Barbados travel tips
Barbados is one of the most popular island destinations in the Caribbean, and therefore offers a highly developed tourist infrastructure and all the trappings of modern society, with just enough local flavour to feel ‘exotic’. The following tips will help you make the most of your Caribbean getaway.
-
The best time to go to Barbados is during the cooler, drier months of late winter and early spring (February to May). The payoff is that everyone else goes at this time too, and the prices are higher and places are crowded.
-
The best and cheapest transport option on Barbados is the bus. There are three kinds of buses: government operated public buses, which have the most extensive routes; a privately operated minibus system; and route taxis.
-
Selling goods to tourists on the beach is a regulated practice in Barbados. If you are bothered by a vendor, report it to the police.
-
Some of the best windsurfing in the world is found on the southern coast of Barbados.
-
You'll want some Barbados dollars for small purchases, but most larger payments can be made in US dollars or with a credit card. Remember that Barbados isn’t cheap, especially if you plan to eat out often and party hard. Banks are easy to find in the larger towns and major tourist areas. Most hotels add a 10 per cent service charge.
-
Airport taxis aren't metered, but fares are regulated (about $28 to Speightstown, $20-$22 to west coast hotels, $10-$13 to south coast ones). Be sure, however, to establish the fare before getting into the taxi and confirm whether the price quoted is in US or Barbados dollars.
-
The water supply is clean and dependable, naturally filtered through porous coral in the underground streams where water is drawn from. It is also treated. Most grocery stores stock a variety of bottled water as well.
-
If you're staying in a remote location, such as the east coast, you may want to rent a car for the duration of your stay.
Useful travel tips resources
Footprint Guides - Barbados
Excellent resource on Barbados from this well-known travel guide publisher.
http://www.footprintguides.com/
Barbados
An exhaustive resource of information, advice, and tips on holidaying in Barbados.
http://www.barbados.org
Fun Barbados
Offers handy tips and general information for travelling in Barbados.
http://www.funbarbados.com
More topics on this site…
Barbados travel information
Barbados health and safety
Barbados maps and geography
Barbados Trip Planner
Barbados Accommodation
Barbados Arts and Entertainment
Barbados Bars and Clubs
Barbados Eating And Drinking
Barbados Festivals And Events
Barbados History and Background
Barbados Shopping
Barbados Sports
Subregions of Barbados
Essentials
Visas: Not required for most nationals, required to show onward or return ticket
Season: February - May
Money: Barbados Dollar, US and Canadian dollars accepted
Language: English
Emergency #: