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The Toronto Ultimate Travel Show 2010 Winner
Congratulations to Sandy Necek! She has won 5 nights at The Palms Resort Barbados, along with 1 complimentary 2 tank dive at Reefers & Wreckers Dive Shop! We are looking forward to showing you a great time in Barbados & at The Palm Resort.
Gillian
Smart People Fly South in Summer
 The spring blooms are out, temperatures have risen and the chilly days of rain, snow, sleet and whatever else are over.
These telltale signs that summer is here often get to better of us.
We dream of wearing flip flops and shorts, sipping on colourful cocktails and enjoying the solitude of our own little spot of sand by the ocean all day long.
But the reality is that it hardly ever happens.
Why? Because nearly everyone else wants the same thing. And the result is often far from what we hoped it would be.
Enter overcrowded beaches and pool decks, long waits for a cool drink or ice snack to combat that dry, summer thirst, and snaking lines of traffic to the season’s hottest outdoor venues.
But while this drama unfolds in North America and parts of Europe year after year, there are people who manage to escape it all.
They pack light and jet off to open beaches, delightful weather and stress-free days frolicking in the sun.
In other words, they head to Barbados.
And who can blame them?
With the peak of the tourism season over in April, hotels are usually more affordable, and beaches a little more peaceful—perfect for uninterrupted shoreline siestas by day.
At night, the contrast is as delightful as it is ironic, as an island preparing for a grand carnival at the top of August brims with energetic nightlife activity.
Even though there is no denying the fun times to be had, promises of sun frolicking are hardly enough to override memories of a Caribbean assaulted by storms and hurricanes during the summer months.
But a quick lesson in Barbados geography usually helps. Major hurricanes have steered clear of the island since 1955—because of its enviable location off the main Caribbean archipelago, meteorologists say.
That said, it’s no wonder more people are considering trading cramped beaches for peaceful seaside spaces made more appealing lower hotel rates and a just-right mix of night-time fun.
They’ve discovered the thrill of flying south for the summer and there seems to be no turning back.
Crop Over 101: Lessons for the Uninitiated
Trying to book a last-minute flight to Barbados is never a bad idea. But if you make an attempt to complete this feat between the end of July and the beginning of August, that’s a completely different story.
Why? Because there are thousands of people who, having experienced the island’s Crop Over festival once upon a time, are now completely enchanted and vow never to miss it again if they can help it.
But if you happen to have never had the privilege of a Crop Over experience, this article is for you. If you have been, you might want to read on as well. There is a lot you may be missing out on.
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Understanding Crop Over
The average Barbadian may not admit it but Crop Over is a pretty strange name for a carnival. To explain, it is a very literal label applied to the time of celebration that overtook plantations when workers celebrated the end of the sugar cane harvest. In other words, the crop was over.
Today, the tradition continues still, even though plantation life is beyond the memory of almost every living local. It is a time of carefree abandonment and revelry-filled days, which concludes with one huge parade of costumed masqueraders enjoying rhythmic Crop Over music, sunshine and great fun.
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Book Early, Buy Early
It’s quite fine to look forward to having fun in the sun at Crop Over but first you need to get here! The only way to guarantee on-time arrival is to book early.
There benefits are obvious: savings from early-bird fares and landing your preferred accommodations.
If you plan to enjoy the thrill of masquerading in the costume band, you’ll also need to buy early. Most organisers now have web sites, complete with photos, shopping carts and secured payment features, which make Crop Over convenient.
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Come Prepared
Once you’ve booked, there’s one thing you need to pack: stamina. During Crop Over, many locals party into the wee hours of the morning, rising from a short after-party slumber only to recommence the revelry of the night before.
Energy drinks, coffee and other miscellaneous pick-me-ups are often the order of the day. But there is no denying that stamina is a fundamental essential to making it through Crop Over in good health and in one piece.
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Have A Plan
Although Barbados is a small island, during Crop Over, activity on the island surges.
So you won’t find yourself torn between one event or another, it’s not a bad idea to decide early on which events you want to take in.
There are several online calendars with description of each event to help you decide. www.barbadoscropoverfestival.com provides the official national Crop Over calendar. Many people also use www.kadooment.com for a local’s view of what’s happening.
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Have Fun, Fun, Fun!
