How to book:

• Barbados has been a tourist destination for a long time, and tourism is a major part of the economy, so booking your entire trip online is easy. For your best holiday, you will want to research the locations of the activities you want to include in your time there and then find lodging in a location that provides good access. I find the south coast is a good launching point.

Seasonal differences: 

• In winter there will be more tourists, fleeing from winter weather in the northern hemisphere - US, Canada, and Europe. Consequently, prices are higher, traffic is busier, and reservations harder to get. The locals say the water is “too cold” for them, but compared to water temps back home, you will probably not agree.

• In the spring (before June) and autumn (after October), traffic lightens up a bit especially closer to the summer months, and prices transition to the “off-season” - more reasonable rates.

• The summer is the least busy time and prices are best, but this is hurricane season and those storms come up without a lot of forewarning. 

 

Currency:​

• The Barbados Dollar is tied to the American Dollar and perpetually worth $2 BD to $1 USD. Easy, when shopping just divide in half. Credit, and also American money, is accepted almost everywhere so it is not necessary to change money before you arrive, although you will receive BD in change when you use your American bills.

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Climate:​

• The climate is tropical, changing little from winter to summer - hot and humid all year round. The length of day versus night changes little as well, with an average of 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night year round. The trade winds consistently blow from the east and rain is a common occurrence.

• The eastern shore is always windward and a nice breeze can be counted on to cool off with. There you will find the serious waves and jagged shoreline. Swimming in these waters is not for the casual bather. 

• The western shore is calm and leeward. Many pleasure-seeking tourists will only ever see the west side of the island where lounging on the beach and soaking in the warm azure water is undeterred by wind and waves. On this coast you will find the beach life as well as expensive hotels, resorts, restaurants, golf courses, and other luxury and pleasure-oriented activities. Unfortunately this quintessential tropical paradise is a Mecca for crowds so the west coast is consequently noisy, and traffic can be dense and frustrating. 

• The south coast is a hybrid with beautiful beaches that sport more interesting water action but not crazy, pounding waves - for those who like body boards. Snorkeling is also popular here.

• The north coast of this pear-shaped island is really just a point and is what you might call “far flung” - a day-long expedition given the indirect road system - although there is some beautiful scenery (spectacular waves smashing against rock cliffs) and a few tourist spots, such as the anemone cave.

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Language:​

• Bajans (shorthand for Barbadians) speak “Caribbean” which is essentially English, although American and European English speakers will find it indecipherable. Be sure to listen closely and when replying speak carefully if you want yourself to be heard. It is not necessary to shout, though.

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Transportation:​

• The island is a patchwork of roads. In olden days, plantation folk did not need to travel far and did their crop inspections and churchgoing and neighborly visits by horse and carriage. Roads were primarily intended to connect neighboring plantation houses or traverse around their perimeters. Consequently, there are no direct routes across the island. An exception to this rule can be found in the new roads that connect the airport with the major west coast towns, again inspired by the tourist trade. If you wish to travel anywhere else you will need to be patient and may end up doing some backtracking if you missed a left turn or right turn (this is especially true in the highlands). Finger signs can be found at crossroads and are helpful but not foolproof. Have your route mapped out before you hit the road.

• Public transportation, in the form of buses, does connect most places on the island where locals need to frequent. Visitors on a budget can take the bus to most places you want to visit, but if your itinerary includes exploration of off-the-beaten-track destinations the bus system may not suffice.

• Automobiles are available to rent and offer greater freedom of the “open road” and a more efficient use of vacation time. Most vehicles on this island are of the small variety. If your party exceeds 3 adults (with luggage), a van is your best option. Booking ahead of your trip is highly advisable. Pre-hired rental cars can be picked up at the airport after a great deal of paperwork. 

• Gasoline is sold by the liter and is very expensive so plan your trips efficiently and fill up your tank ahead of a busy day of driving - gas stations are not as plentiful in some parts of the island as one might hope for.