The most easy-going of the Caribbean's big names, Barbados splits neatly: calm platinum beaches on the west coast, surf and salt spray on the east, and rum shops with domino games everywhere in between. Fly fish sandwiches at Oistins' Friday fish fry are compulsory. December to April is classic dry-season Caribbean; direct flights from the UK make it the easiest long-haul on this list.
Featured in Ten tropical islands that live up to the postcard · Tropical