Barbados has long been a favourite destination for British holidaymakers. Its charm, charisma, and sweeping beaches can woo even the most stoic of travellers. Whether you’re considering Barbados for the first time or looking for a knowledge top-up, this Barbados Travel Guide has everything you need to know.
Why Barbados?
First, let’s cover the fundamentals. Here’s some whip-smart advice for planning a Barbados holiday like a pro.
The Island of Smiles
Barbados is one of the safest Caribbean islands, and the upbeat locals make for a vivid nightlife and spectacular socialising. The island itself is indescribably beautiful and easy to navigate from coast-to-coast. The prestigious West Coast (the Platinum Coast) is met by the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea, and a wide variety of hotels have flourished on these stunning seafronts. The East Coast, met by the strong Atlantic Ocean, offers less commercialised experiences, typified by the iconic rock formations of Bathsheba. The two coasts are only 14 miles apart, so it’s easy to sample both sides of Barbados in a single holiday. Put all this together and you have a gorgeous island that provides everything from luxury escapes to B&B adventures.
Weather & When to Go
The best weather, in terms of low rainfall and manageable temperatures, is January – April. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the smartest time to travel. The best value prices are usually May – June (before summertime highs) and September – November. The latter falls into the Caribbean’s storm season, but the easterly position of Barbados means it tends to miss the severest weather. Knowledgeable holidaymakers bag cracking holiday deals by travelling in these pre-summer and pre-Christmas months.
Things to Do
Barbados is ideal for classic fly and flop holidays, but there are heaps of wonderful attractions for those who like a little exploration. Here are 5 top picks:
1. Get involved with Oistins Fish Fry. This weekly Friday night event brings together locals and tourists alike to sample fresh seafood, cool beer, and live music.
2. Harrison’s Cave offers a unique Bajan experience. Descend into underground caverns with stalactites, stalagmites, and waterfalls.
3. Do a Jeep Safari. It’s a fun and informative way to see Barbados coast-to-coast in a single day.
4. Visit Bridgetown. This historical capitol contains a UNESCO World Heritage site, with colonial history and duty-free shopping in abundance.
5. Try Harbour Lights for an epic night out. This open air beachfront club overlooks the beautiful Carlisle Bay, and a variety of theme nights spice things up.
Getting Around
The famed Reggae Buses make getting round the island quick and cheap, and the happy-go-lucky soundtrack on-board is an experience in itself. For even more independence, rent a car: it’s inexpensive and the island’s major roadways are safe and accessible, especially because Barbados drives on the left. Here are some quality tips for driving in Barbados:
• The minimum driving age for visitors is 21. Anyone over 70 will also require a medical certificate.
• Make sure you have your driving licence. You’ll need it in order to obtain a local driving permit.
• Car horns are often used to signal “Hello” to fellow drivers, so don’t panic about all the honking.
• Local rush hours tend to occur 07:00 – 08:30 and 14:30 – 17:30, so plan accordingly.
Basic Info
A Barbados holiday is all about slowing things down and living life from one rum punch to the next. That said, you’d do well to note down these straight-faced facts.
Currency
The official currency is the Barbadian Dollar, but US Dollars are also widely accepted. Prices in local shops are usually stated in Barbadian Dollars, but rates at your hotel will probably be quoted in US Dollars (or both currencies). Keep in mind that change will always be given in Barbadian Dollars, regardless of which currency you use for payment, and ATMs outside the airport only dispense Barbadian Dollars. US Dollars are easy to obtain from most local currency exchanges before your holiday, so that’s your best option. If in doubt, check the exchange rate here.
Emergency Numbers
We’re confident you’ll have a safe and happy holiday, but these numbers should help you out if you’re in a pickle:
• Police: 211
• Fire Service: 311
• Ambulance: 511
• British High Commission: 0012464307800
FCO Advice
Stay in the loop with the latest travel developments from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office right here.
Barbados Video Map
You’ve got the facts, so get some top hotel recommendations and excursion ideas from this handy interactive map. Just click on a point of interest to learn more and watch an InFocus video review, or click the slider toggle on the top left to see all the destinations at once.
Top Tip: View the map full screen by clicking here.
Go Forth, Fellow Traveller
With all this knowledge in hand, now is the time to discover (or rediscover) Barbados. Enough talk, enough typing, and enough wistful daydreaming. You have all the know-how, so make it happen.
