Barbados is a sovereign island country, situated northeast of Venezuela, in the Caribbean. It is 21 miles long by 14 miles across which makes it easily traversable at a leisurely pace by car. There is a strong British influence, dating back to its Colonial past, including the tradition of driving on the left. As well as being a popular holiday resort, with 60 beaches, it is also well known for its rum production, with traditional rum cake a popular souvenir to take home. There are plenty of places to visit on the island, including the Botanical Garden sited in the island’s interior. Cricket is a popular sport, which can be experienced at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. The Mount Gay Rum Distillery is also in Bridgetown, where visitors can enjoy a guided tour, complete with tasting. There is no drink drive limit on the island, which is mentioned as a word of caution, rather than an invitation to over-indulge. At Harrison’s Cave there is the unique opportunity to experience an underground tram ride where you can admire pools, waterfalls and cave formations, with opportunities to disembark and explore.
Travelling around Barbados with a car hire
The best way to view the island is by pre-booked hire car, allowing you to stop at leisure and meander at your own pace. Starting at the hire pick up point in Bridgetown you can travel north to the Highland Adventure Centre, a vantage point that rises 1000 feet above the shore line. This gives you a view of most of the island, putting your trip into perspective; it is made up of different parishes, each with places of interest to visit. Look out for the friendly wild monkeys roaming the area, feeding on fruit trees. Head on down to Bathsheba, out on the east coast, a surfer’s paradise as it picks up large waves bowling in on the trade wind, and an excellent spot for a scenic picnic. Just past this area you come across the Andrew’s Sugar factory, source of the islands riches in the past and now essential for the rum production. To explore the islands historical past take a trip to St James Parish Church, in the town of the same name, dating back to the seventeenth century, it still holds services to this day. Finally, head to one of the magnificent beaches, for a well earned rest, the only problem is choosing which one.