‘My secret Barbados tips for hidden beaches & cocktail bars away from the tourist crowds’
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A FLIGHT attendant has revealed his best advice for traveling around Barbados – including cheap places to eat and secluded beaches.
Kieron Hawkes, who has worked for British Airways for five years, explained the best things to do as well as common mistakes tourists make on the island.
In his years as a British Airways flight attendant, he’s covered 800,000 miles and delivered passengers to 30 countries.
One of the destinations on his flight roster is Barbados in the West Indies.
As both a flight attendant and holidaymaker, Kieron has visited the island on several occasions.
On those visits, he’s worked out the best things about the island and shared his tips with Sun Online Travel.
What are the best things to do in Barbados?
According to the flight attendant, there are plenty of activities o do in Barbados.
Kieron told Sun Online Travel: “Something everyone should do on their trip is a Rum Distillery tour – there are so many but they’re all really quite cool.
“When I’m there, I always like to swim with turtles because it’s really special and you can do it on some of the main beaches.”
He recommended heading to Carlisle Bay to swim with the tropical creatures.
If you’re ever in Barbados between July and October, Kieron suggested adding turtle releasing to your list of activities – and it’s even free to watch.
For any holidaymakers who want to experience stunning sunset views, Kieron recommended booking either a sunset catamaran tour or a horse trek on the beach.
He added: “There’s also Harrison’s Cave, which has loads of different streams and waterfalls, and the Concorde Experience at the airport, which is great for any aviation enthusiasts.”
What are the best beaches in Barbados?
Despite being known for its golden sandy beaches, there are some that remain largely undiscovered by tourists.
Kieron said: “There’s Bottom Bay which is very secluded. It’s just a lovely quiet place and you don’t even feel like you’re in Barbados.
“Foul Bay Beach is on the west coast of Barbados and is also very quiet and it also has some great views.
“Cove Bay is another spot and it’s perfect for swimming and surfing as well as other water sports.”
For those who’d rather be in the thick of the action, there’s also Carlisle Bay which has lots of amenities like beach bars and swimming with turtles.
Where are the best places to eat in Barbados?
On a holiday to Barbados, sampling the local cuisine is a must – and Kieron knows some of the most affordable places to eat.
He said: “First, there’s Cuz’s Fish stand, which everyone raves about and people travel all over the island to have a bite.”
The small stand located on the western part of the island sells fish cutters (a type of sandwich), which cost $9.
Kieron added: “The beach club in Carlisle Bay is a cheap place with a bit of something for everyone.”
“The Cliff is also very popular with everyone and is an affordable place to eat when you’re on a dream holiday.”
For those holidaymakers who struggle with foreign cuisine, there’s also the popular fast-food chain Chefette where meals start from $15.
For a meal out for a special occasion, Kieron recommended Champers Restaurant.
He added: “It can be hard to get in sometimes but it’s the best restaurant in Barbados and the reviews really speak for themselves.”
Holidaymakers who enjoy the odd tipple will be pleased to know that there are plenty of options on the island including The Cocktail Kitchen where cocktails cost $9.
Kieron said: “The Cocktail Kitchen is the most popular cocktail bar in Barbados. It’s fairly small but it’s loved by the locals. And I would always recommend ordering the strawberry daiquiri.”
What other advice do you have?
The cabin crew member also recommended talking to the locals where possible too, saying they are often happy to offer directions to little-known beaches.
Anyone who is planning on doing some holiday shopping will want to leave room for souvenirs like rum, chili sauce, and homemade crafts too.
He added: “Jewelry is another great souvenir and there’s some really nice stuff which is comparable to high-end jewelers in London.
“Bridgetown is also a good place to get bespoke clothing made too.”
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