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Jamaica vs Barbados?
Where Will Your Vacation In The Caribbean Be?

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Jamaica vs Barbados | Goblin Hill Beach In Portland

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Jamaica and Barbados are two of the most travelled islands in the Caribbean. They are rich in history, have solid cultures and give you the perfect island vibe you need for your tropical vacation. Here is a small comparison between the two to help you decide which island will be perfect for you.

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When should you visit?

The ideal time to travel to Jamaica depends on your objectives. The peak season from December to April is the best time to travel if you're looking to escape the cold winter months in your country.

In this season, it is almost guaranteed that all restaurants, resorts, and attractions will be open and operating at maximum capacity.

On the other hand, if you want to get the best deals or avoid the crowds, go between May and August. It's the perfect time to go because the weather is mild, the prices are great, and there aren't as many people around.

The best times to go to Barbados coincide with those for Jamaica, along with August when the Crop Over festival takes place. This festival features the kind of stunning costumes, live music, and street parades that are typically associated with Carnival week.

Cuisine

The national dish of Jamaica, ackee and saltfish, and jerk chicken and pork, are famous worldwide. The majority of Jamaican food is spicy, but Jamaican chefs are used to cooking for tastes from all over the world.

Barbados cuisine, also known as Bajan cuisine, is very diverse and influenced by African, Portuguese, Indian, Irish, Creole, and British cultures. The national dish is cou-cou and fried flying fish, but other fish are also very popular and are frequently served with Bajan pepper sauce, particularly kingfish, swordfish, Mahi Mahi and red snapper.

This is particularly true on Friday and Saturday nights when locals and visitors converge to eat the freshest fish grilled over sizzling barbecues while local bands perform.

Accommodations

Jamaican villas are large, fully staffed, and often found in resorts/country clubs such as the Tryall Club and Round Hill. This strikes the best balance between a 5-star resort's amenities and service and a villa's space and privacy. Barbados villas typically stand alone, though plenty of apartment and condo rentals are also available.

In comparison to Jamaica, it is a little easier to find accommodations that are right on the beach, and many are fully staffed. Many are located on peaceful beachfront strips, providing the utmost seclusion and relaxation.

Many all-inclusive resorts are available on both islands, making them ideal for travellers on a budget.

Beaches

Jamaica vs Barbados | Bottom Bay Beach (Photo: Planetware.com)

When you think of the Caribbean, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the beach. Jamaica's beaches stand out from those of other countries in the Caribbean due to their numerous iconic beaches, which are frequently vibrant settings with lots of variety.

An excellent example is Negril's 7-Mile Beach, which features miles and miles of stunning white sand beach and calm, clear waters. All sizes of resorts and villas, as well as various beachgoers, shops, and restaurants, are scattered throughout.

Barbados is a beautiful island with various beaches to suit every taste. The key difference is that the beaches in Barbados tend to be much quieter than those in Jamaica.

Activities

Jamaica vs Barbados | ATV Rides

Jamaica, one of the Caribbean's largest landmasses, is home to many outdoor activities that aren't accessible in Barbados. This includes activities like scaling Dunn's River Falls, going on an ATV safari, or hiking in the stunning Blue Mountains. While there are golf courses in Barbados, the Tryall Club, Half Moon, and Rose Hall courses in Montego Bay are among the best in the Caribbean and have won numerous awards.

Compared to Jamaica, Barbados is much drier and flatter. As a result, beach and water activities are much more the focus of outdoor excursions.

Thanks to the clear waters in locations like Bell Buoy Reef (near Accra Beach), which is well-known for its angelfish and parrot fish, or Carlisle Bay Marine Park, which has several different wrecks to explore, snorkelling is one such activity.

Choosing one over the other might be difficult, but my suggestion would be Jamaica for a thrilling, action-packed vacation. Except for the highly energetic Crop Over season, Barbados is the best option for an all-around relaxed vacation.

But in both countries be prepared to enjoy the exceptional weather, delicious food and the company of great people.

References & Sources For Jamaica Vs Barbados

Schwimmer, J. and Schwimmer, J., 2022. Jamaica Vs Barbados: Which Is Best for You? | Rental Escapes. [online] Rental Escapes. Available at: [Accessed 16 September 2022].

Jamaica Vs Barbados | Written: September 16th, 2022

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