Barbados’ Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps
- Destinations Americas
Cruisit Team
- 0
- 69 minutes read
Barbados’ Background
When the British first arrived in 1627, the island was deserted. Slaves operated on the island’s sugar plantations until 1834 when slavery was abolished. Throughout the majority of the twentieth century, the economy was highly reliant on the production of sugar, rum, and molasses. The gradual implementation of social and political changes in the 1940s and 1950s resulted in total independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. Tourism and manufacturing eclipsed the sugar sector in economic prominence in the 1990s.
Barbados is a very special country, and the people who live there are extremely remarkable people with many tales to share. Some of you may have heard about Barbados’ local darling and mega-star Rihanna, or cricketing icon Sir Garfield Sobers. Every location on Barbados has a story to tell, every meal is a celebration, and every day offers fresh experiences, discoveries, and memories to last a lifetime. Many people expect Barbados to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but they quickly learn that it is the kind of location they want to return to again and again. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why visitors keep returning!
Barbados may be found just off the island chain! Barbados, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea’s crystal-clear seas, provides something for every type of traveler: the gourmand, the explorer, the historian, and the adventurer! Your Barbados journey awaits, from our food to our rum to our UNESCO World Heritage sites!
While it is rightly famous for its beautiful beaches, Barbados is an island that has it all. Aside from excellent white beaches and magnificent blue bays, there’s a thriving nightlife, a Unesco World Heritage–listed city, a gorgeous interior studded with gardens, and wild surf on the isolated east coast, all inhabited by a proud and hospitable population.
“An island country with two faces, one facing the Caribbean and one, the Atlantic, and a lively capital that will steal your heart.“
Barbados is a Caribbean island located northeast of Venezuela. The country is still intimately connected to its British heritage. Cricket is the national sport, and afternoon tea is still widely consumed. The unique pink and white sand beaches contrast with the dramatic turquoise waters for a stunning effect, and historical homes provide much of the island’s character.
Barbados has eleven parishes that are separated into four main zones. Bridgetown is the capital city, and the surrounding districts of Saint Michael Parish make up the country’s most populous region. The parishes of Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, and Saint Thomas are located in Central Eastern Barbados. This region is located on the island’s east shore, which is also the harsh Atlantic side.
The parishes of Saint James, Saint Peter, and Saint Lucy are located in Western Barbados. This is on the island’s tranquil Caribbean Seaside. Finally, the parishes of Christ Church and Saint Thomas are included in Southern Barbados. St. Lawrence Gap, a bustling neighborhood consisting of pubs and restaurants, Oistins, and Grantley Adams International Airport are also located in this region.
Discover more about Barbados by reading more below.
- Carlisle Bay is one of Barbados’ most beautiful beaches.
- Explore Bridgetown, Barbados’ capital, with its many colorful streets and stores.
- Find the Parliament Buildings, which are distinguished by their neo-Gothic architecture.
- Bathsheba Bay offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.
- From February through April, the Animal Flower Cave is a great place to see humpback whales.
- Listen to the stories from St. Nicholas Abbey, a former plantation.
- Dip your toes on Crane Beach’s lovely sand.
- Animals may be seen in the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
- Visit Farley Hill National Park’s crumbling home.
- Hunte’s Gardens, Anthony Hunte’s masterwork, is a walk around the terraced hills.
- Take a stroll around Richard Haynes Boardwalk.
- In Barbados, vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
- The official language of the nation is English, although many inhabitants also speak Bajan, an English-based creole language. Many West African idioms and phrases are used in this dialect. In general, communication in Barbados is simple and direct.
- Surfing is popular, and Soup Bowl on the east coast is one of the greatest spots to go. The south coast also has excellent surf, with Silver Sands on the world windsurfing circuit.
- The Bajan Dollar is the local currency, and it is pegged to the US dollar at a 2:1 ratio.
- Most tourist-oriented restaurants and stores take US cash.
- Barbados offers a diverse choice of lodging options. There are lots of tiny guest homes, B&Bs, luxury accommodations, and resort-style villas to choose from.
- You don’t need to tip because practically all businesses include a service charge, but you can round up the total.
- It’s recommended to buy a Barbados tourist map displaying the landmarks before you go, or have a mapping app handy (for the more tech-savvy).
