Some of the best travel moments come from mixing laid-back beach time with evening entertainment, and that's exactly what we experienced on our latest day in Barbados.
Yesterday, starting with a morning shuttle to Carlisle Bay Beach, we settled in for what would become four glorious hours of Caribbean bliss. Here's a money-saving tip that could save you $50: when you arrive at Carlisle Bay, you'll likely encounter locals offering beach umbrella rentals for $60 cash. Instead, look for the established beach businesses with pre-set chairs and umbrellas displaying their company name. We paid just $10 per chair with umbrella (and were able to use credit card) - a significant difference that reminds us why it pays to observe your surroundings before making quick decisions.
My 12-year-old transformed into a human fish, spending nearly every minute with his face submerged in the crystal-clear waters. His running tally of spotted fish species reached four, though our quest to spot the elusive leatherback turtles continues! There's something special about watching your child discover the underwater world with such enthusiasm.
Before heading back on shuttle to ou resort, I walked around the Bridgetown area to take in more of the local vibe.
After a brief afternoon rest at our resort (always essential with evening plans especially after New Year's Eve celebrations!), we headed back to Bridgetown for what would prove to be an unforgettable evening at the Harbor Lights Beach Extravaganza and Dinner Show. Not only did the food surpass our resort's all-inclusive offerings, but the entertainment was absolutely spectacular. The show brought Barbadian ("Bajan") culture to life with three dynamic live bands, mesmerizing steel pan performances, and jaw-dropping fire eaters. The Kadooment dancers added vibrant energy, while stilt-walkers demonstrated impressive skills. Traditional characters like the shaggy bears and "Mudda Sally" gave us a taste of authentic Barbadian folklore and entertainment. A trip favorite for the whole family!
The highlight of my evening? Getting my 16-year-old daughter to dance with me - much to her theatrical horror! Sometimes the best vacation memories come from these moments of stepping outside our comfort zones together.
Travel Advisor Tip: When planning your Barbados (or any Caribbean) itinerary, I highly recommend balancing relaxed beach days with evening entertainment. The Harbor Lights show offers an authentic taste of Barbadian culture while keeping the whole family entertained. And don't forget my earlier beach chair rental tip - sometimes the most aggressive sales pitch isn't the best deal!
Tomorrow brings more adventures, and I can't wait to share them with you all!