Barbados
Not in the story-mood? Scroll down for the Quick Budget Fact Overview: an itemized information summary of Barbados! ↓
Latin America wasn’t new to me (I travelled there non-stop for 4 years already), but the Caribbean island strip was. But yet, within that dreamy Caribbean*, it felt like I kinda knew Barbados. You see, my main childhood friend who I spent the majority of my time with from kindergarten all the way to university, had the uncanny habit of playing off an ongoing babbling-loop on the topics she felt passionate for, like a broken record. For months, sometimes years on end. Barbados, the returning holiday destination of her well-off family, was one of the main topics. As such, this distant island I never set foot on in my life became a common thread in my adolescent life.
36 I had to turn for it, but suddenly I was there. Accidentally and only for 24 hours on my way to somewhere else, but alas. Barbados, at last. And, was it all the endless exhilarated stories built up to? Nah… not really, honestly. It would be, if it is the only island in the Caribbean I’d end up knowing (like in her case, at that time). It has some good surf, a huge local turtle population and the standard tropical-island-billboard-type of shoreline… but I only had to fly to Grenada (my actual destination) to first-hand witness how their stunning forested mountainscapes wiped out any overly supportive impression of flat-as-a-pancake and densely populated Barbados.**
* Technically, it’s an Atlantic island, if you want to be nitpicky. Yet, it is closely associated with the Caribbean.
** This can actually be traced back to the origins of both islands. Whereas Grenada was created by a volcanic eruption (which created fertile grounds), Barbados emerged from the ocean as a consequence of a rising body of rock lying right under it, pushing the land above it upwards. This, by the way, is ongoing, which leads to the island rising about 30cm every 1000 years.
36 I had to turn for it, but suddenly I was there. Accidentally and only for 24 hours on my way to somewhere else, but alas. Barbados, at last. And, was it all the endless exhilarated stories built up to? Nah… not really, honestly. It would be, if it is the only island in the Caribbean I’d end up knowing (like in her case, at that time). It has some good surf, a huge local turtle population and the standard tropical-island-billboard-type of shoreline… but I only had to fly to Grenada (my actual destination) to first-hand witness how their stunning forested mountainscapes wiped out any overly supportive impression of flat-as-a-pancake and densely populated Barbados.**
* Technically, it’s an Atlantic island, if you want to be nitpicky. Yet, it is closely associated with the Caribbean.
** This can actually be traced back to the origins of both islands. Whereas Grenada was created by a volcanic eruption (which created fertile grounds), Barbados emerged from the ocean as a consequence of a rising body of rock lying right under it, pushing the land above it upwards. This, by the way, is ongoing, which leads to the island rising about 30cm every 1000 years.
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That doesn’t mean I hate it, though. It’s a fine piece of land right in the middle of the turquoise Caribbean waters, unconnected to anything (no ferries, only overpriced flights), that offers a wide variety of beaches to the abundant masses of tourists (and wealthy expats) choosing this destination. White sands and waving palm trees, that’s enough for most holiday photos, I guess. And I must say, from all the areas I stopped at on a quick-quick-quick-road trip to see as much as I possibly could in the limited timeframe, I fully appreciated the good looks of the “Soup Bowl”, Barbados’ most iconic surf bay. Especially if you drive up the road a tad, the panoramic view while wipe you clean off your socks (a view featured in the opening photo).
Other points I stopped at for a further look: Crane Beach (private to a resort, but with a public entrance and parking on the side), Gun Hill Signal Station Lookout Point (which was so underwhelming at the entrance that we didn’t even fully go in) and Codrington College, a former slave-driven sugar cane plantation* later turned into a college to educate the slaves’ children… a rather unsettling piece of history to think about when wandering the college grounds, but not really making the sight itself incredibly interesting. It’s just a building you can’t even enter, and a garden around it… hmmkay. Keep in mind: Besides the beaches (see an overview in the fact sheet), all sights in Barbados are ticketed. If this is no issue for you, more options include Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, Clifton Hall Great House, George Washington House, the Barbados Garrisson, a collection of rum distilleries and a whooooole lot of churches, as boy are they Catholic! Museums include the Nidhe Israel Synagogue & Museum, Sunbury Plantation House, Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Arlington House Museum, Gallery of Caribbean Art, Caribbean Wax Museum, Museum of Parliament and National Heroes Gallery and the Cricket Legends of Barbados Museum. Ridiculously enough, besides the Cherry Tree Hill ad Hakleton’s Cliff even nature comes with a price tag in Barbados (as I wouldn’t easily pay for something that nature gave us for free, I won’t personally recommend this… but an overview can be found down below in the fact sheet).
* The island was initially populated by indigenous people, and since the 13th century by the Kalinago. The Spanish arrived in the 15th century, upon which it was claimed by the Portuguese Empire shortly after (1532-1536). After a period of abandonment, the English arrived in 1625 and grabbed Barbados in the name of King James I, eventually turning it into a British colony. An unpleasant side-effect of this process is the introduction of the plantation economy, fully reliant on the relentless work of African slaves, which were “imported” for the occasion and creating a huge ethnic change in the local population (ongoing until 1833; Slavery Abolition Act). Even though Barbados gained independence in 1966, the British Monarchy was only abolished as recent as 2021. Currently it operates as a republic.