Crime & Scams
Barbados is one of the Caribbean’s safest countries. Most tourists to this island country will stay in resorts and are unlikely to see, much less be harmed by, any of the island’s significant crimes. Barbados is just as secure as anyplace else in the world if you take the proper measures. Do not stroll alone at night in dark areas, such as on beaches. It is safe to drive anywhere on the island; however, do not stop if anybody flags you down; this does happen occasionally but not frequently.
Avoid Crab Hill at all costs, as well as Nelson and Wellington streets in Bridgetown at night, and use extra caution while on untrustworthy midnight party boats.
Health
Barbados provides high-quality health care that is widely available to everybody. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the primary government hospital, has 600 beds and provides specialist care in fields like pediatrics, obstetrics, plastic surgery, radiography, and so on.
Before every travel, make sure you are up to date on all routine vaccinations. Among the key recommended vaccines globally are chickenpox (Varicella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), influenza (flu), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), polio, and shingles.
You don’t need to get travel medical insurance before visiting Barbados since there is no legal necessity for medical travel insurance before visiting Barbados. However, it is always important to have comprehensive medical coverage when traveling because you never know what you could encounter while overseas. Medical treatment in Barbados can be expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical help needed.
Fortunately, Barbados is one of those islands that can be enjoyed all year round. Even if it rains, it clears fast and the sun returns. Temperatures are steady throughout the year, never falling below 21 degrees Celsius (70F).
Shoulder Seasons
Barbados has two shoulder seasons, one from mid-April to June and another from September to November. The climate is sizzling and slightly wetter in May and June than in the peak season, but it’s still excellent for beach days and excursions, and the tourist hordes have thinned out and prices take a drop too. The weather will remain pleasant, and you will save money on airfare and hotel accommodations.
High (Peak) Season
The busiest time to visit Barbados during the dry season is between mid-December and mid-April. This is the period of the year when the temperatures average around 30 degrees and there is less rain. It will be less crowded in early January because many will have just returned from their Christmas vacations.
Off-Season
The low season, from June to August, is the most affordable time to visit Barbados. These are also the periods when hotels, attractions, and restaurants on the island offer the finest bargains. Barbados is usually the least crowded from mid-August until late November. In September and/or October, certain resorts and restaurants close for several weeks. The “rainy” season, if there is one, lasts from June to November when it’s more humid.
By Plane
Grantley Adams International Airport is Barbados’ primary international gateway and your port of entry. It is situated on the south coast of Barbados in the Christ Church Parish about 13 km east of Bridgetown, which serves as the island’s administrative center. Buses and minibusses run from the airport to Bridgetown, Holetown, and Speightstown.
By Boat
A variety of British, European, and American cruise companies dock in Barbados’ deep-water seaport in Bridgetown. Bridgetown Cruise Ship Terminal is a multi-use market with stores and eateries. In the Caribbean, there are several yacht-chartering possibilities, ranging from personal owners who will gladly serve as ship’s captain and take you all around islands on their boat to large organizations with fleets of boats available for whatever adventures you want. Yacht owners planning a vacation to Barbados should make sure they are aware of any restrictions or standards that must be met prior to their arrival on the island.
If you come by cruise ship, your ship will most likely land in Bridgetown’s deep water harbor. There are several taxis available, as well as bus services that go into and out of downtown Bridgetown for a minimal fee.
By Car
If you want to see additional off-the-beaten-path sites, you could rent a car. The most serious difficulties in Barbados are potholes and deteriorated roads, which make it quite simple to get a flat tire. Driving in Barbados is done in the “British fashion”, and there are several roundabouts. Also, note that Barbadians are notorious for their reckless driving.
You must be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver’s license as well as an international driver’s permit. If you did not obtain an IDP in the United States, you can purchase a local permit from the rental car company.
By Taxi
Taxis are available and frequently reasonably priced. However, because they do not use meters, you must negotiate the amount before boarding. If you are unsure how far your location is, ask a hotel staff member what the cab charge should be before beginning to negotiate a journey; they should be able to assist you with current pricing. Barbados taxis are identified by the letter “Z” on their license plates. Inform the Taxi Dispatcher of your intended location as you depart the Arrivals Hall. Cabs are accessible in Barbados 24 hours a day.
