Traditional British hospitality is alive and well on Barbados. From afternoon tea to lively cricket matches and the local Bajan accent, it's easy to find a bit of the mother country here. The island's Platinum Coast draws wealthy travelers to its swanky resorts, but less-moneyed visitors can find nice, affordable accommodations and an equally warm reception, too.

The pace of Barbados is generally slow. Sit for a while and watch a cricket game. Stroll through the Barbados Wildlife Preserve for close-ups with tortoises, deer and the famous Barbados green monkey. Picnic on flying fish or marvel at the 40-foot waterfall careening down inside Harrison's Cave.

SHOPPING

Locally produced rum is a Bajan mainstay and it's estimated that for every square mile there are six rum shops. Traditional crafts such as pottery help keep Bajans close to their past, too. High up in Chalky Mount village, potters spin clay into monkey pots (water jugs designed to keep their contents cool).

DAY TRIPS

For a peek at a day in the life of an aristocratic plantation owner, follow Cherry Tree Hill to St. Nicholas Abbey. The house is the oldest on the island (circa 1650), and one of just three intact Jacobean-style mansions in the Americas.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

One of the best times to visit Barbados is during one of the four major festivals. February brings the Holetown Festival. The Oistins Fish Festival is a weekend (Easter) of good-natured competition. Crop Over, in summer, commemorates the sugar cane harvest with raucous street parties, dancing and the social commentary of calypso. Culture is commended during the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts. Awards are given for the best dance, drama, writing and painting. But ask any one of the 255,000 friendly Bajans, and they'll tell you that whoever is dancing, acting, writing or painting at the time is the best.

DON'T MISS

– Feasting on flying-fish
– Taking a heritage tour of stately plantation manors
– Viewing otherworldly beauty at Harrison's Cave
– Taking photos of the floral splendor at Andromeda Gardens

• Tourist Information: 800-221-9831
• Website: www.barbados.org
• Language: English
• Currency: Barbados Dollar (U.S. currency widely accepted)
• Taxes: Departure tax is US $12.50 for anyone over age 12. Hotel and villa accommodation incurs a 7.5% government room tax and a service charge in Barbados, which is normally added to your bill (unless you are staying in an all-inclusive hotel). A 15% VAT applies to most services including car hire, tourist attractions, restaurants, retail (apart from Duty Free items), excursions etc, but this is usually included in the published price, except for car hire rates, which are usually quoted excluding VAT so you'll need to add it.
• Electricity: 110V/50 cycles. This is adequate for most U. S. appliances.
• Documents: A passport is required.