When we hear the word “vacation” we think about how much fun we will have on a beach, somewhere beautiful. Some may often think about their budget, but if you are like me, a relaxing get-away might be worth touching your savings account.

As graduation season approached, my family and I were puzzled on what exactly to get my sister for a graduation gift, then it hit me. Vacation!

To plan the perfect vacation, there are three main things you need: money, a group of loved ones and good vibes.

After searching the web for hours, the island of Barbados came to mind. The roundtrip flight cost $216, which amazed me, so I began to search for a house. To rent out a house in Barbados, the cost was only $480 for a five-night stay!

For those who never traveled to a place like Barbados, you can only imagine how beautiful and relaxing it must be. As tourist Ariana Barbosa will say “it is Heaven on earth.” Barbosa joined the family vacation, as the graduates best friend. “The sand is soft, the water is crystal clear, the air is so refreshing and the people are wonderful. Everything there is peaceful. Very expensive, but peaceful.” She continued to say.

The Barbados island was expensive indeed. Because we had stayed in a house, groceries were an essential. Can you believe a half carton of milk cost $7 USD? Or how about the lowest priced lotion for $5 USD. Although the essentials were pricey, water activities did not cost as much as we thought.

Jet skiing cost $30 for two hours, turtle snorkeling at $20 and boat cruises for $60. These prices were one of a lifetime!

Family members agreed the place was great.

“West Indian food has to be the best food I’ve had in a while,” said Nadiya Monterio, cousin of the graduate. The national dish of Barbados is Cou-Cou and fried Flying Fish. Another traditional dish is “Pudding and Souse” a dish of pickled pork with spiced sweet potatoes. Monterio shares her love for cou-cou and macaroni pie which she noted “is so mouthwatering, she wishes she knew the secret recipe.” And I can agree!

The calm luxurious beaches of the west coast attract majority of tourists, especially near the St. Lawrence Gap. Saint Lawrence Gap features a stretch of bars, hotels, dance clubs, restaurants and shops along a beachfront.

Tourist and cousin of the graduate, Jaida Smith, said she had the time of her life on the St. Lawrence Gap.

“There was so much excitement going on and so much good food. I was in heaven,” Smith said.

Barbados was a breathtaking experience. From the beaches, to the food and the island itself, readers should add Barbados to their bucket list. It is well worth it.