Barbados

Almost everywhere in the Caribbean has a white-sand beach, a large golf course, or a duty-free shopping center, but Barbados offers visitors the chance to sample the bittersweet Mount Gay Rum, dance to the rhythm of a calypso song, or watch a polo or cricket match. That is one of the best cheap Caribbean vacations you can visit. Even if you could spend your whole vacation on the beaches, there are lots of other things to do in this Caribbean paradise. This opulent island is filled to the brim with stunning architecture, an intense sports culture, and a party-loving mentality.

Barbados, the easternmost Caribbean island, juggles two contrasting cultures to produce a distinctively Bajan personality. This island maintains its adherence to British customs including afternoon tea, cricket, and horse races, even after obtaining independence from Great Britain in 1966. However, the island's sugar cane fields, rum distilleries, and lush vistas still bear the hallmarks of the Caribbean and West Africa. The numerous beaches are another factor. While every beach in Barbados has beautiful views and a peaceful ocean breeze, Dover Beach, Bathsheba Beach, and the sands that overlook Carlisle Bay are some of the must-see locations.

The months of July through November are the ideal times to visit Barbados. Even though the Caribbean hurricane season includes these months, storms seldom make landfall on the island. If you travel during this time of year, you may be able to participate in one of the exciting Crop Over Festival events. There is minimal need to travel during the peak season, which lasts from late December to mid-April, because temperatures consistently range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s.

Come during the off-season. Even though there's a chance of a hurricane, traveling between May and November will result in significant airfare and lodging savings. Choose an all-inclusive package. Consider booking a stay at an all-inclusive resort on the island to save money on additional food, drink, and activity costs.

Location: in an island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, in the Caribbean region of the Americas, and the most easterly of the Caribbean Islands.

Ranking:

• #6 in Best Cheap Caribbean Vacations
• #6 in Best Caribbean Beaches
• #6 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
• #10 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean
• #10 in Best Caribbean Honeymoons
• #10 in Best Destination Wedding Spots in the Caribbean
• #11 in Best Places to Visit in June