Barbados travel guide

 

Barbados

 

Meet Barbados Barbados weather reportGetting into BarbadosFrom the Bajan kitchenFrom the Bajan bar Currency in BarbadosMajor airports in BarbadosExamples of food and drink spendThings to have at hand in BarbadosDid you know?

 

Meet Barbados

 

Barbados is the quintessential tropical island.  Located in the Caribbean, just north east of  Venezuela, it has been dubbed the little England of the Caribbean – not due to homogenisation, but because of its long association as a British colony.  The island is divided into eleven parishes, with features ranging from Harrison Cave, surfing spots and tide pools, and sprawling tranquil beaches in Bathsheba.

 

Barbados has a long religious history, and this is evident in the many churches scattered around the parishes.  These churches draw community, and as a result several great restaurants and social hubgs.  St Lawrence Gap is a busy area filled with bars and restaurants, including Oistins, which is famous for its Friday fish fry by the beach.

 

Barbados has been inhabited by several groups of people, the first of which were the Saladoid-Bararncoid group from Venezuela, a group of farmers and fishermen who arrived in 350AD.  The Arawak arrived in 800 AD, and 500 years alter, the Caribs.  The country's name comes from the island's fig trees, which the Portuguese explorer Pedro Camos named “Los Barbados”.  Spanish and British invasion shortly afterwards signalled the start of African slave labour in the country.  Freedom was obtained in the 19th Century, and the 20th Century saw a wave of steady reform.

 

Back To Top

 

 

Barbados weather report

 

The weather in Barbados is mild and sunny all year round, with slightly cooler nights.  Temperatures are prevented from getting too high by the prevailing northeast tradewinds that steadily blow across the island.  Rainfall is often sparse but intense.  The dry season is between January and June, making the start of the year, before the school holidays, the best time to visit.

 

For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.

 

Back To Top

 

 

Getting into Barbados

 

Citizens of the USA, Australia, Canada, and the EU do not need a visa to visit Barbados for up to 180 days.  Passports must be valid for six months after stay.  All other nationals must check with their high commissions before travel.

Back To Top

 

 

From the Bajan kitchen

 

Many restaurants offer a range of international and Bajan dishes to suit any budget, from street food to upscale eateries.  Replica British pubs serve genuine beers and fish and chip style snacks.  A few local specialities include:

  • Cutters – flying fish sandwiches served with couscous

  • Fish fry - US $8,00

  • Conkies – cornmeal mixed with coconut, pumpkin, raisins, sweet potato and spices in a banana leaf

  • Rice and peas – the peas are usually a local bean and the dish is flavoured with coconut.

  • Sea eggs – devilled sea urchin roe

  • Souse – pickled pork with tomato

Conch fritters, plantain, and crane chubb are also worth trying.

Back To Top

 

 

From the Bajan bar

 

As with most of the Carribean Islands that produce sugar, rum is very popular here.  Top brands include Cockspur's Five Star, and Mount Gay.  Dozens of rum based cocktails are available at bars across the island.  One speciality is Flaernum – a mojito variety made with rum, sugar, lime and almond essence.  The local beer is Banks.

 

Mauby is a local non-alcoholic drink made from the boiled, strained, and sweetened bark of a tree, and tastes like sarsaparilla.

 

The legal drinking age is 18.

 

Back To Top

 

 

Currency in Barbados

 

The currency here is the Barbados Dollar (BD$), which is tied to the US Dollar.  Notes are in denominations of BD$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of BD$1, and 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

 

Banks offer the best exchange rate.  Most credit cards are accepted in resorts, but cash is often preferred in the towns.  ATMs are widely available.  Travellers Cheques in Sterling or USD are preferred.

 

For the latest info on your rates, please use the Pampo exchange rates calculator.

 

Back To Top

 

 

Major airports in Barbados

  • Sir Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is the only airport in Barbados. Many major airlines serve the airport, and several cruise ships connect Barbados to the rest of the Caribbean

Back To Top

 

 

Examples of food and drink spend

  • Meal at a street stand – US $5.00-8.00

  • Meal at a mid-priced restaurant – US$12.00-25.00

  • Serving of beer – US $2.00

  • Fish fry - US $8,00

Back To Top

 

 

Things to have at hand in Barbados

  • Sunscreen

  • Camera

  • Swimsuit

  • Mosquito repellent

Back To Top

 

 

Did you know?

  • Barbados is in the Atlantic, but still considered a Caribbean Island

  • It's population is just over 250,000

  • Over 100 religious groups are practised island-wide

  • Barbados had the British flag until 1966

  • Barbados is the birthplace of singer Rhianna

  • The Lord Nelson statue in Bridgetown is older than its counterpart in London

  • Apparently the mongoose in Barbados never crosses the road unless someone is watching.

Back To Top