Barbados

Barbados is a deservedly world-famous tourist destination. Home to the popular cruise port of Bridgetown, the island has a breath-taking coastline and some of the world's finest diving, surfing and snorkelling conditions.

Often referred to as the Platinum Coast, the pear-shaped island's western half is dominated by deluxe beach resorts. The central highlands have some interesting cultural sights (including distilleries and plantations), picturesque villages and some amazing walking and hiking trails. The east gives way to the Atlantic Ocean and is commonly referred to as the 'Soup Bowl' because of its big waves. Surfers and backpackers tend to relish the region's assortment of lively beach-side bars and low-cost accommodation.

Barbados's strong ties with English culture have bequeathed it a genial atmosphere and good infrastructure. The sun shines year-round, and the famously friendly locals only enhance the island's glorious ambience. Barbados is rightly one of the most popular winter-sun holiday stops in the world.

Best Time To Visit Barbados

Barbados is sunny and fair, and can be visited at any time of year. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from January to June, making it the perfect winter-sun holiday destination for travellers from the northern hemisphere. The hurricane season in Barbados runs from June to October, but the island is not generally prone to these natural disasters. Visitors are far more likely to experience short and spectacular tropical rainstorms during this time.

What to see in Barbados

-Head to the Platinum Coast and drink in the sight of the azure water gently lapping at the golden sands.

-The scent of tropical flowers hangs heavy in the air in Andromeda Botanical Gardens.

-Capture some memories by taking photos of the spectacular coastline of Bathsheba.

-Take a tour of the Foursquare Rum Distillery and Heritage Park, located on the site of an old sugar plantation.

What to do in Barbados

-Try surfing in the 'Soup Bowl' on the island's eastern coast.

-Explore sunken ships in the clear depths of the Caribbean Sea.

-Socialise with travellers from all over the globe in the backpacker bars that line Barbados's east coast.

-Indulge in some authentic island food, such as breaded flying fish and the Barbadian speciality known as 'pepperpot'.

Getting to Barbados

Travellers can find direct cheap flights to Barbados from the US and the UK.

Read

The Polished Hoe by Austin Clarke

Watch

Hit for Six (2007)

Eat

Breaded flying fish, served with spicy yellow sauce made from Scotch Bonnet peppers; 'pepperpot' (spicy pork stew served in a dark brown sauce), the island's national dish.

Drink

Drink rum cocktails, and sample the local Banks Beer.

Buy

Haggle with beach vendors for handmade jewellery, colourful fabrics and folk art; and be sure to pick up a bottle or two of the excellent Mount Gay Rum.

Pack for Barbados

Pack plenty of sunscreen for a holiday in Barbados, as well as some effective insect repellent. A lightweight rain slicker is a good idea, in the event of a storm.

What's on in Barbados

Surfing competitions are held throughout the year in Barbados's 'Soup Bowl' area, on the island's east coast. Witness an island-style cultural celebration at the Holetown Festival, held just north of Bridgetown. The Barbados Food, Wine and Rum Festival is a delight, featuring top cuisine from world-renowned chefs and the best produce from the island's many rum distilleries.

Some random facts

-Barbados's Mount Gay rum is the oldest still-functioning rum distillery in the world.

-The island's literacy rate is 99.60 percent.

A final word

A quintessential Caribbean paradise, travellers to Barbados can anticipate a relaxing, sun-soaked holiday, full of idle hours spent in perfect tranquillity.

Things to do in Barbados

Barbados has loads to offer visitors from beach life and sightseeing, to surfing, scuba diving, golfing and big game fishing. Resorts in St James and St Peter are dream settings from which to appreciate this tropical paradise, and guests will also find luxury, relaxation and a touch of hedonism on the island's renowned west coast. On the sightseeing front, Harrison's Cave and the Jacobean Mansions are certainly worth visiting, as is the little fishing village of Bathsheba, which is favoured by surfers and photographers. Graeme Hall Swamp has even more in the way of unusual sights. The island is indeed an irresistible option for that perfect, sunny, coastal vacation.

Barbados travel info

Electricity

The electric current in Barbados is 115 volts, 50Hz. US-style plugs are in use, with two flat pins that sometimes have a third round grounding pin.

Language

English is the official language in Barbados.

