We all know that Barbados is a beautiful part of the world, and its beauty is just one of the reasons why millions of people flock to the island every year. Throw in the tropical weather, absolutely stunning beaches and some gorgeous barbados homes for rent and you have the perfect recipe for a vacation of a lifetime.
However, there a few things you should know about Barbados before you fly there. Can these little bits of information help to make your vacation that much better? We think they can, so read on for more information:
Public Transport
Public transport in Barbados is very good, in fact, you will find many different bus stops dotted all over the island. This makes travelling from one part of the island very easy, and the even better news is that bus fares tend to be quite low. This means you don’t have to hire a taxi (Unless you really want to), and you can get from A to B with relative ease.
Bus timetables are available from the bus terminals, but you should be aware that the buses do not always run on time. This is because the island runs on Barbados time, which is a more relaxed time. So don’t worry if your bus is late, just relax in the knowledge that it will be with you soon. If you really must get somewhere in a hurry you may want to consider hiring a taxi. The good news is there are plenty of taxis around, so you can jump in one as and when you please.
You Cannot Wear Camouflage
While many people are happy to sport a camouflage t-shirt, some camouflage trousers and even a camouflage hat, in Barbados only the defence force is permitted to wear it. This may well mean that you’re unable to take your favourite pair of trousers with you, but leaving them behind can stop you getting into trouble.
Bajan Dialect
While those who are native to Barbados do speak English, they can be a little hard to understand at first. This is because the locals use the Bajan dialect which is simply a broken form of English. Do not worry if you cannot understand the person speaking to you, most Barbadians are very friendly and will not mind repeating themselves. Don’t worry though, after a few days you should be able to understand the local language fairly well.
Don’t Disturb the Turtles
It’s imperative that you do not disturb any turtles that you come across. While they may be very cute, especially the little ones who have just hatched, they are a protected species. Both the leatherback and hawksbill turtles are frequently monitored. So keep your distance from the turtles so that they can lay their eggs, or make their way back to the shore with relative ease.
The Climate
Barbados’ climate is an idyllic one, especially for those of us who love nothing more than feeling the sun beat down on us. With more than 8 hours of bright sunshine every day, the temperature is approximately 21 Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) at its lowest, and 32 Celsius (89 Fahrenheit) at its highest.
Barbados does have a hurricane season, but you’re unlikely to experience one as they tend to be quite rare. Hurricanes are more likely to hit the island in October, but you’ll probably experience a few storms rather than a nasty hurricane.
Shopping
Not a lot of people know that you can buy a lot of designer clothes and perfume for a lot less than you can in other countries. This is because you don’t have to pay the taxes on them. If you love nothing than a designer outfit, you should head to Broad Street in Bridgetown as you’ll find a wealth of clothes, jewellery and more for a lot less. Get shopping!
Dining Out
If you would like to dine out in style when you’re on vacation in Barbados, you should be prepared to pay approximately $130 BBD (Barbadian dollars) per person, in a very posh restaurant which is quite reasonable. Having said that, if you would like to dine somewhere a little cheaper and a little more informal then you should expect to pay approximately $15 BBD per person.
Rum, Rum, & More Rum!
The island of Barbados produces a lot of rum every year, and this has been the case for the last 350+ years. Needless to say, with huge amounts being produced on the island it tends to be quite cheap. This means that all of you rum-lovers out there should expect to enjoy a good shot or two of rum at quite a good price. However, shots of rum in this part of the world do tend to be quite big, and you may find that your delicious glass of rum and coke is more rum than anything else!
Now you know a little more about Barbados and what to expect, you can pack your suitcase accordingly. Be prepared to sun yourself and don’t forget to dine out somewhere special. Enjoy a few glasses of rum (You won’t need any more than a few!), and remember to let the turtles lay their eggs undisturbed. Have a wonderful vacation on this incredibly beautiful island, sit back, relax, and remember the island runs on its own time, so let your cares drift away, and enjoy yourself.
