Elizabeth Preske

Associate Editor

March is my absolute least favorite month. You get these truly gorgeous spring days when the sun is bold and bright, the flowers start to poke their heads out, and everything feels exciting and full of possibilities—but then you get days like today, when it's 31 degrees Fahrenheit, the wind is blustery and biting, and I'm having to pull back out my recently-stowed-away thick fleece socks and space heater. It's days like today that have me daydreaming of a trip somewhere tropical, just to tide me over to when the warm weather is here to stay.

Right now, I'm dreaming of a recent trip I took to Barbados. The Caribbean island encompassed some of my favorite things about summer, even though it wasn't summer. I spent my days sipping rum, snorkeling with sea turtles, and sunbathing on the beach—truly an idyllic way to spend a few days. This week, you can learn more about why Barbados makes for the perfect spring destination (and join me in planning a trip down there) as well as get a peek at Meneghetti's new winery in Croatia and Apple's TSA-approved digital ID. Safe travels!

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Destination of the Day

Barbados

The birthplace of rum, Barbados offers up distillery tours and more than 1,500 rum shops, which in combination with some of the best restaurants this side of the Caribbean, make Barbados feel like gastronomic heaven. Adventure seekers, meanwhile, will want to take to one of the country's 80-plus white-sand beaches for surfing and snorkeling, and in the neighborhood of Speightstown, art lovers will find galleries and museums galore. Add all this to the fact that the springtime months see the driest weather of the year, and a trip to the island country right now feels particularly dreamy.

Stunning Beaches

Barbados is world-renowned for its charm and hospitality, as well as its breathtaking natural beauty—featuring, of course, the gorgeous beaches that make this island a paradise. The easternmost nation in the Caribbean, Barbados is not sheltered from the ocean's currents like other destinations in the island chain, resulting in the best breaks east of Fiji. Luckily, there are beaches that can accommodate both beginners and expert surfers alike, as well as plenty of options for beach bums.

Where to Stay

The island of Barbados is filled with luxurious seaside resorts that capitalize on its lush tropical surroundings. If you're in the mood for stylish sophistication, then a stay at the adults-only The House is the perfect solution. The nearby Colony Club, another chic resort that's part of Barbados-based hotel group Elegant Hotels, is home to the Rum Vault, where you'll find more than 150 rums and weekly events like signature dinners, rum tastings, and rum and chocolate pairings. A picturesque seaside option, Little Good Harbour in the parish of St. Lucy is home to The Fish Pot Restaurant, which serves up grilled flying fish and Caribbean lobster. If you're booking with a larger group or focusing on family travel (and minimizing meal costs), then consider booking an all-inclusive resort to accommodate those needs.

Barbados' 12-Month Visa Program

If a week-long visit to the Caribbean island isn't enough, Barbados' 12-month Welcome Stamp visa program encourages remote workers to turn their quick trip into an extended stay of up to a year. Who's in?

Vacation Like a Pro

Travelers on a budget should consider visiting during the off-season, from mid-April through November, to save on airfare and hotel costs. If you are planning on visiting the island during the holiday season, or from mid-December through mid-April, then plan on scouring the web for travel deals in advance to minimize increased costs.

Katherine Parker-Magyar
Contributing Writer

Your Packing List

It's pretty humid in Barbados; pack breathable clothing like cotton tops, flowy dresses, and linen pants.

If you plan to spend your days by the sea, a swimsuit and reef-safe sunblock are a must.

Although spring is the driest season of the year, you'll want to bring a raincoat in case of passing showers.

It can get cool at night, so consider a cardigan or lightweight scarf for the evening.

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Get Inspired

The most famous of Chile's national parks, Torres del Paine is home to rolling grasslands, emerald lakes, subpolar forests, and neon blue-tinted glaciers. With the Cuernos del Paine, the park's famous granite peaks, towering over the landscape, you'll find wildlife like the puma, guanaco, huemul deer, condors, Darwin's rheas, and flamingos here. Plan a day hike up to the peaks, or opt for multi-day treks like the W, the O, or the Q.

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