You can book a cab through your hotel’s concierge or simply hail one in front of your hotel. Cabs accept credit cards, but they might not tell you, because they’d rather have the greenback. Taxis often charge a round-trip fee. They pick you up and give you a contact card when you’re ready to return to the resort. It is not affordable; assume US prices. However, it is a possible alternative to renting a car.
By Bus
Barbados has an extensive bus system. It is one of the cheapest modes of transportation and is quite convenient if you are traveling along a busy route. The Barbados Transport Board operates the public buses, which are blue in color. Private buses are usually bright or white with a lively mood. Public buses need precise change, whereas private buses provide change (and often accept US dollars).
By Boat
Because Barbados is an island, whether you own a boat or have rented one, you may cruise about the island as you like. There are several docking locations on the island.
Digicel and Flow are the Barbadian SIM card suppliers and mobile operators, with plans beginning at 10 BBD (5 USD) at their stores. SIM cards are not available for purchase at the Barbados/Seawell-Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI). You must follow the SIM card registration requirements.
You also have the option of purchasing a prepaid eSim card like from Airalo, SimCorner, or Nomad. The companies provide data-only plans to put on a phone that is eSim ready, so make sure your phone is compatible. It is also possible to opt-in for a WiFi Hotspot from Solis. Check before you travel because they service certain destinations. Airalo by far has the most coverage of almost 180 countries.
Local Internet & WiFi
Barbados has a robust telecommunications infrastructure that includes the most recent digital technologies and fiber optic lines, making it easy to keep in touch. High-speed internet is generally available, and the island has no shortage of Wi-Fi hotspots.
Top Places in Barbados
St. Nicholas Abbey
St Nicholas Abbey is a plantation house, museum, and rum distillery near Saint Peter, Barbados. The mansion was erected in 1658 by Colonel Benjamin Berringer. This is one of only three authentic Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. It is reminiscent of the English Jacobean-era manor homes of the first part of the seventeenth century, the period between the Tudor and Georgian styles that began with James I’s reign.
Animal Flower Cave
The Animal Flower Cave is located beneath the cliffs of North Point in St. Lucy, Barbados. Two English explorers found it in 1780 through its seaward entrance. Although it was formed at sea level, the cave rises six feet above the high water line. This has happened because Barbados is rising at a rate of one inch per 1000 years.
Hunte’s Gardens
Hunte’s Gardens is a botanical garden and popular tourist destination in central Barbados’ St Joseph area. Anthony Hunte, horticulture, produced it in the 1950s in an odd sink-hole-like gully. It has a noteworthy reproduction of a Caribbean jungle as well as an internationally significant plant collection.
Barbados Museum
Although the Barbados Museum & Historical Society is a private organization, membership is accessible to both members and non-members who are interested in the many collections. The museum, which was founded in 1933 in the ancient Military Prison at the historic Garrison, houses over 500,000 objects depicting the island’s rich history and natural history. Some of these treasures include old maps of the island and paintings.
Farley Hill
The Farley Hill mansion was built in 1818, with additional rooms added over the next 50 years. It subsequently becomes known as Barbados’ most spectacular home. Sir Graham Briggs, a rich British planter and parliamentarian, controlled the property in the mid-nineteenth century. Farley Hill, now in ruins, is a national park near Saint Peter, Barbados. It is located on the grounds of Grenade Hall Plantation, which was founded in the seventeenth century.
7-day Itinerary in Barbados
Day 1
Arrival and Early Beach Strolling
If you arrive in the morning, grab a quick bite to eat and take a long stroll on one of the many lovely beaches in the morning, to begin your perfect one week in Barbados, the first thing you’ll want to do is go to the beach and view the color of the water.
We honestly don’t think you’ll ever see so many distinct colors of blue as in Barbados. The beaches are famous for a reason, so head down to Mullins Beach, grab a sun lounger, and feel yourself begin to relax.
In the late afternoon Explore Harrison’s Cave and learn about the island’s history.
Harrison’s Cave, located in the center of the country, is where it all begins in Barbados.
This crystallized limestone cave, located in the island’s central uplands, is distinguished by flowing streams, deep pools of crystal clear water, and towering columns of stalagmites and stalactites.
Harrison’s Cave is where you could learn about the formation of Barbados as an island, and wandering through these caverns makes you feel like an adventurer for the day. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Barbados.
