Beyond Blessed Travels Island Guide: Barbados

​The name Barbados has an interesting origin story. It either comes from the Portuguese os barbudos or the Spanish los barbudos, both roughly translating to The Bearded Ones.

Of course, the beards don’t refer to locals with extensive facial hair (presumably an uncomfortable look in the humid conditions of the Caribbean), but rather to the fig trees that populate the island.

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. 

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​Quick Facts

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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