My flight from Grenada to Barbados was a quick hop on Inter-Caribbean Airlines, the 89th airline that I have experienced. The flight was operated on an ATR, which is a regional turboprop jet, often used for transporting people around islands or short distances.
Arrival in Barbados
Navigating BGI Airport
Arriving at BGI airport made it immediately evident that Barbados was a much larger place than Grenada. The airport facilities were modern, and the immigration process was all electronic and very breezy. I was in and out in 5 minutes.
Pro Tips for Regional Flights
PRO TIP – Unlike other regional jets (CRJs and ERJs), ATRs board and deplane from the rear of the aircraft. That means, you will want to try to choose a seat as far in the back as possible to expedite deplaning. You should also note that the overhead bins will accommodate a standard roller board carry-on, even though the airline employees may try to convince you otherwise. I travel with a 20-inch roller board which expands. If not expanded, I was able to fit it up top with no problem. I flew a couple of legs on an ATR last summer on Finnair and they really tried to convince me that it would not fit, but sure enough, no issue.
Stay at the Courtyard by Marriott
Utilizing Marriott Free Night Certificates
I taxied to the Courtyard, which was about 20 minutes away. I typically like to ask the cab drivers for local tips on places to go/eat/drink/see. That way, when I ask again at the hotel, I have some frame of reference for comparison. The Courtyard allowed me to leverage one of my Marriott free night certificates, which was a nice redemption, given that the cash rate was over $300, and the points rate was 45k.
Benefits of Marriott Elite Status
My Marriott Platinum status got me a nice 1-bedroom suite upgrade with a balcony. I was also given food and beverage vouchers and a late checkout. PRO TIP – With Marriott, I always request an upgrade a day prior to check-in through the chat service in their app. That service tends to open 2 days before arrival. Another tip is to always book your room for 2 people, even if traveling solo, as it does not cost extra. That ensures that your elite status benefits are maximized. In my case, it allowed me to get a second $10 food voucher as well as a second welcome drink ticket. If asked, you can always say that your friend/spouse is joining later.
Exploring Barbados During a Festival
The Holetown Festival
Coming to an island nation on a Sunday or any small city where Christianity is prevalent can sometimes be a letdown, as things pretty much shut down. This was certainly the case in Barbados. Luckily, there was an annual festival that happened to be going on, and it was located in Holetown, about 30 minutes north of the capital Bridgetown. I love a festival; they provide a great insight into local culture, an outlet for great local food and shopping, and an opportunity to interact with lots of different kinds of people.
Public Transportation Adventure
Since I was not in any hurry and the taxis were expensive and not readily available, I decided to try public transport. Sometimes, I like to experience public transportation in other countries. Besides saving money, it lets you experience local life to a greater degree and forces you to interact with strangers to get where you are going. Asking strangers for help can sometimes be intimidating, as there are times when you are marking yourself as a clear target to be taken advantage of.
The positive side of that coin is that since most people are friendly and helpful, you are giving them a chance to feel needed and useful for helping a stranger in need, which can be very rewarding. Since I felt no inherent danger in Barbados, I plowed forward, taking a shared van to the main town and then wandering to the bus station to catch a bus. It was a fun challenge, and I am glad I did it.
Discovering Bridgetown and Holetown
Bridgetown Sights
The main area of Bridgetown was large for an island. The ride up to Holetown provided an opportunity to see local neighborhoods which generally appeared rather poor and run down for the most part. I enjoy seeing the types of food stands on the side of the road, that range from hand-macheted coconuts to street foods, to random toys. The ride also provided great coastal and beach views.
Experience at the Festival
The festival itself was not too different from one you would see in the US. It was a long stretch of tents which featured vendors selling handicrafts, toys, food, and other random things. I walked through, bought a couple of souvenirs and drinks, and made my way back to the hotel.
Conclusion
Barbados offered a delightful mix of modern conveniences and rich local culture. From the efficient airport experience to the vibrant Holetown festival, my short stay was filled with memorable moments. The friendly locals and the opportunity to explore through public transport added to the charm of this island nation. While different from the serene Grenada, Barbados stands out with its unique island adventures and welcoming atmosphere.
