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Barbados
Language: English with a
Caribbean twist!
Currency: Barbados Dollar or the US
Dollar. Real Holiday Guides recommends British travellers use Barbados
dollars. All outlets and traders also accept the US Dollar but often give
change in Barbados currency.
Climate: Storms
are common especially between June and November although Barbados tends
to avoid the worst of them - most of the time they are nothing more than
heavy downpours.
Humidity is at its highest from
August to October.
Water: The tap water is
perfectly safe to drink.
Driving: They drive mainly on the left!
Take a good map as the signposts can be deceptive or absent.
Flight Time From UK: Approx
8� hours
Time Difference: 4/5 hours
behind GMT.
Excursions:
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Bridgetown - the capital contains
most of the island's history and shopping opportunities.
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Harrison Caves - in the centre of
the island provides a chance to delve deep underground to see spectacular
caverns and lagoons with options on how to descend the depths
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Flower Forest - A tranquil trail
through fantastic foliage and offering great views of the east coast.
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Recommended Beaches to Explore: Miami &
Enterprise, Foul Bay, Crane Beach, Bottom Bay and Bathsheba. These spots
are not always easy to find but they are definitely worth the pursual.
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Sunbury Plantation House - it's like
stepping back to the old plantation days. Great for lunches and afternoon
teas
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North Point - At the top tip of the
island you can sit and watch the two seas collide and crash against the
dramatic cliffs. A cafe serves snacks.
What's
it really like?
20 miles long and 15 miles across at its widest point,
Barbados is one of the smaller and friendliest of the
Caribbean islands. You'll find a genuine warm welcome and as long as the
usual precautions are adhered to there's usually no need to fear walking
around the towns, even at night.
General: Aside from the capital, Bridgetown which is a working
city and sea port the other main towns are little more than villages with a
scattering of shops and bars.
The best time to visit for the weather is between
November and May.
Barbados boasts a lower crime rate than some of its
neighbours in the Caribbean although the usual precautions should be taken.
Laws have been passed which should ensure you're not
bothered too much by traders on the beaches and police patrols on the
tourist beaches are regular.
A recent survey of visitors to Barbados revealed
a few things they would like changed, including a lack of pavements
(sidewalks). Even even the towns the pavements tend to end abruptly. Holidaymakers
also lamented about the dangers of bus drivers ignoring the speed limits on the
roads. Our reporter recently clocked a driver on an official 'blue' bus
racing along a narrow town road at 60mph!
South Coast:
Famous for its white, soft sandy beaches which are
wider than those on the west. A cooling breeze creates good conditions
for windsurfers and body surfers. Annual competitions attract international
competitors.
St Lawrence has a superb selection of authentic local restaurants with
amazing food and some also offer great views.
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Tourist areas like South Beach offer a few
commercial centres along the coast road.
Rockley Beach (right) boasts soft, gently shelving
sand with natural shade. There are a few small bars and sun loungers for
hire, and a 1km wooden walkway - ideal for strolling during the daytime
or evening.
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West Coast:
Often referred to as "The Platinum Coast"
the west is the gentle, Caribbean side of Barbados and accommodation here tends to be more upmarket and
expensive.
Paynes Bay, Sandy
Lane and Holetown have the best beaches on this stretch of
the coast. Holetown (right) remains a sedate resort whilst
boasting a couple of modest shopping malls and a large
supermarket.
The
sea on the west coast is protected from the ravages of the Atlantic so
the tide remains calm and gentle
except in extreme weather conditions.
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East Coast:
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Beaches on the east coast are usually deserted
and quite dramatic. A combination of rock formations, wild foliage
and crashing waves creates spectacular vistas.
The Atlantic can be wild with high waves and swimming is not
recommended on the east coast due to strong currents.
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Golf:
Three superb 18-hole courses and several 9-hole
courses. Some are members only so check before you travel.
Bucket and Spade Brigade:
Strictly for undemanding beach babes so make sure your
hotel has entertainment laid on. The hot climate may not suit the very
young.
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