Travel

Holiday Showdown: Barbados vs the Bahamas

If you're daydreaming of Caribbean holidays, two destinations you should definitely consider for your next break are Barbados and the Bahamas - but the question is, which is best for you? Granted, this is largely a matter of personal taste, but we've put together a quick guide to help you work out where you want to go.

You'll notice there are plenty of similarities between the two, so we've tried to give you a decent idea of how they differ - that way, you can get a better idea of the attractions of each.

Barbados

Best for: natural wonders, discovering history, marine life, dancing to authentic Caribbean beats

This gorgeous island is often referred to as Little England, which should give you some idea of its culture. Now, this doesn't mean that a break here will be basically like staying home - except with a lot more sunshine! - but it does mean you'll get to experience a really interesting mix of UK and West Indian traditions.

Like the Bahamas, this destination is amazing in terms of beaches, water sports and the stunning marine life you can see when snorkelling or diving. Some of its more unique attractions include:

• Natural wonders: Home to some really interesting natural wonders, Barbados is where you'll find sights like massive Baobab trees and Harrison's Cave. The latter is particularly special; head to St Philip to see its underground waterfalls, deep pools and rushing streams, which are a pretty unforgettable sight.

• History: If you've got even the slightest interest in history, Barbados is an amazing place to come, because there's just so much to discover. Head to one of the island's several plantation houses to learn more about the plantation era.

• Music: No trip to the Caribbean would really be complete without shaking your stuff to some Caribbean beats. The great thing about Barbados is that it's easy to find some authentic tunes and a real Caribbean atmosphere - St Lawrence Gap (which you'll likely hear locals refer to just as The Gap) is the top place to go.

The Bahamas

Best for: romance, relaxation, shopping, water sports, high-end nightlife, golf

Unlike Barbados, the Bahamas is an archipelago - and one that's comprised of more than 700 islands. What this means for you is that there's a real breadth of choice when it comes to what kind of holiday you can have, since some isles are famous for their nightlife, while others give you the chance to get away from it all.

• Romance: The Bahamas is home to more than 200 white-sand beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and glorious spas. So, it's not hard to see why it's a great choice for couples.

• Relaxation: When it comes to leisure activities, the Bahamas really does have all its bases covered - from world-class golf courses to water sports, there's something for pretty much everyone.

• Water sports: The sheer variety of water sports here means they really do deserve their own entry! Like Barbados, there are some amazing scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities (especially at Rose Island Reefs), but you can also do things like dive with sharks and go jet-skiing.

• Nightlife: While Barbados is a great place to hear authentic Caribbean rhythms, the Bahamas has a reputation for its slightly fancier nightlife. Head to Paradise Island - the Atlantic, in particular - for a classy night out at the casino. Nassau is great for clubbing, meanwhile; Club Waterloo, which is near Fort Montagu, has a particularly good reputation.

These days, a lot of the Bahamian islands are known for being quite busy and commercial. If that's not your thing, don't dismiss the destination altogether; instead, the Out Islands are a great place to get off the beaten track and enjoy a little peace and quiet.

- Exploring The Caribbean Islands
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning an island hopping tour, the Caribbean is sure to leave a lasting impression. There are plenty of destinations to choose from in the region but we’ve selected 5 of the best, all of which offer...

- 5 Picturesque Locations In The Caribbean
With its tropical setting, golden sandy beaches and year round sunshine, the Caribbean is one of the most picturesque destinations in the world. There are dozens of stunning destinations in the Caribbean that are just waiting to be explored. Here are...

- 3 Warm Christmas Holiday Ideas
Christmas is whatever you make it: while some might like to indulge in mountains of festive food, sip mulled wine and watch copious amounts of TV, others prefer to pack their bags and fly to pastures new for a few days. Whichever camp you fall into -...

- Aruba - A Romantic Paradise
By Heather Greene A perennial favorite for honeymooners and others seeking romantic travel, Aruba is known for its year round high temperatures and its gorgeous white sandy beaches. This is the perfect destination for couples who love relaxing at the...

- The Ritz-carlton Aruba
Ritz-Carlton is to open a luxury new resort on the Caribbean island of Aruba’s famed Palm Beach. ASIA Travel Tips.com Monday, 11 January 2010 The 320-room oceanfront resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, will offer several restaurants, a luxurious spa, two...

Travel