Having read this far into the article, you’re probably thinking that attending Crop Over seems scientific and complicated. It really isn’t but knowing what to expect and how to plan for it is never a bad thing.
Just remember that at the core of Crop Over, more than anything else, is the fun element.
And it can only get better if you’re going to the right parties, staying at the right property and making every moment memorable.
The Great Eight: Smart Tips & Tricks for Barbados Vacationers
 Coming to Barbados is a big deal, especially when you’ve spent hours upon hours settling on dates, hotels and flights.
So we’ve decided to share The Great Eight with our readers. It’s a roundup of a few tips and tricks to make your Barbados trip one of the best you’ve ever taken.
Although Barbados is considered a developing state, the island has a pretty sophisticated customs and immigration system. Before jetting off, be sure to have the correct name of the hotel where you’re staying, address and telephone numbers. Have this information to hand to ensure speedy processing and a faster start to your dream vacation.
Visitors to Barbados often make a choice of rental cars, taxi cabs or public transportation—or opt take advantage of all three.
However, each comes with its own pros and cons.
Rental cars come at a price tag which some find considerably higher than in other holiday destinations but offer a lot more independence for people who want to see the island.
Taxi cabs are convenient, accessible and require no major map-reading prowess. However, transportation costs could add up at the end of a trip so it’s a good idea to choose wisely which trips you will use them for.
Public transportation is the most affordable of all, with BDS$1.50 being the cost of a single bus ride to any point on the island. Just bear in mind that quite a few locals take the bus, especially during peak times before and after office hours, so it does get crowded at times.
One thing shopaholics will be pleased about is the shopping in Barbados. Most global brands of fragrances, clothing, timepieces and accessories are available at many stores here.
Prior to making a purchase, be sure to ask if duty-free purchases are allowed, since not all retailers offer visitors the concession.
Most people still come to Barbados for its beaches. For the most part, the sea here is serene but gets a little rough on the East Coast.
Before venturing onto any beach, pay close attention to signs, flags and lifeguard warnings. If there is no lifeguard on duty, it’s always a good idea to put safety first and seek out another swimming location.
Every type of cuisine and dining setting imaginable is available in Barbados. From Caribbean to Chinese, award-winning to authentic, visitors to the island have no end of options.
So it’s no surprise that sometimes making a dining decision is tough. In times like these, you’ll find a good reference in the Barbados Zagat Guide (www.zagat.com).
If you find yourself without time for perusing the guide, just ask a local—most will happily share their opinions.
Who wants to wear a whole lot of clothing when it’s hot outside? It’s hard to think of a single person who would.
While Barbadians aren’t prudes, many of them may shoot visitors a warning look if they venture into places of business in swimwear.
To be on the safe side, when you’re here, save beachwear for the beach and cover up a little when you’re shopping or doing business.
In an age when most people can’t live without the Internet, many visitors are often concerned about access to the World Wide Web in Barbados.
Most properties here offer Wi-Fi or another type of internet access.
In addition, both local mobile phone companies offer data services to smartphone users. Just remember international roaming rates may apply.
Doing business in foreign currency could be pretty bewildering sometimes. Most businesses in Barbados will accept the U.S. dollar, trading it for any amount between $1.98 and $2.00 Barbados dollars.
If you wish, you may also visit one of the many local banks and have your currency converted to local dollars to use during your time in Barbados.
Summertime Specials at The Palms
This summer, take your pick of the hard-to-beat deals The Palms is offering.
Scuba & Save at The Palms
For US$792, experience a 7-night scuba vacation in Barbados.
Your week at The Palms Resort includes
- Five tank dives per person
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Welcome cocktail
- Free breakfast daily
- Free wireless internet access
- Full room amenities
Offer starts at US$792 per person and is based on double occupancy. Rates include Value Added Tax and Energy Charges.
Super Summer Special!
 Soak up the sun at The Palms and save big!
Book to stay with us between April 15 and December 15, 2010 and receive 20% off your reservation.
Crop Over on the Cheap!
Come visit for Crop Over and snap up competitive hotel rates.
Your stay at The Palms from July 4 to August 15, 2010 is just US$62 per person.
Rates are inclusive of taxes and energy charges.
Terms and conditions apply.
For more details, dial (246) 432-6750 or email
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