In the evening, visit the Waterfront Cafe and explore Bridgetown for some of the greatest home-cooked meals in town. The cuisine here isn’t fancy, but it’s damn tasty.
Also, wandering through Bridgetown’s colorful capital is a terrific way to get a sense of what the city is like. In a word, dazzling!
- Backpacker: Rest Haven Beach Cottages, Round Rock Apartments on Sea, Malfranza Apartments
- Budget: Maderley Villas, Shonlan Inn, All Seasons Resort Europe
- Mid-range: The Palms Resort, Courtyard by Marriot, Radisson Aquatica
- High end: Sandy Lane, The House, Coral Reef Club, Colony Club, Crystal Cove, or the Sandals Barbados, Crane Resort, Port Ferdinand
This section will be added shortly.
From the Airport to your accommodation
By Train
By Bus
By Metro
Day 2
Nature and History
Early in the morning, after your breakfast, Drive around the island in an island safari.
This safari tour of Barbados will tell you about the island’s history as well as where some of the greatest sites are. In addition, like with any trip to Barbados and many of its Caribbean neighbors, there is an abundance of rum punch.
We cannot suggest this island safari trip highly enough, as it is a popular activity for many travelers visiting Barbados!
In the late afternoon, St. Nicholas Abbey brings you back in time. Continuing with the scenic vistas, go up to St Nicholas Abbey in the north of the island in the afternoon. This is another must-see attraction in Barbados.
The estate is one of the island’s oldest, dating back to 1658, and one of its most majestic. You can enjoy a bite to eat and a drink on a small porch on the outskirts of a forest. The rum barrels inside gives you a rustic and vintage look into how things were back in the day. Getting an opportunity to step back in time and have a great way to spend your afternoon is guaranteed in St. Nicholas Abbey.
Evening meal at Juma’s in Speightstown, as it’s one of the best restaurants in town. Juma’s, which overlooks the sea, combines substantial staples like barbecue ribs and chicken wings with superb seafood, including fresh fish every evening.
Day 3
Underwater
After breakfast submerge yourself under the waters of barbados for a real treat. Trident, with her twin barreled 60mm cannons on the bow, the former Barbados Coast Guard flag ship is an outstanding ruin. It’s as though her guns aim out to sea to keep poachers out of the Marine Reserve. There are almost 20 wrecks scattered throughout the island’s sea, and while you will only be able to see a handful of them, a sunken yellow submarine is one of the nicest you will see.
If you don’t want to dive, Barbados also has some world-class snorkeling. In Carlisle Bay in the south of the island, you may snorkel alongside turtles and see a lot of wrecks. In any case, an underwater experience is a must when visiting Barbados.
You’ll witness the largest variety of fish, if you’re lucky you will spot Moray Eels, Nurse Sharks, and the occasional Manta Ray while diving in Barbados.
Find a beach bar and relax between the shadows and the sun when the heat is blistering in the afternoon. If you’ve gone diving or snorkeling, you’ll be exhausted, so get yourself a modest beach shack for the day and relax with a few cool beverages.
Mullins Beach Bar is one of the most popular and The Cliff is one of the most prestigious on the west coast. Surfer’s Bay Beach Bar in the south is a great option.
After the sun goes down, you might want to stop by Fish Pot on the northwestern shore for a tasty snack. Easily one of the greatest restaurants on the island. This is a wonderful lovely restaurant right on the ocean on the northwest coast that specialized in fish and seafood (hence the name).
The Fish Pot has a great variety of fresh fish in their menu. Tuna is one of their special meals, and if you have time, have a drink on the terrace and listen to the waves.
Day 4
Continue Taking in the Ocean
Start your day with standup paddleboarding straight after breakfast. Most hotels provide standup paddleboards, so take one out early in the morning before the sun becomes too hot. Some hotels even provide complimentary water taxis to St. Peter’s Bay on the west coast.
There, you may sail down the shore on paddleboards, looking for wrecks and turtles, a very pleasant way to start the day. You also get to work on your tan! This is one of the most laid-back activities in Barbados.
In the late afternoon, go to the Animal Flower Cave, you can hear the waves crashing. Barbados’ northernmost point. The tiny Christmas tree worms (which look like Christmas trees) that dwell in the cave give this area its name, but it’s more famous for the extraordinarily dramatic surroundings where there’s a window to the wild waters beyond.
