If other Caribbean islands are trendy boutiques, then Barbados is a longtime favorite shop. One of the oldest tourist destinations in the Caribbean (wealthy residents of the U.K. have been wintering there for more than 50 years), it offers sophisticated resorts, good restaurants and dependable service.

We enjoy Barbados' people as much as its scenery. Bajans (BAY-jins), as residents call themselves, are some of the best educated in the Caribbean, and they enjoy conversing on a wide range of subjects. They easily blend their West Indian identity with a heavy British influence: You'll see it in the island cuisine, the rum houses, the (often politically conscious) calypso music, the national passion for cricket, the love of gardening and the school children's uniforms.

Barbados gained independence in 1966, but is still very British. The island celebrated 350 consecutive years of parliamentary government in 1989. Though sugar remains the main crop, tourism is the island's primary source of income. (It also has some light industry and financial and information services.)

The geography of the island, which is only 14 mi/23 km wide and 21 mi/34 km long, varies dramatically. Rugged hills and rough sea are typical on the eastern side (the highest point, Mt. Hillaby, rises 1,115 ft/340 m). The gentle, rolling hills on the western side, where the Caribbean seems as calm as the Bajans themselves, are lush with sugarcane fields. On the western coast you'll also find white sand beaches, coral reefs and stunning seas (ranging in color from deep blue to transparent green).

When to Go
The climate is ideal. The only time not perfect is July-October, during the hurricane season, but even then it isn't bad (as long as no hurricane blows through). The day temperatures are almost always in the 80s F/28-32 C, with nights in the 70s F/23-27 C. Temperatures can get into the 60s F/15-22 C at night in the winter. Take a sweater for evenings year round.

Dos and Dont's
Do visit a rum shop (bar) in the afternoon, order a "mini" rum and a mixer (you mix the drink yourself) and join in the local banter...

Do exercise the same caution you would in any urban area. Don't walk alone on the beaches or deserted streets at night, and don't leave valuables unattended on the beach...

Do change your foreign currency at banks. They give a better rate of exchange than most merchants...

Do try to attend a cricket match to observe the national pastime...

Don't forget to obtain a local driver's permit (US$5/BDD$10) if you rent a car...

Don't expect to gamble, as there are no casinos...

Do expect to pay a fee to use hotel beach facilities...

Do expect a wide variety of nightlife on the island, ranging from discos to local bands (including steel bands). Several clubs are open air...

Do take the half-day party cruise on the pirate ship Jolly Roger if you love to party...

Do try to attend one of the concerts given by the Royal Barbados Police Band...

Barbados' Mount Gay is the best-known Caribbean rum. The factory is at the northern end of the island...

Do take a ride on the submarine Atlantis-it's well worth it...

Do take a coat and tie, as some restaurants require them after 6 pm...

Do dive to see the wrecks in Carlisle Bay....

Tipping: Tip about 15% in restaurants when a service charge is not included in the bill. Tip taxi drivers about 10%.

Public Holidays: 1 Jan, Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1 May, Whitmonday (May), 7 Jul, Kadooment Day (August), 7 Oct, 30 Nov and 25-26 Dec.