Barbados on a Budget

Filed in archive Caribbean on a Budget on August 27, 2009

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One of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean is Barbados. It's also one of the more expensive. But CNN recently has pointed out a few ways to make a trip to the island a little more enjoyable and a little less painful, financially...

For starters, skip the resorts. The true flavor and friendliness of Barbados is best tasted by getting out into the community. And renting a condo or a beach house is much cheaper than a room at a resort.

My favorite tip?

Forget martinis, set champagne aside. This is rum country. Mount Gay Rum, produced in Barbados since 1703, bills itself as "the rum that invented rum." The distillery's visitor center offers tours and tastings.

Tiny rum shops dot the island, selling the rich spirit by the shot or bottle at bargain-basement prices. Split a bottle among friends for a couple of bucks per person, and check out a cricket match on TV.

The article gives several other money saving tips.