Ten reasons to visit Barbados in 2013

A welcoming and energetic island culture, Barbados is a dream Caribbean destination and is one of the most popular holiday spots in the world, enticing millions of visitors from across the globe.               With 2013 fast approaching, many people are beginning to look at holiday options for the upcoming year. A destination that is ideal year-round, Barbados is a fantastic destination and there are a number of reasons why people should choose Barbados as a place to visit in the coming months. 1- Climate: The draw of the Caribbean is its balmy climate and Barbados certainly does not disappoint in this respect. Especially in springtime months, the island is perfectly suited for holidaying and with temperatures averaging 28-30 degrees centigrade; it is a year round winner on the weather front. 2- Suitable For a Variety of Vacation Types: Barbados is an island that is suitable for everyone, whatever their age and their itinerary. From the luxury of five star resorts to an active break on the waves, from honeymoons to family vacations, everyone's tastes and needs are catered to in a holiday on the island. With arguably more activities on offer than any other Caribbean isle, visitors can recline by crystal clear waters, explore the countryside, undertake cultural tours, or party. It is a land of variation and of plenty! 3- Accommodation: Unlike other destinations, Barbados does not aim itself at just one type of visitor and this is reflected just as much in its range of accommodation options as in its activities and facilities. From basic budget to five star luxury resorts, any visitor can find the accommodation to suit their needs and their wallet. 4- Beaches and Beach Activities: Naturally, being an island, Barbados is not lacking in coastline. However, unlike other places, Barbados really does make the most of the coast, with miles of stunning white beaches that are kept clean and accessible and warm waters that are perfect for everything from leisurely dips to snorkelling, diving and even submarine tours. 5- Nightlife: Barbados' night scene is lively and offers a variety of entertainment options that are enough to keep anyone satisfied. The south coast of the island in particular is filled with a variety of nightclubs and bars, making partying as much a draw of the island as its beach culture! 6- Cuisine: There are dozens of places on the island that offer a true Barbadian dining experience. This ranges from spots to stop off for a quick bite to upmarket restaurants. With delicately balanced spices and strong, vibrant flavours, Barbados' food is a Caribbean culinary experience that is not to be missed. Mixing influences from Portugal, Britain and West Africa, local delicacies include flying fish, cou cou and the alcohol-laden rum cake. 7- Bridgetown: The largest city and capital, the historic city of Bridgetown is a place that no visitor to the island should miss out on. Built in 1654, today it is a sleek cosmopolitan location, with upmarket shopping arcades sitting next to eye-catching colonial buildings and famous architectural structures. 8- Festivals: Culture is a big part of what makes Barbados unique and the island has a number of festivals and celebrations throughout the year that celebrate this and really embrace Barbadian way of life. Just as in preceding years, 2013 looks set to be one of fantastic festivals, starting with January's Jazz Festival. Two festivals that are a must are the annual Holetown Festival and Crop Over Festivals. The Holetown Festival, which showcases Barbadian traditions, celebrates the arrival of the first settlers to the small town of Holetown in February 1627. Crop Over, meanwhile, takes place in July-August, is the island's traditional harvest festival. 9- Golf: Golf on the Barbados greens becomes more than just teeing off. Set in luscious hillside, the island's many golf courses are not just magnificent places to play, but offer fantastic views and top notch service for an experience that is hard to equal elsewhere. The island's most renowned golf course is Royal Westmoreland, designed by Robert Trent Jones Junior. 10- Duty-free Shopping: The duty-free shopping on the island makes it a retail paradise. Those willing to spend their hard earned pennies will be pleasantly surprised at how much further it will stretch without the additional duties that are levied in other nations- something those back home may be keen to remind you of should you neglect to return laden with gifts! Barbados is a small island with a lot to give. Anyone with a desire for a warm weather vacation would be hard pushed to find somewhere that can offer all that Barbados does and 2013 looks set to continue its streak as a top holiday destination.