The Ultimate Springtime Destination

If there’s one thing that makes a vacation stressful, planning an itinerary has to be at the top of the list.

Before you resort to drastic measures, there’s a smart way to make this process a bit easier: by booking your next trip to Barbados in April!

This may sound random but hear us out.

April in Barbados is a like a bundle deal when it comes to unique travel experiences. During the entire month, there are different activities and events being held around the island for everyone to enjoy.

Therefore, your trip is practically planned for you.

For sports enthusiasts, the beginning of April marks the climax of the biggest surfing event in the Caribbean, the World Surfing League Barbados Surf Pro. Held at the infamous Soup Bowl, the competition attracts the top surfers from all over the globe to catch some of the best waves in the region. So, you can spend a day watching a thrilling sporting event while the beauty of Barbados’ east coast captivates you.

If sports aren’t your thing but you yearn to experience local culture, then let us introduce you to the Oistins Fish Festival. They say, “nobody does fish like a Bajan” and during Easter Weekend you can learn why. This festival pays homage to those who have made the art of fishing a major part of Barbadian culture. Not only will you get the chance to taste the most delicious fish but you will learn about the island’s colourful fishing history, be entertained by the cultural parade, “Greasy Pole” competition, local entertainers, and so much more. It’s truly a festival packed with fish, culture and fun.

Easter Weekend is also a time when many households partake in various cultural traditions. On Good Friday, many indulge in fish rather than meat and bake scrumptious hot cross buns and sweet breads. On Easter Sunday, Christians around the island go to church in their best dress and have big family cook ups which includes chicken, fish, ham and a myriad of side dishes. But out of all the biggest tradition is kite flying, especially on Easter Monday. You can buy a kite from kite makers on the side of the road, supermarkets or even gas stations and go fly a kite at the historic Garrison Savannah.

And for the travellers chasing a party vibe, this weekend is also filled with boat, garden and beach parties that will be held on the island.

The festivities don’t end with Easter though. At the end of April is the Barbados Reggae Festival which features the most popular local, regional and international reggae artistes. Over the years, the festival has included popular acts like Third World, Beenie Man, Sizzla and Buju Banton. It’s the perfect event for those who love music, Caribbean culture and good vibes.

As a bonus, National Earth Day also takes place in April and as a sustainable destination, Barbados has a few ways one can celebrate it. You can take an Ebike Island Tour and admire the island’s natural beauty, get lost in the enchantment of Coco Hills Forest or take a hike on the Chalky Mount Trail.

Whether you’re a foodie, mindful traveller, sports enthusiast or cultural maven, your itinerary for April is covered in Barbados.

By: Rhe-Ann Prescod