Money

The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of BBD 2 to USD 1 and does not fluctuate. Its rate is relative to other currencies fluctuations based on the particular currency's relation to the US dollar. US dollars are also widely accepted on the island, and well-known international credit cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants. Banks and ATMs are freely available and cash withdrawals can be made.

Tipping

Tipping in Barbados is not necessary if a service charge has already been included in the bill. Otherwise it is generally about 10 to 15 percent. Tipping is normal in bars.

Health

There are no mandatory requirements regarding vaccinations for visitors to Barbados. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas, and hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for unvaccinated travellers who are one year old or older. There has been an increase in the outbreaks of dengue fever and mosquito repellent is strongly recommended; everyone 5 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before visiting. Medical care is good but very expensive and serious cases are usually transferred overseas (usually to the USA). Health insurance is therefore strongly recommended.

Safety

As in most places, crime is not unknown in Barbados, though violent crime doesn't usually affect travellers. Normal safety precautions should suffice, meaning travellers should watch out for pickpockets in Bridgetown, and hustlers at the entrance to St Lawrence Gap, as well as around south-coast nightlife venues. Otherwise, beach-goers sometimes encounter Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish in Bajan waters. Fortunately, they're usually large, slow and easy to spot. Manchineel trees grace many of the beaches on Barbados, and other Caribbean islands, providing welcome shade to tourists, but be aware that the fruit is highly poisonous and even contact with the bark can cause a nasty rash. Although the risk of hurricanes is very small, as they normally pass to the north of the island, tropical storms may occur between June and November. The western side of Barbados is exposed the wild Atlantic Ocean, and though it is popular with experienced surfers, it is not safe for swimming.

Local customs

Barbados has a vibrant culture, with a mix of British and West African values. The locals have a laid-back attitude to life, but retain strong Christian and family values. Visitors should dress modestly, and swimwear should not be worn away from the beach. Cover up when entering churches and dress up when going to restaurants. Nudity is illegal.

Doing business

Bridgetown is generally the centre of business in Barbados. Business protocol is fairly formal, including greetings (use Mr or Ms) and dress, which is smart. Handshaking between both men and women is expected and business cards are handed out on introduction. Punctuality is expected at meetings. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Banks and post offices close at 3pm.

Duty free

Travellers to Barbados do not have to pay duty on 1 litre of wine or spirits, or souvenirs up to a value of BBD 100. All fruits, vegetables, plants and products may require an import permit and a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine.

Communications

The international access code for Barbados is +1, in common with the US, Canada, and most of the Caribbean, followed by 246. The outgoing code is 011, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). No outgoing code is needed to call the US. Tourists can purchase local prepaid SIM cards; WiFi is available in cafes, restaurants and hotels.

Passport & Visa

Tourists don't usually require a visa for stays of up to six months but they do require a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and documents for onward travel. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. However, it is recommend that passports always be valid for six months after departure from the destination.

Entry requirements

US nationals require a passport that's valid for the duration of their stay, but don't require a visa for a stay of up to six months.

UK nationals require a passport that's valid for the duration of their stay, but don't require a visa for a stay of up to six months.

Canadian nationals require a passport that's valid for the duration of their stay, but don't require a visa for a stay of up to six months.

Australian nationals require a passport that's valid for the duration of their stay, but don't require a visa for a stay of up to six months.

South African nationals require a passport that's valid for the duration of their stay, but don't require a visa for a stay of up to six months.

Irish nationals require a passport that's valid for the duration of their stay, but don't require a visa for a stay of up to six months.

New Zealand nationals require a passport that's valid for the duration of their stay, but don't require a visa for a stay of up to six months.

Useful contacts

Barbados Tourism Authority, Bridgetown: +1 246 427 2623 or www.barbados.org

211 (Police), 511 (Ambulance), 311 (Fire).

Climate in Barbados

The weather is mostly fair and sunny in Barbados, with daytime highs averaging between 75°F and 85°F (24°C and 29°C). These hot conditions are tempered by a cool, northeast trade wind. The dry season occurs over the winter months, from mid-December to mid-April and this is the best time to visit. Heavy rainfall can be expected between July and November, when short downpours are likely on most days, usually followed by sunny weather. Due to the island's easterly position, Barbados has a low risk of hurricanes, however Barbados can experience some spectacular tropical rainstorms. These usually last for short, heavy spells that dry up quickly.