This is wild Barbados, and you can really hear the surf crashing on the cliffs below you. Also, right above the cave opening is a restaurant with some of the nicest views in the area — the Animal Flower Cave is worth visiting simply for this restaurant!
Because this location is unique and unlike any other on the island, we highly recommend adding it to your Barbados itinerary.
When the evening approaches, enjoy St Peter’s Bay’s modest luxury. If you’re on a strict budget, skip Sandy Lane, where you’ll pay $2,000 per night merely to stay; instead, head to St Peter’s Bay. St Peter’s Bay, also on the west coast, offers affordable luxury. The restaurant is nestled in beautiful grounds directly on the beach, and the food is excellent. The seared, herb-crusted tuna is one of the greatest meals you will have in Barbados, which is saying a lot!
Day 5
Gardening and Rum’s History
After breakfast, go lost in Hunte’s Gardens and imagine yourself in a Dickens story. Mr. Hunte is a genius because he has invented a real-life time machine, whether consciously or unknowingly. Stepping into Hunte’s Gardens is like stepping back in time, as you can wander through an ancient 17th-century-style garden with many tiny hideaways to pause and watch the world go by.
Mr. Hunte resides at the top of the grounds in a home that is also an antique. Simply invite him to join you for a drink of rum (of course, he has his own rum) and listen to his stories from a golden period. It’s like walking into a Charles Dickens novel. It is a must-have on every Barbados travel guide.
On the Mount Gay Rum Tour in the afternoon, you’ll discover everything there is to know about liquid gold. You can’t visit Barbados without knowing about the history of rum, but by far the most well-known is Mount Gay. You can discover all about how this liquid gold made at the Mount Gay Distillery and even grab lunch there.
As soon as you step in, they offer you a rum punch (as they do elsewhere in Barbados) and then show you through their selection of rums. You should be warned: you will have a great time here!
This is where you can learn everything about how rum is made while also sampling a variety of rums if you so desire.
By now, the sun has fallen, and you’ll want to immerse your senses in Oistins Fish Fry. If you only have one week in Barbados, we highly recommend visiting the Ostins Fish Fry.
Every Friday, everyone on the island flocks here for Ostins Fish Fry, a massive grill celebration just by the shore. Oistins is a favorite with residents and visitors alike, with incredibly cheap fish and a fantastic experience immersing oneself in the festival atmosphere with live music and dancers.
Day 6
Take the Waves on a Caterman
After a hearty breakfast, walk out to smell the fresh chocolate being made at Agapey’s. Despite the fact that Barbados isn’t known for making chocolate, Agapey is breaking the trend by producing some of the best chocolate in the Caribbean.
You could go in and buy a couple of bars, or you can arrange a tour and learn all there is to know about the process from bean to bar. It goes without saying, but their greatest chocolates have a liquid rum core. This is one of the most enjoyable activities in Bridgetown, Barbados.
It’s now afternoon, and we urge you to embrace the high life on the Seaduced catamaran. Do you want to attend the boat party that will end all boat parties? Then you should definitely check out Seaduced! They conduct luxury catamaran cruises, and you’ll be treated like royalty while onboard.
This is one of the finest ways to explore Barbados from a different angle, and it’s also a terrific chance to meet some other sailors. While onboard Seaduced, stop at a few snorkeling spots as the sun sets before enjoying the complimentary bar till late at night.
When the sun is ready to set, sit back and enjoy a refreshing drink. The celebration continues throughout the evening with Seaduced. As the sun begins to drop, take a drink and begin to relax.
Not only will you enjoy the excellent free bar and superb cocktails, but the cuisine is also unexpectedly good — better than some places! This is truly an incredible way to conclude the day and will be one of the highlights of your one-week itinerary in Barbados.
Day 7
Final Day
In the early morning, get yourself some breakfast from Bliss Cafe if you have the time to do so. Get a Breakfast Complete and the tasty Caramel Freakshake and thank us later. Take note that the restaurant is usually packed, so you should head early to beat the crowd.
Relax and reflect on the amazing 7 days in Barbados if you still have time in the afternoon before your flight.
Dover or Maxwell Beach is just a couple of minutes away and you can kick back a little bit more if time is on your side. This is a lovely spot to finish your visit to Barbados and reflect on your ideal vacation in paradise.
When you’re ready, travel to the airport and bid Barbados farewell.
