At first glance, it may seem obvious why many school travel companies ignore Barbados as a destination for their student trips. Traditionally associated with summertime fly-and-flop romps, this Caribbean island does not exactly scream ‘education’; in fact, if anything, it places itself nearer the other end of the spectrum.
And yet, it would be unfair to say that Barbados offers nothing in the way of arguments towards considering it as a viable location for school travel companies to add to their portfolio. The island’s main focus may be on relaxation and tourism, but hiding beneath the surface is just enough didactic potential to justify a second look from teachers and educators.
A Natural Paradise
Teachers of science or environment-related subjects, for example, will find plenty in Barbados to interest their students. Like most of its neighbouring islands, this Caribbean resort assaults the senses at every turn with lush, colourful vegetation, diverse wildlife and stunning natural landscapes, which will leave no student indifferent. A visit outside of the rainy season will also captivate due to the enticing quality of the island’s sandy beaches, which, unsurprisingly, attract thousands of tourists every year.
Pupils studying aquatic life may also derive some enjoyment from exploring the underwater world of Barbados, which is distinctly different from that found on a European or American beach. Harrison’s Cove, a crystallised limestone cave, is another must-see hotspot, particularly for students of mineralogy.
A Sporting Chance
Another group that school travel companies may attract by offering trips to Barbados are the Physical Education students. This is because the island offers a good amount of opportunities to both watch and indulge in a variety of sporting activities, including but not limited to cricket and netball. Water sports such as snorkelling, wakeboarding and surfing are also in plentiful supply, and groups lucky enough to visit outside of the rainy season are sure to derive enjoyment from trying any of them.
A Dose Of Culture
Last, but not least, Barbados also offers its dose of culture to those who take a chance on it. As a former colonial settlement for both Spain and England, the island retains traces of each country’s influence, which might make for fascinating fodder for History students on a school trip to the Caribbean resort.
The top school travel companies are already looking towards Barbados on their list of destinations. The island may not appear to offer much by way of culture on the surface, but those willing to delve deeper will discover the opposite to be true.