Caribbean? Worth visiting or boring and tacky?

[Nivvers2001]

Planning a trip with family or either February half term or Easter holidays and really want to go somewhere properly hot and exotic and relax, swim, see wildlife etc. I'm a very nervous flier but accept I'm going to need to travel at least 8/9 hours for proper heat. My shortlist is currently Barbados or St Lucia but not sure if there's that much to do. Other options would be Mexico or Thailand (DH ie less keen and both require a longer flight which isn't ideal).

Thanks so much for your helpful comments about travelling to the Caribbean. Really answered my question, thank you.

Boring and tacky - really?? thats not okay…. I have been to the Caribbean several times and it’s been a different experience each visit. I keep going back the scenery, the warmth, the rainstorms, the food/ culture, the people….

Boring and tacky? I don’t think Barbados needs your custom!

I've been to Barbados as a tourist 3 times, and St Lucia once. I didn't like my choice of hotel in St Lucia - it was an AI, albeit not a very posh one. It was a long time ago, and at the time I likened it to Butlins in the sun. But that was my fault - I chose poorly. The country itself is amazing with tons of things to do; rain forest, active volcano, marine stuff, historic sites, shopping, etc..

I like Barbados as a "home from home" location. I've always found it safe, comfortable, friendly etc.. I've stayed once in a small hotel, but in independent apartments otherwise. I love the south / west coast, but the east coast has been opened up more with "wind" -based sports, but I wouldn't go there to "just" sit on the beach / swim - it's rough. I think there are fewer things to "do", as in organised day trips, but that may be because I've been independently, so I've not had any reps selling them! I have enjoyed catamaran days, snorkeling, and other "standard" beach holiday things.

For a different activity every day, I'd choose St Lucia. For a fly and flop experience I'd choose Barbados.

Thank you, very helpful.

Goodness, so offended!

You seem very upset about those two words. Abnormally so. The UK frequently gets described as a shithole. It doesn't upset me in the slightest. I can disagree with someone's description of somewhere without getting upset and angry.

I think the OP sees herself as a more discerning traveller as opposed to a tourist & doesn’t feel she belongs in a large AI resort. Lots of different accommodation options in the Caribbean

We went to Puerto Rico once and it was amazing - Spanish colonial architecture, a small rain forest, a dry forest, beaches, a mountain range....

Indeed not. No one tacky or boring enough. It’s upmarket, high end, colourful, fun, a paradise on earth. The Bajans aren’t tacky or boring. They’re proud of their island and are so welcoming.
Butlins might be more up OP’s street.

Because its offensive its not difficult to see that from the comments people have made. I don’t want to see anywhere called tacky or boring- people live there, human beings that may not be able to live anywhere else. You are just rude, you have been called out on your attitude and you don’t like it!

Thanks so much for your helpful comment. Really answers my question. I've never been to Butlins but I don't look down upon people who go. How come it's ok for you to look down on people who go to Butlins but not for me to ask if Barbados is tacky and boring?

I actually couldn't care less about randoms on Mumsnet coming on a post solely for the purpose of attacking the poster. It says far more about you than it does me that you have time to waste lurking on posts, not to comment constructively but to monitor people's use of language then take great offence and insult them. Now that is truly pathetic.

Because Butlins is an actual tacky resort, and the Caribbean islands are whole nations. Odd you can't see the difference. You're really not coming across as very polite here.

Interesting. A good friend went there and wasn't overly keen. Different people have different opinions.

Neither are you Dairy, not at all. You brought up Butlins, not me. I never said they were the same. Are you bored? You're obviously only here to pick a fight rather than offer travel tips, aren't you?

I think a lot of people who do go to Butlins would find it offensive that you have called it tacky. You called it an "actual tacky resort." At least I ASKED if Barbados was tacky and boring rather than stating it as a fact and asked for opinions. Sadly you can get over your massive amount of offence taken can you? Are you Gen Z by any chance?

Gen Z?! what does that have to do with anything? FYI MNs demographic is not gen Z! 😂😂

🤣

I've not taken any offense, I've merely answered your question, tried to help your understanding, offered my advice having visited a few of the Islands and worked in travel for quite a while- albeit a long time ago! Gen Z 🤣. Keep on, I'm enjoying myself a tiny bit in between planting bulbs.

Would you like me to explain more to you about the difference between a resort and an island nation?

Have a little think.

Loved Trinidad and Tobago

Perhaps cross Barbados off your list.

You are the one being judgemental by describing a whole chain of nation islands as 'boring and tacky'.

I see you got my post deleted which was calling you out on your judgemental attitude.

Will you get this deleted too??

Careful, Nivvers got me deleted for the exact same comment.

you weren't wrong! 😄