No matter the etymology, Barbados should be synonymous with tropical paradise. As the easternmost Caribbean island, the country boasts all the good of the region--white-sand beaches and temperatures in the 70s and 80s all year round--while avoiding the paths of tropical storms and hurricanes. 

The result is an often surprising mix of land and aquatic adventures, a blend of cultures with influences from all over the world, and vibrant energy packed into 166 square miles. 

Consider this a fun list of did-you-knows to make your friends jealous prior to heading to Barbados:

• Although the official language is English, most natives speak (and refer to themselves as) Bajan, an English-based Creole language. 
• The Caribbean is of course known for its rum, and Barbados has a claim as the spiritual home (so to speak) for this liquor. The Mount Gay Distilleries have been producing rum since 1703. 
• Rum isn’t the only tropical delicacy that calls Barbados home: The grapefruit also originated here. 
  
• Cricket is considered the national sport, and the top Barbadian cricketers compete for the West Indies (Windies, for short) alongside players from other English-speaking nations in the Caribbean. 
• Yes, it’s Rihanna’s home nation.

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