The Most Popular Food in Barbados
Barbadian cuisine is influenced by a blend of Post Colonial Cultures, with traditional African roots that arrived on the island with West African slaves prior to the 18th century. Then a fusion of Arawak and Amerindian cuisine from the local peoples of Post Colonial Barbados. Afterward Irish and British, came with the European settlers. All of these civilizations’ cuisines merged to produce new and unusual food while remaining true to their diverse beginnings. Other influences on the cuisine also came from Portugal and Spain.
Food is often prepared using local ingredients such as rice, seafood, and guava. Many eateries now serve regional delicacies at moderate costs. The national dish of Bajan cuisine is flying fish eaten with cou-cou, a staple prepared from cornmeal combined with okra, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. There is a refined restaurant scene, with high-end establishments serving everything from contemporary Italian to Asian fusion. There are also many more rural restaurants providing delicious home-grown meals.
Coucou & Flying Fish
This meal is popular in Barbados. It contains maize meal, okra, and flying fish. It is covered with a sauce composed of tomato, onions, chives, thyme, fresh pepper, garlic, and many other ingredients. The fish is cooked by steaming, frying, or grilling.
The taste is overwhelmingly good!
Chicken Pilau
Chicken pilau is a favorite amongst Barbadians for lunch or dinner and is popular across the Caribbean. The burnt sugar used as the foundation for the chicken broth in which the rice is cooked gives it a distinct flavor. In a clean saucepan, the sugar is heated until it turns a very dark brown, nearly black! The chicken and salt are added and simmered. Then comes the water, spice, fresh herbs, and veggies. After the spices have been well combined, the rinsed rice is added last.
Pepperpot
This traditional meal originated in Guyana but has gained popularity in Barbados. It’s a spicy stewed beef meal with fiery peppers and spices. A number of meats can be utilized, but the most common are hog, beef, and mutton. Typically, the stew is served with bread and butter.
Rock Cakes
These pastries are a popular snack that goes well with a hot cup of tea or some mauby (local drink). The dough is tough and on the dry side. Flour, lard, brown sugar, raisins, cherries, and vanilla extract are combined and kneaded until smooth. After that, little rough circles are created and coated with brown sugar. As the name implies, the end product is a firm, tightly packed cake that is ideal for nibbling.
Black Bitch
Such a bizarre name for food! These small treats are virtually identical to sugar cakes, with freshly grated coconut simmered with sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg. The distinction is that they are not cooked and that molasses is added to the batter. They are formed into disks and eaten whole – a sticky, gooey delight. Molasses not only gives black bitch a stronger, more distinct flavor, but it also gives it its distinctive color.
What's the Travel Budget for Barbados?
Flights
- Flights start at roughly $230 from nearby countries. Tickets however on average cost around $600 and can cost more depending on which class and from which country you depart from.
Accommodation
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $400 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend around $750 for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $1300 for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $3150 for a week
Food Budget (Three meals and drinks)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $30 per person per day
- Budget travelers can expect to pay around $50 per person per day
- Mid-range travelers on average would cost $60 to $80 per person per day
- Luxury travelers can expect to pay around $110 to $140 per person per day
Overall Budget Styles (Not including Flights, Tours, Transportation, or Car Rental)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend roughly $700 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend close to $1200 for one person for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend approximately $1900 for one person for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $4200 for one person for a week
Flights
- Flights start at roughly $230 from nearby countries. Tickets however on average cost around $600 and can cost more depending on which class and from which country you depart from.
Accommodation
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $400 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend around $750 for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $1300 for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $3150 for a week
Food Budget (Three meals and drinks)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $30 per person per day
- Budget travelers can expect to pay around $50 per person per day
- Mid-range travelers on average would cost $60 to $80 per person per day
- Luxury travelers can expect to pay around $110 to $140 per person per day
Overall Budget Styles (Not including Flights, Tours, Transportation, or Car Rental)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend roughly $700 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend close to $1200 for one person for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend approximately $1900 for one person for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $4200 for one person for a week
Flights
- Flights start at roughly $230 from nearby countries. Tickets however on average cost around $600 and can cost more depending on which class and from which country you depart from.
