We’re currently dreaming of all the places we wish we could travel to… So in our continued series on Barbados, we talked to two individuals who have lived and holidayed on the Caribbean Island about their experience

CAROLINE GALLICHAN

What was the catalyst for your move to Barbados? 

My first experience of Barbados was close to 20 years ago, as I was a bit of a free spirit living all over the world and working for holiday companies. I spent two years on the island before living in other countries, including St Lucia and Thailand. In 2010 my employer at the time offered me the opportunity to return to Barbados and I’ve never looked back! I found love (with someone I had originally met on my first stint in Barbados), got married, bought a house and now have 2 dogs, many fish and a cat so I guess I’m not leaving any time soon.

How did you settle into your new life and immerse yourself into the culture?

For me, to live like a local is not hard- I love nothing more than going to the local rum shop with my husband and doving (Bajan for sharing) a flask of Mount Gay Rum, eating freshly caught fish and macaroni pie whilst people watching. Also, I love attending fetes and fairs - the biggest one in Barbados is Agrofest that normally falls in February and a bit like a county show you would get in the UK. It’s really popular. Of course, over the years I have done the Crop Over Carnival many times which is always the first Monday in August. Now, I am so immersed in the culture I even grow my own breadfruit in my garden. Breadfruit is used like a potato over here – you can do anything with it, mash it, fry it etc. But the most popular way of cooking it is to throw it in a fire and roast until it’s like charcoal on the outside, then chop it open, take out the core and add whatever filling you like. From butter to stew, to a lentil dal, you can really get creative.  

What do you love most about living in Barbados?

Barbados is the place I choose to live because of its diversity. I live on the south coast, which to me is a bit more down to earth and laid back, but you still have the hussle and bustle of Bridgetown which is an experience in itself. Broad Street is brimming with jewellery shops and department stores and there’s the local high street (Swan Street) which is full of characters selling everything from coconuts to DVD’s. The west coast (also known as the palatium coast) offers high end hotels like Sandy Lane and Fairmont. The north plays home to dramatic cliffs and crashing waves, and then the east is good for surfing and has places like Bathsheba which is normally good for 8 months of the year.  

What recommendations could you offer readers in terms of experiences?

There is so much to do in Barbados, living like a local I have a few hints. First the National Trust run a hike on a Sunday – either at 6am or in the afternoon. Groups are split into levels (I always opt for the ‘stop and stare’ group as its easiest), and they explore different areas of the island so you will need a car or a friendly taxi driver. If you do rent a car whilst here, I’d recommend visiting the drive-in cinema. Doors open around 6pm every night and you can choose from the latest Hollywood releases.

Oistins is probably one of the most written about areas in Barbados for its Friday night lime (party) however one thing that most tourists don’t realise is that most of the food stalls are open 7 days a week. So if you don’t do crowds but want to try the famous cuisine like the locals head down during the week, where it is a lot quieter and I think the food is even better as the cooks have a bit more time to share their love with the food. 

On the south coast, there is a new concept called Worthing Square Food Garden. This outdoor food hall offering boasts over 20 unique street food canteens and pop up food trucks, each offering their own unique cuisine and dishes from around the Caribbean. You can enjoy delicious food from Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and Venezuela. 

What advice would you offer to anyone sat at home considering swapping the Cheshire countryside for the Caribbean when travel allows? 

Do it! We now have the Welcome Stamp and I can say that life here is great and so much more relaxed than the UK. Barbados has some great schools, a very low crime rate and year round sunshine – what’s not to love. 

MICHAEL GATES

What is it about Barbados that you love the most? 

There is so much to love but the highlights have to be the weather, the beaches, the people and the nightlife.

What makes you keep going back?

I’ve visited quite a few places in the Caribbean, but Barbados has just got an amazing vibe. It’s so beautiful and tranquil with a fantastic night life. The best of both worlds.

What recommendations could you offer readers in terms of experiences?

The island is relatively small, so I’d recommend hiring a car and exploring the stunning beaches and visiting the Flower Caves at the north of the island. There are amazing restaurants like The Cliff and Champers to experience but you must try one of the Roti shops and Oistins Fish Market. St Lawrence Gap is the main nightlife hub with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, you can dance the night away. Alternatively, there is the popular Harbour Lights Dinner Show which is good fun. The capital Bridgetown is great for shopping, discover the birthplace of rum at the Mount Gay Distillery and last but not least you have to experience one of the boat trips where you can snorkel over a shipwreck, swim with turtles and have lunch on your own private beach. 

What advice would you offer to anyone sat at home considering swapping the Cheshire countryside for the Caribbean when travel allows? 

Book your flights immediately. 

For further information on the welcome stamp and for current government travel advice and restrictions please visit www.visitbarbados.org

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