100% Bajan. 100% real.
About Rum & Roots
I don’t just know this island – I live it, love it, and built a business around sharing it right.
Why I started Rum & Roots
Hi, I’m Taylor:
travel planner, rum punch enthusiast and proud Barbadian.
I started Rum & Roots because, frankly, I was tired of watching Barbados (and the rest of the Caribbean) get overlooked, underestimated or totally misrepresented. We’re not just cruise stops. We’re not just beaches and all-inclusives. This region is layered, soulful and wildly alive, so it deserves more than a copy-paste itinerary.
I’ve planned trips through big-name agencies. I’ve read the guidebooks. I’ve seen the generic blog posts written by people who visited Barbados once and think they’ve ‘done’ the island.
I knew I could do better – not just because I’m from here, but because I care more.
So I built Rum & Roots to help travellers experience Barbados (more of the Caribbean coming soon) with more depth, more ease and way more joy. Whether I’m planning your entire itinerary or pointing you to the coffee stand at the farmer’s market where I used to work as a teen, I bring real insight, real care and real love for this place. Every time.
So… what’s different about Rum & Roots?
I’m not just showing you Barbados – I’m sharing it.
I’m from here. This isn’t just a job. This is my home, my culture, my community. You’ll get local advice you simply can’t Google.
I keep it real. From service delays to sun angles, I’ll tell you what’s actually worth your time (and what’s not).
I don’t do cookie-cutter. Whether you’re spending $10k+ or $50, your trip will be thoughtful, personal and made to match you.
I care (a lot). I treat every trip like it’s for someone I love. Because honestly? It is.
What we believe around here.
These three words guide everything we do:
Explore
Travel deeper. Beyond the glossy, beyond the obvious.
Empower
Give travellers real tools to make the most of their experience, whether it’s full-service or DIY.
Enjoy
This is meant to be fun! From first-day dreams to final-day sunsets, let’s make it feel good.
Other non-negotiables:
Caribbean born & raised
No secondhand advice. You’ll only ever hear from someone who actually knows the place they’re recommending.
Cultural care
We travel with respect– for the people, the rhythms and the land.
Trust & truth
I’ll always tell it like it is. With heart, humour and honesty.
What’s next for Rum & Roots?
Right now, it’s just me and Barbados – and that’s a pretty good place to start! But the long-term vision? Big.
In the future, I’ll be expanding Rum & Roots to cover other islands like St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent… always led by locals.
That said, I already know these islands (and plenty more across the Caribbean) intimately, so if your sights are set beyond Barbados, feel free to reach out.
Because the ‘roots’ in Rum & Roots isn’t just a name. It’s the promise: you’ll never be sent generic suggestions from someone halfway across the world.
I’m also working on:
Designing AI-powered guides for seamless, personalized travel
Building affiliate tools to recommend must-pack items
Supporting coral reef restoration efforts and environmental charities
Partnering with local makers and Caribbean brands