbohydrate-packed sandwich that would never go stale immediately while traveling. It was composed of toast, jam, and seared bacon. He also mentioned that never eat meat in your travel destination if you are not sure of its source. Only eat the food that you think is hygienically prepared and safe. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Have you ever dreamed of sailing on a pirate ship? Sounds like a scene from the movie “Pirates of the Carribean” or probably you may have visualized yourself basking in the warm and free-flowing waters of the beach while you watch your family enjoy a carefree vacation by availing the Barbados holiday rentals, party all you want with your friends while enjoying exotic and mouth-watering food or maybe spend a stress free weekend with your special someone while enjoying long intimate walks while surrounded by the beauty of nature and towards the end of the day, bask in the light of the setting sun while you look forward to an exciting evening of merriment with the local population and intimacy in the confines of your hotel room as you are given world-class treatment and pampering. All of these and more when you visit Barbados.

Barbados is a country which has a rich history and cultural heritage coming from the Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, African and from its original Arawakan speaking tribes. The blending of such cultural influences amidst the lush, unique and abundant resources of the region has created a diverse and distinct culture only found in Barbados. The name Barbados either came from its Spanish name Los Barbados or from its Portuguese equivalent Os Barbados which may be due to the hanging roots of the fig tree (Ficus citrifolia) which is one of the indigenous species of the island or it might have been due to the bearded inhabitants of the island before colonizers settled in the island. 

With its rich heritage and resources, Barbados offers a wide array of things that would surely make your vacation and relaxation a time to remember. Its attractions cover a wide range of activities that may not only make your vacation worthwhile and enjoyable but also very interesting with new things to learn and experience from its rich colonial history, exotic flora and fauna, night entertainment, outdoor activities, free for all activities, and shopping acumen. Some of the notable attractions for outdoor activities include: 

Bathsheba Beach – picture perfect selfies, breathtaking photographs featuring astounding rock formations and abandoned homes of years gone by, and surfing events and spots are some of the attractions of the area. If you are not into water sports, the windy atmosphere in Bathsheba Beach is also perfect for kite flying and beach picnics. On top of this, this spot is free all you need is your gear for your activities plus if you are worried about lodging, the area is just a stone throw away from a nearby hotel and restrooms are just walking distance from the beach plus the area has two rum shacks for alcoholic beverages to give more zest to the party. (https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados) 

Dover Beach – another area good for water sports like surfing, body surfing, jet skiing, and windsurfing, plus the area has less crowded compared to other beaches since there is only a designated swimming area for those who want to frolic in the ocean. Nevertheless, many visitors in the area are mesmerized by the laid-back atmosphere of the beach plus to top off the relaxed vibe of the area, beach bars offer happy hour deals. Furthermore, the beach is easily accessible by bus or car with free street parking, though you need to go there earlier since slots are limited. Nevertheless, the area has many restaurants, hotels, and sports equipment rental stores that may cater to your needs. Added to that, souvenir shops, public restrooms and round the clock lifeguards are in the area.  

Barbados Boardwalk - located only a couple of miles from Dover Beach and connects Accra and Camelot beaches, the mile-long walkway is the perfect area for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers since the area adjacent to the walkway is where crabs and turtles are reportedly frequently seen. Added to this, the area is littered with restaurants and bars plus it complimentary parking as well as public restrooms and benches are easily accessible (https://travel.usnews.com). 

Carlisle Bay – offering calm waters perfect for swimming and bonding with your family and friends is Carlisle Bay beaches. It is also a good spot for snorkeling with its six shipwrecks which are now home to a variety of marine animals and plants, kayaking and guess what, various vendors also offer beachside horseback riding. Don’t worry about safety and transportation coz lifeguards and bus stops are in the area. 

Other than outdoor areas that you can visit, Barbados also offers heritage tours which will introduce you to the local practices and traditions that you would surely love. One of the must-see sites is St. Nicholas Abbey, the site is home to a signature rum favorite in the community since St. Nicholas Abbey is believed to be the place where rum was invented. It’s no wonder that visitors give so much positive feedback in its 2-hour tour which includes rum tasting. Other than its famous distillery, it is also home to a museum which shows the colorful history of the entire plantation from its founders, milestones, including intrigues and scandals. A well-flavored set-up for the perfect novel, don’t you think?. St. Nicholas Abbey is located within St. Peter Parish, about 5 miles northeast of Speightstown. The property is open to the public Sunday through Friday from 10 AM to 3:30 PM and entrance fees cost 40 Barbadian dollars ($20) for adults and 20 Barbadian dollars ($10) for children. Limited guided tours are offered for free, or visitors can do a self-guided tour. Tickets include access to the plantation home's museum, the property grounds, and the rum distillery. A complimentary fruit or rum punch sample is provided for all visitors. Additional beverages, plus sandwiches, salads, and desserts are available at the attraction's Terrace Café. Restrooms, a gift shop and free parking are located on-site as well (https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados/Things_To_Do/St_Nicholas_Abbey_63265/). The tour includes a visit to the great house which is considered as one of the three remaining Jacobean style mansions in the world. Jacobean architecture is a transitional English architectural design which combines the essence of both the Tudor and Elizabethan architectural disciplines that also highlights 

Dutch and French architectural elements (https://study.com/academy/lesson/jacobean-era-architecture-design-style-examples.html and https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados/Things_To_Do/St_Nicholas_Abbey_63265/). 

