A Family Adventure Begins

As a family travel writer, I’m always on the lookout for unique experiences that can be enjoyed by both adults and kids. So, when I heard about the Barbados Island Tour in Barbados, I knew it was something I had to try. Our family had never been to Barbados before, and the idea of a private, customized tour where we could explore the island at our own pace was incredibly appealing.

We were greeted by our tour guide, Alfie, who was friendly and punctual, arriving at our hotel just a few minutes past the scheduled time. With a list of potential destinations in hand, we were ready to embark on our island adventure. Our first stop was the Foursquare Rum Distillery, a place that intrigued both my husband and me. While the kids were more interested in the surrounding scenery, we enjoyed learning about the history and process of rum-making. The distillery was fascinating, and the hour we spent there flew by.

Exploring the Island

After our distillery visit, we set off on a series of “drive-bys” around the island. This part of the tour was a bit more challenging for our family. While the scenery was beautiful, the silence in the car was palpable. Alfie, our guide, seemed a bit reserved, and there were moments when the only sound was the radio playing softly in the background. My husband, ever the conversationalist, tried to engage Alfie with questions about the island and its history, but the responses were brief.

Despite the quiet, we managed to see some incredible sights. The drive took us past the stunning beaches of Bathsheba and the historic Gun Hill Signal Station. The kids were particularly fascinated by the stories of pirates and old military outposts. We also made a stop at the Mount Gay Distillery, where we spent another hour learning about the island’s rich rum heritage. The kids were entertained by the interactive exhibits, and we all enjoyed a refreshing break from the car.

A Memorable Lunch and a Rainy Return

One of the highlights of our day was lunch at Tides, a restaurant recommended by Alfie. Situated right on the beach, the view was breathtaking, and the food was delicious. It was a perfect spot for our family to relax and enjoy some quality time together. The kids loved the fresh seafood, and my husband and I appreciated the chance to unwind and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

As we made our way back to the hotel, the weather took a turn, and rain began to fall. The drive became a bit more challenging, with Alfie relying on GPS to navigate the wet roads. The kids found the bumpy ride amusing, but I started to feel a bit queasy with all the motion. Despite the rain, we made it back safely, and the kids were already talking about their favorite parts of the day.

Overall, our Barbados Island Tour was a mixed bag of experiences. While the tour had its awkward moments, the opportunity to explore such a beautiful island with my family made it all worthwhile. The kids learned a lot, and we created memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re planning a trip to Barbados, I recommend having a clear idea of what you want to see and do, and perhaps bringing along some conversation starters for the quieter moments!