Travel Guide to Barbados

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Location

Barbados is the most easterly located of the Caribbean islands sticking out into the Atlantic in isolation. It is located south of St Lucia and north of Tobago. The island has the best airline service from the UK with many carriers and frequent flights.

Shopping

The capital Bridgetown offers good shopping with duty free and you can buy virtually anything in this well developed country. Good buys are alcohol (rum in particular), wood carvings and clothing.

Geography

Barbados has two contrasting coastlines. To the south and west the turquoise Caribbean sea calmly laps the shoreline of sandy beaches whilst on the east side the Atlantic thrashes against the coastline with the island taking the full brunt of the waters journey across the ocean.

The island is only 22 miles by 21 miles. It is uniquely formed by a combination of volcanic eruptions and collision of two landmasses.

History

As with many Caribbean islands, the first inhabitants were the Arawaks who spread to the islands from South America with them being driven out (or eaten) by war like and cannibalistic Caribs.

The island was named by the Portuguese “Los Barbados” meaning bearded ones which it is presumed was due to the look of the islands fig trees.

In 1492 the Spanish overpowered the Caribs to take control of the island. However the Spanish moved on in favour of larger islands leaving it open for other nations to colonise which started in 1625 when the first English settlers landed on the island. The British introduced Sugar Cane and brought in slaves to work the plantations. Slavery was eventually abolished in 1834.

The island was granted autonomy by the British in 1961 and gained its full independence in 1966 and now runs under its own democratic government.

Climate

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Av Temp (F)	83	83	85	86	87	87	86	87	87	86	85	83
Av Temp (C)	28	28	29	30	31	31	30	31	31	30	29	28
Sunshine Hours	9	9	9	9	9	8	8	8	8	8	8	8
Rain (inches)	2	1	1	1	2	4	6	6	7	7	8	4

The Caribbean is subject to a hurricane season which is officially from 1 June to 30 November. However 80% of the stormy weather activity occurs within the August-October period with its peak usually being early-mid September. The centre of most storms miss the region moving off to the north, with others causing only minor disruption to weather conditions. However, there are usually a few each year that will pass through the region in hurricane force wind conditions.

Basic Information

Language
English is the official language although a Bajan dialect is locally spoken.

Currency
Barbados Dollar is the local currency although US$ are usually accepted as are credit cards in hotels and many restaurants and shops.

Electricity
110 volts AC 50 Hz.

Banks
Opening hours Mon-Thur 8am-3pm, Fri 8am-1pm and 3pm-5pm.

Driving
Driving is on the left. Main roads are well maintained with the main highways having a maximum speed limit of 55mph.

Time difference
GMT -4 hours (-5hours in summer).

Tipping and local customs
10% is generally expected in restaurants and by taxi drivers and is often added automatically in restaurants and hotels.

Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended.

Tourist Board information
www.barbados.org

Visas
No visa is currently required for Irish passport holders. This should be re-checked on booking for any changes. Six months valid passport is required.

What makes it so special?
The world renowned laid back Bajan welcome and service with a genuine smile. The hotels are of a high quality with good facilities and cuisine. There is plenty to do out and about on the island and eating and socialising outside a hotel complex is not easier anywhere else in the Caribbean.

Where to visit?
Historic Bridgetown, the island’s capital
The Atlantic coastline is wonderfully refreshing and picturesque for photo moments
Plantation houses are great historic place to visit
Botanical gardens with their beautiful tropical plants

Most Popular Tours
Island Tour taking in the Atlantic coast
Sailing to the Grenadines