Other points I stopped at for a further look: Crane Beach (private to a resort, but with a public entrance and parking on the side), Gun Hill Signal Station Lookout Point (which was so underwhelming at the entrance that we didn’t even fully go in) and Codrington College, a former slave-driven sugar cane plantation* later turned into a college to educate the slaves’ children… a rather unsettling piece of history to think about when wandering the college grounds, but not really making the sight itself incredibly interesting. It’s just a building you can’t even enter, and a garden around it… hmmkay. Keep in mind: Besides the beaches (see an overview in the fact sheet), all sights in Barbados are ticketed. If this is no issue for you, more options include Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, Clifton Hall Great House, George Washington House, the Barbados Garrisson, a collection of rum distilleries and a whooooole lot of churches, as boy are they Catholic! Museums include the Nidhe Israel Synagogue & Museum, Sunbury Plantation House, Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Arlington House Museum, Gallery of Caribbean Art, Caribbean Wax Museum, Museum of Parliament and National Heroes Gallery and the Cricket Legends of Barbados Museum. Ridiculously enough, besides the Cherry Tree Hill ad Hakleton’s Cliff even nature comes with a price tag in Barbados (as I wouldn’t easily pay for something that nature gave us for free, I won’t personally recommend this… but an overview can be found down below in the fact sheet).
* The island was initially populated by indigenous people, and since the 13th century by the Kalinago. The Spanish arrived in the 15th century, upon which it was claimed by the Portuguese Empire shortly after (1532-1536). After a period of abandonment, the English arrived in 1625 and grabbed Barbados in the name of King James I, eventually turning it into a British colony. An unpleasant side-effect of this process is the introduction of the plantation economy, fully reliant on the relentless work of African slaves, which were “imported” for the occasion and creating a huge ethnic change in the local population (ongoing until 1833; Slavery Abolition Act). Even though Barbados gained independence in 1966, the British Monarchy was only abolished as recent as 2021. Currently it operates as a republic.
Barbados. Glad to tick it off the list, be it without earth-shattering memories made. Alas, maybe I’m just not the audience. Or, as the locals would say it: “Duh is maybe more in de mortar dan de pestle.”
As I am obsessed with Creole (“Bob Marley English”, if you will), I’m sharing this video to get you started language-wise. Hard to follow, even as a fluent English speaker!
As I am obsessed with Creole (“Bob Marley English”, if you will), I’m sharing this video to get you started language-wise. Hard to follow, even as a fluent English speaker!
Quick Budget Fact Overview
Barbados Facts
Short History Recap
1511: Barbados first appears on Spanish maps. 1536: Portuguese explorer Pedro a Campos discovers uninhabited island, claimed for Portugal. 1627: Captain Powell lands party of English settlers who establish colony → slave-driven sugar plantation. ’63: Barbados made into English crown possession. 1816: Slave revolt. ’34: Slavery abolished. ’54: Ministerial government with Grantley Adams as premier. ’58-’62: Member of the British-sponsored Federation of the West Indies. ’61: Barbados granted full internal self-government. ’66: Independence. ’67: UN. ’72: Relations with Cuba. ’83: Barbados supports and provides a base for the US invasion of Grenada. 2004: Sea border disagreement with Trinidad and Tobago. ’14: Announced plans to abolish mandatory death penalty for murder. ’15: Prime Minister announces plans to remove Queen Elizabeth II as the titular head of state and to make Barbados a republic.
Barbados Facts
- Capital: Bridgetown
- Language: Bajan Creole, English
- Population: ± 281,200
- Sq km: ± 439
- Currency: Barbados Dollar ($ - BBD)
- Electricity Outlet: A + V / 115 V / 50 Hz. Check here.
- Country Code Phone: +1
- Emergency Phone: 211 (police), 511 (ambulance), 311 (fire)
- Visa: Most nations don’t. Info here.
- Vaccinations: None.
- Climate: Tropical Monsoon Climate (Am). There are only two seasons: Dry (Dec-May) & Wet (Jun-Dec). Hurricane season runs from June until September, although Barbados isn’t located in the main hurricane strike zone.
- High season: December – April
Short History Recap
1511: Barbados first appears on Spanish maps. 1536: Portuguese explorer Pedro a Campos discovers uninhabited island, claimed for Portugal. 1627: Captain Powell lands party of English settlers who establish colony → slave-driven sugar plantation. ’63: Barbados made into English crown possession. 1816: Slave revolt. ’34: Slavery abolished. ’54: Ministerial government with Grantley Adams as premier. ’58-’62: Member of the British-sponsored Federation of the West Indies. ’61: Barbados granted full internal self-government. ’66: Independence. ’67: UN. ’72: Relations with Cuba. ’83: Barbados supports and provides a base for the US invasion of Grenada. 2004: Sea border disagreement with Trinidad and Tobago. ’14: Announced plans to abolish mandatory death penalty for murder. ’15: Prime Minister announces plans to remove Queen Elizabeth II as the titular head of state and to make Barbados a republic.
