California & Barbados Multi & Twin Centre Holidays

Chasing the sun on your California multi-centre? Take advantage of the fantastic forecast over the peak summer months between June and August, with an average high of 29°C. It’ll feel noticeably warmer across the Inland Empire, Sacramento and Central Valley. Stay out towards the sea to combat the rays with a refreshing coastal breeze.

In Barbados, the hottest period also runs from June to August, with a divine average high of 31°C - so cooling off with an ice cream in the shade will be essential! It’s worth adding, that whilst this period is the hottest, it’s also the wettest - with an average of 13 days of rain forecast. These downpours will be short-lived, and the skies will clear in no time! 

There’s a lot more to our California and Caribbean twin-centre holidays than sunshine, as both destinations offer up plenty of opportunities for exploration. 

If you’d like to soak up some culture without the hustle and bustle of the peak tourism months, then the best time to visit California is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). The weather will still be in the early twenties, and you’ll have less crowds to contend against. Over in the Caribbean, the best time to visit is during the winter months (December to April) as you’ll miss the main hurricane season. 

If you plan to visit California in June, you’ll have the opportunity to explore while it’s relatively quiet. Then, you can plan your arrival in Barbados for July - when the sun will be scorching and there won’t be a cloud in the sky! Multi-centres like this provide the best of both worlds. 

The time difference between California and Barbados is generally 4 hours, as most of California follows the Pacific Time Zone (PT). Barbados is ahead, and given that it’s a relatively small difference, the adventure that awaits on your Barbados multi-centres shouldn’t be held back by jet-lag.

We’re here to help turn your dream holiday into a reality. Secure your multi-centre holiday up to 36 months in advance, paying a low deposit at the time of booking and the remainder of the trip in easy, monthly instalments.  

Many of the UK’s main airports offer routes to California that typically include 1-2 stops - so you can consider the likes of Newcaste, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Liverpool if this multi-leg journey suits you. If you’d prefer the convenience of a direct flight, then London Gatwick, London Heathrow, or Manchester will be your best choices. 

The arrival airport for the second leg of your journey will of course be dependent on your twin-centre itinerary, but California has a selection of major airports you can fly into, including San Jose International Airport (SJO), San Diego International Airport (SAN), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

The above airports also offer both direct and multi-leg routes to Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI). The average flight time from California to Barbados is around 7 hours 52 minutes, depending on your departure airport.

If you’re travelling with thrill-seekers in tow, you’ll be delighted to find a whole host of adventure-ready theme parks peppered across California. The whole family can embrace the magic of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, where the stories that shaped your childhood will play out in front of you - plus, you’re never too old to bag a picture with your favourite character! 

If an adrenaline rush is on the cards, then Universal Studios Hollywood ought to feature on your California itinerary. Cruise amongst dinosaurs on the Jurassic World ride, find your inner wizard with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, or live like an action hero on the Fast & Furious Supercharged ride. 

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park is another exhilarating spot where you can put your tolerance of heights to the test. There are 40 rides to choose from, with many stretching up high into the Californian skies, before you plunge back down to the ground! It’s not for the faint-hearted. 

Alternatively, experience life in miniature at LEGOLAND California in the city of Carlsbad. Featuring 60 rides and a handful of interactive activities to enjoy - spending just one day here won’t be enough, as there’s so much to pack in!

Barbados is a cultural hub best characterised by vibrant carnivals and parades, a rich heritage, and plenty of local traditions. Our Barbados holidays give you the perfect opportunity to savour an authentic experience of this gorgeous island, and we’ve outlined some of the prime cultural highlights across this luscious landscape.

The eccentric capital city of Bridgetown boasts an array of historical sites, and you can sample a diverse tour of the country’s origins at The Barbados Museum. Art aficionados can appreciate the wonders of the Barbados Art Gallery, and there’s an annual music festival held in January, showcasing some of the island’s homegrown talents. 

If you’re visiting between May and August, you can experience Barbados’ traditional Crop Over Festival. This period is a vibrant, rich celebration, steeped in culture and marks the end of the island's sugar cane harvest season. 

You can also catch a diverse range of activities and events during this period, including calypso competitions, eclectic Soca music performances, and Grand Kadooment Day - a costume parade to mark the end of the festival, which brings revellers of all ages out onto the streets.

Though the island does have a clear appeal for couples and honeymooners, Barbados is definitely family-friendly. There are plenty of fantastic resort hotels to choose from and the all-inclusive options here certainly cater to guests of all ages - even picky toddlers! The island has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and there’s no shortage of family-orientated activities - from watersports to hiking trails, marine excursions and more.

Whether you’re a foodie or not, sampling some local culinary delights is a must during your multi-centre holidays to California and Barbados. In fact, after sampling some of the island’s delights, you’ll have an appetite for Barbadian cuisine long after your holiday has ended. 

Seafood is a staple in Barbadian cooking, and you'll find a variety of flavour-packed sauces and spices in the country’s national dishes.

Cou cou is often considered the national dish of Barbados. It’s a smooth, creamy dish made from cornmeal and okra, with a consistency similar to polenta. Flying fish, another staple in Barbadian cuisine, is typically served on top of the Cou Cou, accompanied by a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
 
Bajan macaroni pie is the King of all comfort foods! This baked casserole is made with macaroni pasta, cheese, eggs, and milk, and is often served as a side dish or a main course at family gatherings.

As a substitute for rice or bread in traditional Barbadian meals, breadfruit is a starchy tropical fruit that can be roasted, fried, or boiled. 

The most important things to pack for your California and Barbados twin-centre holiday will be lightweight layers. When you’re exploring the cities, theme parks, and malls of California, you may want the option of adding another layer if you’re in the shade or wandering along the breezy coast. 

For Barbados’ tropical climate, swimwear and SPF will likely be your everyday essentials. The temperature may drop in the evenings, but it’ll still sit within the early twenties, so you won’t want to wear anything too heavy. 

Keep sunstroke at bay in both destinations by bringing a hat, staying hydrated and throwing your favourite pair of sunglasses in your beach bag.