Americans no longer have to test prior to returning to the U.S. – it’s time to travel again!
One of the most beautiful places to visit is Barbados, a destination where one can enjoy luxurious accommodations, pristine beaches, and delicious cuisine. Just as important, it’s all a short flight away from the New York City area.
Barbados is “the island for everyone.” It welcomes all, providing a warm environment that will exceed the expectations of the most discerning traveler, offering something for the foodie, the explorer, the historian, and the adventurer.
There are more than 100 exquisite restaurants, and that’s why it is long been known as “the culinary capital of the Caribbean.” It’s the island preferred by those who enjoy quality and flavorful food, the flavors of which are influenced by African, Caribbean, West Indian, and European cultures.
What can you eat there? For starters, the surrounding waters are abundant with treasures from the sea – tuna, shark, salmon, cod, red snapper, kingfish, shrimp, lobster, crabs, and sea urchins, among them. Most popular is flying fish, a national symbol of Barbados. This is the fish most often featured on menus throughout the island. Complementing it may be a side of cou-cou, made with cornmeal and okra. It’s similar to polenta or grits. These gastronomic experiences can be enjoyed beachfront, under a tapestry of stars. Or, indulge in the rustic charm of a fresh seafood feast with locals at the popular Oistins Fish Fry.
Besides seafood, chicken, beef, pork, turkey and duck are served a variety of ways – fried, grilled, baked, roasted and pickled. A stew-like dish called pelau combines any of the above with pigeon peas, fresh coconut, Caribbean herbs and sugar.
Nowhere will you find fresher fruit – papaya, mangos, and paw paws. The latter offers some unique tastes. Some compare it to mango, cantaloupe, or banana. The flesh is soft, with a custard-like feel, almost similar to banana pudding. It boasts high levels of good stuff such as thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
Spend your time beneath an umbrella, a cold drink in hand, absorbing some much-needed Vitamin D. Barbados has more than 80 beaches across 70 square miles. When you had enough sunshine, cool off in crystal clear waters to get a long-awaited dose of Vitamin “Sea”.
After a day in the sun and a delightful dinner, the party doesn’t have to end. There are live entertainment venues that offer music and cabaret shows. On weekends, catch some mini street festivals where you can mingle with locals and sample street food. Enjoy a cocktail mixed with Mount Gay Rum, one of the world’s oldest and finest.
During the summer months, the island becomes even more festive with its annual carnival. Crop over is a five-week summer festival.
The origins of which can be traced back to the 1780’s when Barbados was the world’s largest producer of sugar. At the end of the sugar season, there was always a huge celebration to mark the culmination of yet another successful sugar cane harvest.
You know it’s been far too long since you’ve enjoyed a getaway like this – a vacation you really deserve. Make your reservations today.
Fly nonstop on JetBlue, a direct flight, and in 4 hour, you’ll be in Barbados.
Plan your vacation today: www.visitbarbados.org or www.JetBlue.com/Barbados. Or call you rtravel professional www.visitbarbados.org