FREE Sights / Activities
PAID Sights / Activities
Evening Entertainment
Local Festivals
Find all current events here.
- Sights: Besides beaches nothing is free in Barbados.
- Hikes / Nature: Cherry Tree Hill, Hakleton’s Cliff.
- Beaches: Bathsheba, Dover, Rockley, Miami, Pebbles, Browne’s, Accra, Worthing, Gibbs, Brighton, Sandy Lane, Bath, Mullins, Hastings, Batts Rock, Paradise, Harrismith, Shark Hole, Harry Smith, Blue Monkey, Maxwell, Brandonsm Heywoods & Crane Beach, Paynes Bay, Carlisle Bay, Cave Bay, Reeds Bay, Little Bay, Alleynes Bay, Bottom Bay, River Bay, Soup Bowl, Barclay’s Park.
PAID Sights / Activities
- Sights: St. Nicholas Abbey, Gunn Hill Signal Station Viewpoint, Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, Clifton Hall Great House, Codrington College, George Washington House, Barbados Garrisson.
- Museums: Nidhe Israel Synagogue & Museum, Sunbury Plantation House, Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Arlington House Museum, Gallery of Caribbean Art, Caribbean Wax Museum, Museum of Parliament and National Heroes Gallery, Cricket Legends of Barbados Museum
- Hikes / Nature: Farley Hill National Park, Hunte’s Gardens, Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park, Andromeda Botanic Gardens, Welchman Hall Gully, Barbados Wildlife Reserve, PEG Farm and Nature Reserve, Orchid World & Tropical Flower Garden, Walker’s Reserve, Animal Flower Cave, Flower Forest, Coco Hill Forest, Folkestone Marine Park
- Other: Mount Gay Distillery, Foursquare Rum Distillery, Barbados Turf Club, Banks Beer Brewery, Rum Factory and Heritage Park.
Evening Entertainment
- Nightlife Areas: St. Lawrence Gap.
- Theatres: Eleve Performing Arts Centre, Frank Collymore Hall.
Local Festivals
- Barbados Jazz Festival – Jan.
- Barbados Holetown Festival - Feb
- Holder’s Festival (cultural/music) – Mar-Apr
- Oistins Fish Festival – Apr.
- Crop Over Festival (cultural) – May-Aug.
- National Independence Festival of Creative Arts – Nov.
Find all current events here.
Mama Said
Transport
Next?
- Safety: Barbados has no major security risks. However, theft regularly happens, so it is recommended to carefully watch your belongings (as always). Barbados lies just outside the main hurricane strike zone and. On average, a major hurricane hits only once every 26 years.
- Tap Water: is safe to drink.
- Traffic drives on the left side of the road.
- Locals refer to their country as “Bim.”
- The best credit/debit card for traveling is Wise, as they use the live conversion rates with minimal exchange fees. Wise also has the lowest fees for sending money to foreign accounts. Revolut is comparable, but they have higher exchange fees in the weekend and less wallet-options. Also, you can only wire money to Revolut in the currency you opened the account with, whereas Wise has IBAN’s from a wide variety of currencies, so you don’t have to pay a double exchange fee. Most Barbadian ATMs charge a fee for cash outs, but card payments are generally accepted everywhere, even in the countryside.
- Simcard: Buying a local simcard is usually cheaper than using your international roaming option, although keep in the Caribbean prices for sims and data are incredibly high (way more expensive than Europe, for example) so it might be worth comparing in advance or check if there are better e-sim deals suitable for your phone. The main providers are Digicel, Flow and KW Telecommunications. As usual, never buy a sim at the airport, where you’ll be ripped off with expensive tourist packages. Instead, buy it in the phone stores in the cities or even in some convenience stores, post offices and gas stations. A passport must be shown.
Transport
- Walking: Barbados is very small and within the separate towns it is easy to get around on foot. However, to get from town to town, alternative transport is recommended.
- Cycling: Cycling is a good option to get around. However, keep in mind that local traffic might not always be mindful towards cyclists. They also drive on the left side of the road!
- Public Transport: Barbados has a bus system operating between Bridgetown, Speighstown and Oistins. However, more widely available are the minibuses and ZR Vans, which have the direction displayed in the front, and they come whenever they come. Payment is exclusively in cash of local currency (preferably exact change). The standard apps such as Google Maps and Moovit don’t work for public transport in Barbados.
- Taxi / Uber: The most common taxi app in Barbados is PickUP.
- Taxis are incredibly expensive in Barbados, especially the airport connection.
- Train: There are no trains in Barbados.
- Car Rental: This is not a cheap endeavour in Barbados, but widely available.
- Airport: Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI). To avoid the insane taxi fares, keep in mind that minibuses stop just outside of the airport.
- Hitchhiking: is relatively safe and very easy in Barbados. I hitchhiked once in Barbados and it was very fast and straightforward. More info on hitchhiking in the Caribbean can be found on Hitchwiki.
Next?
- International Destinations Close By: Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Martinique, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.
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