Grantley Adams International Airport was expected to be filled with quiet anticipation on Christmas Eve morning as residents returning home and visitors arriving for the holidays filtered through the arrivals terminal, each carrying their own reasons for choosing Barbados at Christmas. But this year, there was a noticeable lull.
The Arrivals schedule at Grantley Adams International Airport. (LE)
While the airport was not at its busiest, a steady flow of passengers underscored the island’s continued appeal as a place to reconnect, unwind and celebrate the festive season. From solo travellers to repeat regional visitors, the common thread was the search for experience, rest and togetherness.Among those arriving was Kareem Kirton, visiting from Grenada and travelling alone for the holidays. Asked why he chose Barbados, he explained it was “just for the experience”, adding that solo travel was something he had only recently started doing.
Kareem Kirton, visiting from Grenada shared he was travelling “just for the experience”. (LE)
He noted that while it might not become a frequent habit, he was “just trying to” explore on his own terms.
He shared plans to visit Harrison’s Cave, Oistins and other attractions but made it clear that the people were central to what he was looking forward to.
Not everyone was arriving. At departures, a Bajan traveller was heading out for the holidays, reflecting the two-way movement typical of Christmas Eve. Bound for Panama, the traveller said it was not a new destination, having visited the country the year before.
“I was to go somewhere else, but things didn’t materialise, so I decided to go back there and do some schoolwork and just get some rest and relaxation,” the traveller said.
Christmas Day, however, would still include a family connection. “Probably go by my taxi driver family and we’ll just find it there,” the traveller explained, noting that Christmas is usually spent relaxing, having lunch and enjoying time together.
“Each person will go to a different family house each year… and have a good time,” they added, acknowledging that this year would be a little different.
Back at arrivals, Judi David was making her fourth trip to Barbados, once again travelling from Grenada. For her, the decision required little thought. “Because it is our go-to place for vacation,” she said.
Judi David was making her fourth trip to Barbados, once again travelling from Grenada and shared that Barbados is “our go-to place for vacation”. (LE)
Although she has no family on the island, she noted that friendships and familiarity keep drawing her back. “Just love coming to Barbados,” she said simply.
Her Christmas plans were firmly rooted in relaxation. “Just at the Wyndham… we’ll be at Wyndham for the week and enjoy our Christmas, drink and be merry,” she said with a laugh.
Looking ahead, she hinted that travel would remain a priority.
“My plans for the New Year is to travel a lot.”
Another visitor marked the holidays with a double celebration, arriving to spend both his birthday and Christmas with family. “Today is my birthday and tomorrow is Christmas,” he said, explaining that after being invited the previous year, he decided to repeat the experience.
His stay would be brief — just two days — but meaningful.
While no major birthday plans were set, he mentioned possibly spending time at the spa and enjoying the hotel. Reflecting on the season, he said this was his first time spending Christmas in Barbados, having lived and studied on the island decades ago but never during the holidays.
(LE)
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