Barbados Travel Guide

Cool tropical breezes, white sandy beaches, and the genteel customs left after 400 years of being a British commonwealth makes a Barbados vacation ideal.  Just outside the hurricane strike zone, Barbados is almost always sunny and warm, making it the perfect destination for those who enjoy swimming, surfing, snorkeling, sailing, and golf.  But the laid back lifestyle may be the most appealing feature of a Barbados vacation, making visitors want to return again and again.

Best Times to Go Barbados offers year-round mild temperatures resulting from the constant trade winds blowing off the Atlantic Ocean.  Average daytime temperatures range between 84 and 88 degrees , and summer temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees.  There are two seasons in Barbados.  The Wet Season runs from June – November, but rain showers are brief.  You may want to consider a Barbados vacation during the Wet Season as rates can be half of those during the peak season.  The Dry Season, December – May, is the most popular season for tourists.

Airports and Ground Transportation Barbados features one international airport, Sir Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), located just eight miles from the capital and main city of Bridgetown.  Discount airfare to Barbados can be found for both the peak and off seasons.  Non-stop flights from JFK to Barbados can be as low as $676, or even cheaper at $646 with one stop.  Cheap flights to Barbados can be as affordable as $830 from LAX, $710 from ORD, and $840 from SFO. 

You may want to rent a car to more fully explore the island, but be prepared – all cars are right hand drives and an additional Barbados drivers license is required.  Taxis are plentiful, and many hotels offer shuttles to various locales on the island.  Additionally, public transportation is available in the form of ZRs (pronounced “Zed-Rs”) and buses.  If you want to experience a view like no other, helicopter transportation can be secured.

Lodging Barbados offers accommodations to fit every budget.  Options include hotels, resorts, condominiums, villas, apartments, guesthouses, beach cottages – you can even arrange to stay with a local family.  Guesthouses can be found for as little as $40 a day, and most include breakfast.  A guesthouse stay means you’ll also have access to a local who can make suggestions for your activities each day.  For a more upscale experience, visit the Little Arches Hotel.  This boutique hotel caters to guests 16 and older, perfect for a romantic getaway, or a trip with older children.  For guests with younger families, the affordable Southern Surf Beach Apartments are right on the popular Rockley beach, just three miles Bridgetown. 

Things to Do A Barbados vacation offers endless opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Cruise on a catamaran with Cool Runnings, play a round of golf at the affordable and beautiful Barbados Golf Club, or let Barbados Blue arrange a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion.  Of course, a day of enjoying the pristine beaches is in order, and you’ll want to spend time laying out on the sand, swimming or surfing in the warm water. 

For a completely different excursion, spend time at Harrison’s Cave, one of the wonders of the world.  The train tour takes you through caves featuring underground pools, waterfalls and stalagmites. 

Bridgetown, the island’s historic capital, offers duty-free shopping.  Historic Broad Street is where you’ll see the beautiful Parliament Buildings and National Heroes Square.  A Barbados vacation would not be complete without dining in Bridgetown at the romantic Waterfront Café.  A wide range of Caribbean dishes is served, along with terrific live jazz and entertainment.