Working remotely and looking for a change of pace? Here are 6 reasons you might want to visit Barbados if you work from home.

If you’ve dreamed of waking up on a workday to the sound of crashing waves as you pour yourself a steaming cup of coffee, the tides may have turned in your favor. Recently, Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C., M. invited remote workers to set up shop in the island country. The 12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp program allows remote workers to do just that. Mottley provided a number of reasons to visit Barbados if you work from home, but the idyllic vistas speak for themselves. Does spending your morning responding to emails from paradise and closing out the afternoon scuba-diving in the pristine waters sound too good to be true? Perhaps not.

With over 430-square miles of beaches, vibrant nature trails, stunning wildlife, and a wide range of history, Barbados is an island in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies. This Caribbean island features a moderate tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. As many of us have realized in recent months on lockdown, staring at the same four walls while participating in Zoom meetings and conference calls, can be a challenge month after month. If you’re looking for a change of pace and change of scenery, here are 6 reasons to visit Barbados if you work from home.

How to Visit Barbados if You Work From Home

During the summer of 2020, Barbados introduced a program that would allow visitors to spend up to one year working remotely in Barbados. The 12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp grants a visa to those who are location independent. Individuals can apply for the visa for a fee of $2000 USD ($2544 CAD) while the family application fee is $3000 USD ($3817 CAD).  Applicants must also submit a passport photo and other documentation.

Strike a Work-Life Balance in the Capital City of Bridgetown

If you’re a fan of city life, Bridgetown is the place for you. From dining and shopping to exploring history, if you’re seeking an extended visit to Barbados, you’ll appreciate the variety of things to do in this capital city. Bridgetown offers a variety of farmers’ markets, clothing shops, and jewelry stores, and countless local artisans and art galleries to discover and explore. If you decide to settle in Bridgetown as part of the 12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp program, you’ll have access to a variety of historical sites to explore during your time off. From the Parliament buildings to Trafalgar Square and the National Heroes Gallery where Barbadian historical heroes take center stage, you’ll have plenty of day trips set on your calendar.

Find Your Home Away From Home in Bathsheba Barbados

Explore Like a Tourist With an Island Safari Tour

After you’ve finished work for the week, it’s time to get out and play like a tourist. What better way than with an off-road tour? The Island Safari Tour company offers a variety of options for those looking to get out and about and explore. Your weekly project management meeting won’t feel like such a chore when you’ve scheduled a weekend Jeep adventure.

Adventure Off-Road takes visitors on an off-road tour of the island. From Bathsheba to Little Bay, the fun is seemingly endless. Island Safari Tour company also provides a double-the-fun version of its tour called the Land and Sea Safari. In addition to a Jeep tour, you’ll hop aboard a Catamaran to explore the western part of the island. There you’ll be able to swim, sunbathe and snorkel and then enjoy a buffet lunch.  

Educational Opportunities Abound Throughout Barbados

As mentioned, the 12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp Program offers a family option. For those seeking to immerse the entire crew in the Barbadian lifestyle, there’s plenty to see and do. According to the program website, “Non-nationals may attend private schools or pay a small stipend for attendance at the state-owned public schools.” This might be a good option for those attending school virtually but will depend largely on your school district’s requirements and regulations. Families who homeschool in the traditional manner, however, your worldschooling adventure awaits.

With a history dating back to the 17th century, Barbados offers a wide variety of options for homeschooling adventures. Whether you take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Sunbury Plantation or explore the sugar production and military history at the Barbados Museum and & Historical Society, your eager learners will be able to immerse themselves in hands-on history.

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous For Regular People

Live like the rich and famous; at least when you’re not on the clock. Barbados may just be the perfect spot for that luxury travel lifestyle on a tight budget. Celebrities flock to this island country for fun in the sun. Whether you spend a day golfing at the Sandy Lane luxury resort in St. James on the east coast or simply rent a fancy boat and live the life you were destined for, you’ll be in good company. Charter a boat, visit a luxury resort, or relax on one of the many world-class beaches, just like the celebrities.

Foodies Flock to Barbados for Flying Fish and Cou Cou

You’ll want to visit Barbados if you work from home as a food blogger. The culinary options are endless. Even if your remote work doesn’t involve food, there’s so much to try in this island country. Nicknamed the land of the flying fish, Barbados’ national dish is Bajan, also known as Flying Fish and Cou Cou. This curried fish stewed in tomatoes is served over cornmeal and okra (Cou Cou).

Answering emails as you gaze out over a balcony overlooking the  Caribbean can be a reality. Remote workers looking to immerse themselves in new experiences will appreciate this unique opportunity. Applying for a work visa in Barbados is a straightforward process. Applications can be submitted on the program website, which details the process in depth. As far as accommodations go, according to the 12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp website, there are a wide variety of accommodation options for applicants to pursue. Applicants can book an Airbnb or rent a home or studio apartment. An in-depth FAQ is available on the site for those interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity.

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