bu95

Hello,
My husband and I are trying to decide where to go for our next caribbean vacation. We are trying to decide between Grenada or Barbados. We are interested in beautiful beaches and relaxation, diving, exploring the island. We are on a budget and do not need luxury. What are the good points/bad points of each island? What makes one better that the other? Thank you so much for your help.

Lois

We have been to both islands. I prefer the gorgeous beaches in Barbados with white or pink sand and gorgeous turquoise waters. I wasn't that impressed with Grenada and they get much more rain than Barbados. Diving is available in Barbados, and it's 166 sq. miles so there is lots of exploring you can do. If you want specific, please write me directly.
I think overall you can find buget accommodations and inexpensive food in Barbados, but you can also find the moderate and very expensive with a large variety of each to choose from. Also, Barbados has an excellent road system.

RAB

I have been to both, but Barbados was many years ago. Grenada is more scenic, undeveloped and "old Caribbean" in atmosphere. Barbados seems more formal. As it is more mountainous, roads in Grenada aren't as good. Tourist development is pretty much limited to the South, but there is a reasonable selection of hotels and restaurants; not as many up-scale ones as Barbados but some quite good mid-range and lower. There is a lot that can be explored, and it is especially good if you are into hiking. There are several accessible waterfalls, spice factories, really old rum factories, restored plantations, etc. Grand Anse beach is considered top class, and there are a several others that are quite nice and more that are empty and undeveloped, but overall Barbados may have an edge. The people are very friendly. Rain depends on the time of year. I don't know which would be classed as more rainy overall, but in 30 years of visiting the Caribbean, Barbados is the only place where we had 4 days of solid rain - and this was in the dry season!