Rum & Crickets & Cou-Cou

Barbados is known for rum, cricket, surf and a lively food scene on a coral island. You should go if: You want both calm west-coast beaches and surf on the east coast You like rum tours, fish fries and live music You prefer a polished, English-speaking island Must-visit places: Bridgetown and the Garrison: UNESCO-listed historic area Harrison's Cave: Tram tour through a crystal cave Bathsheba: Rugged east-coast surf and rock formations Oistins Fish Fry: Friday-night grilled fish and music Mount Gay Distillery: Tours of one of the oldest rum makers Must-try foods: Cou-cou and flying fish: The national dish Fish cakes and macaroni pie Pudding and souse on Saturdays Banks beer and Barbadian rum Fun facts: Barbados became a republic in 2021. Rihanna was born in Barbados. The island claims to be the birthplace of rum. Logistics: Best time: December to May; hurricane season runs June to November, but direct hits are rare Currency: Barbados dollar (BBD), pegged at 2 to 1 against the US dollar; USD is widely accepted Getting there: Grantley Adams Airport (BGI) Getting around: Minibuses (ZRs), taxis and rental cars; drive on the left Tipping: About 10 to 15 percent if not already added Must-learn phrases: "Wuh gine on?": What's going on? "Bim": Nickname for Barbados "Cheese on bread!": An exclamation of surprise "Lime": To hang out casually Good morning: Always greet before asking for help