Accommodation
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $400 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend around $750 for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $1300 for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $3150 for a week
Food Budget (Three meals and drinks)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $30 per person per day
- Budget travelers can expect to pay around $50 per person per day
- Mid-range travelers on average would cost $60 to $80 per person per day
- Luxury travelers can expect to pay around $110 to $140 per person per day
Overall Budget Styles (Not including Flights, Tours, Transportation, or Car Rental)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend roughly $700 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend close to $1200 for one person for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend approximately $1900 for one person for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $4200 for one person for a week
Flights
- Flights start at roughly $230 from nearby countries. Tickets however on average cost around $600 and can cost more depending on which class and from which country you depart from.
Accommodation
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $400 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend around $750 for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $1300 for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $3150 for a week
Food Budget (Three meals and drinks)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend around $30 per person per day
- Budget travelers can expect to pay around $50 per person per day
- Mid-range travelers on average would cost $60 to $80 per person per day
- Luxury travelers can expect to pay around $110 to $140 per person per day
Overall Budget Styles (Not including Flights, Tours, Transportation, or Car Rental)
- Nomad Backpacking style travelers can expect to spend roughly $700 for a week
- Budget travelers can expect to spend close to $1200 for one person for a week
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend approximately $1900 for one person for a week
- Luxury travelers can expect to spend around $4200 for one person for a week
If you want to know what to pack, read this list below:
- This is a casual island that can get extremely hot, dress accordingly
- Raincoat or Light Waterproof Jacket
- Hiking Boots or Sturdy Sneakers (Shoes You Don’t Mind Getting Wet)
- Sunscreen
- Insect Protection – Repellent and Clothing
- Sunglasses and Sun Hat
- Water Shoes
- Beach Towels/Sarong
- Dry Bag
- Money Belt or Cross Bag
- Portable Medical Kit
- Flashlight or Headlamp
- Copies of your passport.
- Get all the needed vaccinations before traveling
- A power bank is a must in any travel.
- Always have some cash with you just in case there are no ATMs and if you are dealing with a business that solely accepts cash
- Get yourself an adapter for your gadgets
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 tube of toothpaste
- 1 razor
- 1 package of dental floss
- 1 small bottle of shampoo
- 1 small bottle of shower gel
- 1 towel
- Deodorant
- Band-Aids
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial cream
- Earplugs
- Tylenol
- Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)
- A key or combination lock
- Zip-lock bags
- Plastic bags (great for laundry)
- Universal charger/adaptor
- LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)
- 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder
- 1 hairbrush
- Makeup you use
- Hairbands & hair clips
- Feminine hygiene products
Clothing For Boys
- 1 pair of jeans or khaki pants
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 bathing suit
- 5 T-shirts
- 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
- 1 pair of flip-flops
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 6 pairs of socks
- 5 pairs of boxer shorts
Clothing For Girls
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 sarong
- 1 pair of stretchy jeans
- 1 pair of leggings
- 2-3 long-sleeve tops
- 2-3 T-shirts
- 3-4 spaghetti tops
- 1 light cardigan
Want to plan your own trip, here are some of the best resources that can help you
- Skyscanner – They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Momondo – This is another favorite flight search engine because they search such a wide variety of sites and airlines. Always check here too.
- Booking.com – The best all-around booking site that constantly provides the most affordable and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation.
- Couchsurfing – This website allows you to stay on people’s couches or spare rooms for free. It’s a great way to save money while meeting locals who can tell you the ins and outs of their city. The site also lists events you can attend to meet people (even if you’re not staying with someone).
- Intrepid Travel – If you want to do group tours, go with Intrepid. They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint.
- Grassroots Volunteering – For volunteering, Grassroots Volunteering compiles a list of good local volunteer organizations that keep the money within the community.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more! It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- Trip Advisor: Check the reviews and then book your accommodation. TripAdvisor is where you go when you want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
- VRBO: is the main search engine to use when you are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
- Hostelworld: With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
- Rome 2 Rio: If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry, or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.
- World Nomads Insurance: When traveling you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.
Final Thoughts on Barbados
Barbados’ history is blended throughout the country, making it a vibrant and scenic destination worth visiting. From spectacular natural beauty to age-old architectural and creative marvels. This Caribbean beauty varies dramatically from one side of the island to the other; you could come year after year and still experience something new, thanks to its numerous activities on offer! Would you do it?
If you’ve been to Barbados let us know how your trip was in the comments below.
