Known by some as the "little England" of the Bahamas,
Barbados is an island to the northeast of Venezuela. The island
can be broken into five basic areas; Bridgetown, Central
Barbados, Eastern Barbados, Western Barbados, and Southern
Barbados. While the island may be on the smaller size
geographically, that doesn't mean expenses were spared to make
some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. There are also
many ancient sites to explore and discover, connecting to the
history in the area.
The Bajan is the local currency, but US dollars are accepted
throughout the island. And what can you spend that hard earned
money on?
Food - From flying fish to Pepperpot to other local
specialties, there are many tastes to try in Barbados. Mixing
Caribbean and English food and cooking style, it's rather unique
- but good! There are a couple really high-class, fancy
restaurants that are expensive, but there are other places to
eat as well.
Drink - Rum is the drink of the island of Barbados - if not
all of the Caribbean. Mount Gay Rum, made in Barbados, is one of
the most popular brands for tourists and locals alike. Rum is so
popular that you'll find "rum shops" all over the island.
Lodging - From modest yet comfortable guest houses and
cottages to expensive top of the line five star hotels, there's
a wide range of places for you to lay your head while on
Barbados. You may even try staying at a couple different places
if you have enough time and want to mix it up a little.
Something to note is that it's sometimes difficult to get things
done in Barbados on the weekends because pretty much everyone
closes up shop. As long as you plan ahead and make sure you have
what you need on hand, you'll be fine. You might even find that
you enjoy the shutting down of the island every weekend as it
really gives you a chance to relax a little. Well, if you
remembered to get everything beforehand that is.
While crime is an issue anywhere you go, you'll want to make
sure you follow certain precautions when visiting Barbados.
Avoid secluded areas (including residential neighborhoods)
whether it's day or night. You should try to stick in groups as
much as possible as well. Sticking to these basics will make
sure you have a safe, fun trip that you'll remember for a long
time to come. Be on the lookout for taxi fraud too, as it's
sometimes prevalent.
For the most part, the people of Barbados (Barbadians) are
friendly and accepting of visitors to their island. That said,
you'll want to show respect for the island's culture. For the
most part, they're conservative away from the beaches. Bikinis
are frowned on in town, so dress appropriately when you're not
on the beach. Beyond the slightly conservative culture, the
people of the island are very fun loving and friendly. You may
actually find a lot of the locals at some of the many night
clubs - especially the younger ones.
If you're planning a trip to Barbados you're going to want to
plan carefully. If you do, you're sure to be able to experience
a lot of what this Caribbean island has to offer. The people are
great, the beaches are clean and beautiful, and the cities and
urban areas are generally well kept, safe, and nice to look at
as well. Whatever you're into, you're sure to find something to
pass the time as you enjoy one of the lesser known treasures of
the Caribbean.
About Barbados