Barbados – Travel Guide
Barbados is a magical slice of paradise in the Caribbean. With its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, the island is a popular vacation destination for travelers around the world. Discover its unique mix of Bajan culture and its colonial past. Visit the historic Garrison in Bridgetown and explore its cultural heritage. Take in the breathtaking views from the top of the Mount Gay Distillery and experience Bajan rum-tasting. Dive into the ocean and explore the rich marine life. Sample the delicious and inventive cuisine, featuring the freshest ingredients. Barbados is a land of endless discovery and adventure.
All about Barbados
Barbados FAQ
What is Barbados known for?
The small island of Barbados measures 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, it may be small but is packed full of incredibly diverse landscapes from the sparkling stretches of beaches to the mountain, spacious north region. The country is known for many things including its pearlescent white beaches, beautiful blue waters, the national dish Cou Cou and Flying Fish, Rihanna, the richest female musician originates from Barbados which is also the birthplace of rum. The beaches here are one of the main attractions with endless opportunities for lounging on the soft sands and soaking up the Caribbean sunshine. Barbados boasts some spectacular waves on the south and east coast, a lively surf scene is present here, which is home to surfing competitions, and a plethora of other watersports. The Soup Bowl, Bathsheba situated on the east coast is famed as the Surfing South Point spot on the island along with other locations like Freights Bay and Branden. The island is a shoppers dream with a to die for shopping scene with unique boutiques, jewelry stores, bustling markets, and duty-free shopping, there is something for every shopper. The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, Cou Cou served with Flying Fish is the national dish of the Bahamas, other popular authentic dishes include macaroni pie, Bajan fried chicken and pudding, and souse. The capital city of Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with historical highlights and decorated by authentic buildings, churches, and other iconic landmarks. Mount Gay Distilleries is the country`s famed rum producer since 1703, making the oldest rum in the world, there are over 1500 rum shops found throughout the island along with distilleries. .
What are the best places to visit in Barbados?
Barbados Island is nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the West Indies known for miles of idyllic beaches, tasty Cou Cou, the National Dish, Flying Fish, and the birthplace of Rum. The island boasts a unique position and features 21 miles of sparkling coastline, lapped by beautiful waters offering a variety of activities and adventures.
How many days should I spend in Barbados?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Barbados?
Getting around in Barbados is best done by renting a car with a host of local companies available on the island. They drive on the left-hand side of the road and you will need an international driver’s license or a temporary permit (most rental car companies can issue these) to drive here. Rental cars can be picked up at the airport or ordered for delivery to your hotel by the concierge. The roads in Barbados are easy to navigate but are sometimes winding and narrow in parts of the island. However, driving is the most efficient way to get around at your own pace.
What is the currency in Barbados?
The official currency in Barbados is the Barbadian or Bajan dollar (BBD), permanently fixed to the US dollar (usually around $1USD = Bds$2). U.S Dollars are widely accepted, however paying in Barbados dollars will make your money go further. It is best to have both currencies on hand when traveling to the island. There are ATMs found at the airports, and banks throughout the island.
Do people speak English in Barbados?
The official language spoken in Barbados is English. Many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. Most of the island’s inhabitants have a good comprehension of the English language. We recommend you get a good guidebook and learn common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Barbados
The tropical Caribbean Island of Barbados boasts over 3000 hours of sunshine each year. The island features hot sunny days, with high humidity and tropical rain showers during the summertime and hurricane season from June to November.
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There are prevailing northeast trade winds that blow throughout the year, cooling things off a bit.
The best time to visit Barbados is said to be from mid-December through the middle of April which is dry season, the weather is less humid this time of year and good weather is pretty much a guarantee during this time. This time is also peak/high season and a popular time for people to travel to the island and escape the cold winters in the US and Europe. Daily average temperatures range from the mid to low the 70s with highs around 86 degrees. The months of July through October are low season in Barbados with affordable prices and less crowded island experience.
Tipping in Barbados
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these “tips” will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Barbados
What is the currency in Barbados?
The official currency in Barbados is the Barbadian or Bajan dollar (BBD), permanently fixed to the US dollar (usually around $1USD = Bds$2). U.S Dollars are widely accepted, however paying in Barbados dollars will make your money go further. It is best to have both currencies on hand when traveling to the island. There are ATMs found at the airports, and banks throughout the island.