Endless pink- and white-sand beaches and a rich West Indian tradition are what put Barbados (Bar-bay-dose) on the map. Barbados is easily reached from the United States and has a grand array of hotels (many of them super expensive). Although it doesn't offer casinos, it has more than just beach life. It's a terrific destination for travelers interested in learning about West Indian culture, and it has more sightseeing attractions than most Caribbean islands.. 

It's an ideal place to go on lovely driving tours to take in all the little seaside villages, plantations, gardens, and English country churches, some dating from the 17th century. 

The Bajans speak English, but with their own island lilt. Daytime temperatures are in the 75°F to 85°F (24°C-29°C) range throughout the year. 

One of the hottest jazz festivals in the Caribbean is the Barbados Jazz Festival. Also known as "Paint It Jazz," it takes place in mid-January. International artists appear along with the best in local jazz talent. For tickets and further details, contact festival organizers at www.barbadosjazzfestival.com.

In mid-February, the Holetown Festival at St. James is a weeklong event commemorating the landing of the first European settlers at Holetown in 1627. Highlights include street fairs, police band concerts, a music festival in the parish church, and a road race.

During the first week of April, the Oistins Fish Festival commemorates the signing of the charter of Barbados with fishing, boat racing, fish-boning competitions, a Coast Guard exhibition, food stalls, arts and crafts, dancing, singing, and road races.

Beginning in mid-July and lasting until the first week of August, the Crop Over Festival is the island's major national festival, celebrating the completion of the sugar-cane harvest and recognizing the hardworking men and women in the sugar industry. Communities all over the island participate in fairs, concerts, calypso competitions, car parades, and other cultural events. The climax of the festival occurs at Kadooment Day, a national holiday on the first Monday in August, which becomes the biggest party of the year in Barbados.

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