After your rum tasting a history lesson at St. Nicholas Abbey, you may want to relax and learn at Hunte’s Garden (http://huntesgardensbarbados.com/) which is a stone throw away from Bathsheba beach. It offers yet again another round of rum punch and of course a unique garden experience which is usually accentuated by the owner of the place himself, Mr. Anthony Hunte who entertains questions from his guests. Such an experience offers a unique a picture perfect experience amidst the local flora and fauna of Barbados. Topping off your rum tasting journey is a visit at Mount Gay Visitor’s Center located near Brandons Beach, approximately 3 miles west of central Bridgetown. Visitors can take the company's signature tasting tour on weekdays from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM or on select Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. From rum making to taste almost all of its rum collection, a visit to this facility is every wine connoisseur’s dream. 

Heritage, wildlife and outdoors will not be complete if you don’t explore deeper into Barbados. When I say deeper, I mean literally deeper into the Earth. Experiencing the beauty of the limestone caverns of Harrison Cave which is only 5 miles away from Bathsheba beach. Harrison Cave is a massive stream cave system which spans 2.3 kilometers long. It has an internal temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and offers an experience of a lifetime where you can see towering stalactites and stalagmites under the careful supervision of well-trained guides. Complementing your experience at Harrison cave is a spectacular visit at the Animal Flower cave which is the island’s only accessible sea cave where you can see sea anemones in their natural habitat. (https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados/Things_To_Do/Animal_Flower_Cave_61626/). Speaking of wildlife, a quick tour to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve which is near St. Nicholas Abbey which highlights a collection of the local flora and a host of swinging green monkeys, rose-colored flamingos, slow-moving iguanas, endangered turtles, multi-colored parrots, and snapping caiman. You may end your heritage tour with a stopover at the eerie ruins of Farley Hill which is very near Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Take a relaxing stroll down the walking paths of the former plantation which will lead you to the manor at the center of the estate. The walkways are lined with mahogany trees and it offers a scenic view of the East coast of Barbados. Furthermore, you get to enjoy your walk and stay at the plantation with a series of al fresco reggae concerts in the area.

Your stay in Barbados will not be complete without taking a stroll around the historic Bridgetown which is one of the many UNESCO Heritage sites in the country (https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-barbados/2/). Get to experience the local vibe through its numerous rum bars which ard frequented by the locals and travelers alike. Furthermore, one of the musts in Barbados in your list of street life experience is making it to the Oistins Fish Fry which is considered as one of the main highlights of your stay in the Island with its wild street party accentuated by freshly cooked barbecues and local delights while you regale at the sound of reggae songs, samba, steel drums and Barbados’s signature Bajan folk. You will spend the night away in utter bliss as locals and travelers enjoy the company and flowing booze and food.

Last but not the least the most waited and enjoyable moment in visiting places is the joy of tasting the local cuisine. Get to enjoy the national dish of Barbados which is the Cou Couy and Flying Fish made from cornmeal grain, fresh okra which is accompanied with stewed flying fish, fresh onions, garlic, thyme, tomatoes, and pepper. The Brown Sugar Restaurant is one of those places that offer this dish. Other treats include the cutter (sandwich) made from salt bread topped with choice of filling. Grab a bite at Cuz Fish Shack or at Cutters Deli. Other than cutters, a must taste is the signature fish cakes of Barbados which is served almost everywhere in the island. Other than the national food of Barbados, you may also want to try the second (unofficial) food of the island which is Macaroni pie, which is the baked version of mac and cheese with a twist. On Saturdays, the lunch staple in Barbados is Pudding and souse which is made up of pickled pork while the pudding is steamed sweet potato with onions and seasoned with salt and pepper. Added to your lists of food must-haves would be conkies which is a traditional Barbadian dessert and rum punch.

Barbados, an adventurer’s dream vacation will surely blow your mind away with its plethora of sites, food, and entertainment. 

References:

Why go to Barbados. Retrieved from https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados

Animal Flower Cave. Retrieved from https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados/Things_To_Do/Animal_Flower_Cave_61626/ 

Jacobean Era Architecture: Design, Style & Examples. Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/jacobean-era-architecture-design-style-examples.html 

St. Nicholas Abbey. Retrieved from https://travel.usnews.com/Barbados/Things_To_Do/St_Nicholas_Abbey_63265/ 

Welcome to Hunte's Garden, Barbados, West Indies. Retrived from http://huntesgardensbarbados.com/