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Plan your next trip to Barbados
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Barbados holidays: Embrace Caribbean island life
Gorgeous beaches, world-class water sports, delicious food and tasty rum, Barbados has to be one of the best places in the world for a fun-filled beach holiday. Situated in the Lesser Antilles island chain, Barbados is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean - and for good reason!
Even if the beach isn't your number-one priority, Barbados has so much going for it that it will suit any sort of trip you're planning, from romantic getaways to family holidays. And, to further seal the deal, the island is home to a wide array of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly apartments.
Check out our best Barbados holiday deals and start planning your Caribbean island getaway today.
Barbados holiday tips
Already sold on the idea of a Barbados holiday? Well, whether you've been there before or if it's your first time there, there's information to be aware of before you jetset off to the island.
From the best time to visit to currency and flight routes, here are some of our top Barbados holiday tips.
Barbados at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 8 hours 50 minutes
Main airport: Grantley Adams International Airport
Population: 280,000
Language: English
Currency: Barbadian dollar
Socket types: Types A and B (adapter required)
Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time; 4 hours behind the UK
When is the best time to visit Barbados?
Barbados is known for its tropical climate and consistently warm temperatures, and, as it's part of the Windward Islands group, you can expect that it's slightly more humid compared to the Leeward Islands. The northeasterly winds bring moisture to Barbados and rain is pretty common.
On the humidity side, this is most prevalent during Barbados' rainy season. This falls within the summer/autumn months in Barbados. While the country gets most of its rain from June to November, this usually takes the form of short tropical showers. In fact, even though it's known as the rainy season, you can expect eight to nine hours of sunshine on most days!
However, if you want to be on the safe side, it's a good idea to book your Barbados holiday between December and May - the dry season. The months of February, March and April are particularly dry, making these months a popular time for a Barbados holiday.
Getting to Barbados
With a flight time of just under 9 hours, UK holidaymakers can catch direct flights to Barbados from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester airports. You can catch indirect flights to Barbados from most airports in the UK.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are the two major airlines operating direct flights from London or Manchester. A number of other airlines will offer indirect flights to Barbados, including Qatar Airways, Aer Lingus and American Airlines. During peak season, you'll also be able to fly to Barbados with TUI.
Getting around Barbados
If you're planning to do a fair bit of sightseeing across the island, then hiring a car may be a wise choice. Car rental is very popular, and you can hire a car from the airport, in larger destinations or even through your resort.
If you don't fancy taking the wheel, you can either opt for private taxis or public transport. The latter is extremely budget friendly and is widely considered to be one of the best public transport systems in the Caribbean. While you can opt for shared minibuses too, most holidaymakers use Transport Board buses, which are reliable and offer extensive routes.
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The best areas to stay in Barbados
Although Barbados isn't overly large, you'll find that different parts of the island will have their own vibe. The south coast, for example, is seen as more modern, while parts of the north are considered more rugged. The west side of the island feels upscale while the east feels more off the beaten track.
Regardless, you'll find coastal resorts just about anywhere in Barbados. But if you're looking for your perfect area, then we've got you sorted. Here are our recommendations for the best areas to stay in Barbados.
Barbados for first-timers
Some holidaymakers come to Barbados to stay within a specific holiday resort, without any plan to explore beyond their local beach or accommodation. If that's you, you won't need to worry so much about choosing a particular area. But if you'd like to explore more of Barbados while you're there or want to make sure that your accommodation is set within exciting surroundings, then we've got some recommendations for first-time visitors.
Holetown, located on the west coast of Barbados, is seen as a great all-rounder. The beaches are wonderful, there are great restaurants and cafes, there are annual festivals plus there are shopping and nightlife opportunities. This is why many first-time Barbados holidaymakers choose Holetown as their base.
If you have your sights set on Barbados' southern coast, then Oistins and St Lawrence Gap are both solid choices, with the latter being specifically renowned for its nightlife scene.
Barbados for families
When it comes to the best Barbados area for family holidays, there's one destination that comes up again and again: St Peter. Located in the northwest, St Peter is most famously known as the home of the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. This is the best place to see local wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas, macaws and much more.
When you're not spotting wildlife, St Peter is an ideal base for guided excursions and activities, along with sightseeing opportunities. It might be a little more expensive to stay in St Peter, but you'll be treated to some peace and quiet (in contrast to the busier southern resorts), which makes this area such a hit with families.
Budget-friendly Barbados
If saving money is one of your biggest concerns, then you'll be happy to hear that Bridgetown is seen as the ultimate budget-friendly holiday destination in Barbados. It's the capital city, so this is the place to be if you love being at the centre of the action. There's plenty of budget-friendly accommodation, sightseeing opportunities, nightlife and more. Plus, you couldn't pick a better base for planning excursions to other spots in Barbados.
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The best things to do in Barbados
While it may be tempting to spend your entire Barbados beach holiday lying by the sea, there's actually a lot of things to do on the island.
From sea caves to rare wildlife encounters, check out our favourite things to do in Barbados.
Top things to do in Barbados
Tick off some sightseeing in Bridgetown
Go snorkelling or surfing
Don't miss out on the Oistins Fish Fry every Friday
Take part in a rum tasting experience
Dance the night away in St Lawrence Gap
Check out local wildlife at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve
See a game of cricket at Kensington Oval
Marvel at the Animal Flower Cave
Sign up for a walking food tour in Bridgetown
Hop on a sunset cruise
Dive deep to explore shipwrecks and reefs
Enjoy horticultural wonders at Hunte’s Gardens
Step back in time at St Nicholas Abbey
Discover Harrison’s Cave
Check out more things to do in Barbados
Barbados holiday FAQs
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Barbados?
A: No, UK citizens do not need a visa to visit Barbados. You will need to present a passport that's valid for the duration of your stay, and you will be told how long you can stay on arrival, especially if you do not have a return flight ticket. Stay up to date with the latest Barbados entry requirements.
Q: Which currency is used in Barbados?
A: The Barbadian Dollar (BBD). However, US dollars are widely accepted. Keep in mind that there's a fixed rate for the latter: 1 USD = 2 BBD.
Q: Is Barbados safe for holidaymakers?
A: Barbados is generally considered to be a safe destination, but standard precautions are recommended, such as being vigilant in crowded areas to avoid pickpocketing and avoiding walking by yourself in unlit areas at night.
Q: What kind of clothing should I pack for my Barbados holiday?
A: You should pack light and breathable clothing, along with your swimsuit, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. You may want to pack some light formal wear, as some restaurants and nightlife venues have dress codes.
Q: What is the food like in Barbados?
A: Thanks to the country's location and history, you can expect to find food that represents a mix of Caribbean, African and British influences. Flying fish is a must-try dish, as are breadfruit and macaroni pie. Vegetarians and vegans are catered for, but this may be limited at smaller eateries.
Q: Is tipping compulsory?
A: Tipping is not compulsory, but it's considered polite to tip 10-15% for good service at restaurants.
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