Barbados

1. What are the best beaches in Barbados?
Top beaches include Crane Beach, known for its pink sand and dramatic cliffs, and Bathsheba Beach on the east coast for its rugged beauty and surfing. Carlisle Bay in Bridgetown offers calm waters for snorkeling, while Bottom Bay is perfect for a secluded escape with its palm-fringed shore.

2. What is the best time to visit Barbados?
The best time to visit is from December to April, during the dry season, with temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C), ideal for beach activities and festivals like Crop Over. May to November is the rainy season, with a higher risk of hurricanes (peaking in September), but it offers lower prices and fewer crowds.

3. Do I need a visa to travel to Barbados?
US, Canadian, UK, and EU citizens can visit Barbados visa-free for up to 6 months with a valid passport. Other nationalities may need a visa, which can be checked via the Barbados Immigration website. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay, and you may need proof of onward travel.

4. What are the top things to do in Bridgetown?
In Bridgetown, explore the UNESCO-listed Garrison Historic Area, visit the Barbados Museum, and stroll through the colorful Cheapside Market. Take a catamaran cruise from Carlisle Bay to swim with turtles, and visit the Parliament Buildings. Don’t miss a rum tasting at the Mount Gay Visitor Centre.

5. Is Barbados expensive to travel to?
Barbados can be moderately expensive, with daily costs averaging $80–$150 per person for accommodation, food, and activities. A mid-range trip can cost $800–$1,500 for a week. Bridgetown and the west coast are pricier, but you can save by staying on the south coast, eating at local spots, and visiting during the off-season.

6. What are traditional Barbadian foods to try?
Try flying fish with cou-cou, the national dish, made with cornmeal and okra. Savor macaroni pie, a cheesy baked dish, and pudding and souse, a pickled pork and sweet potato dish. For dessert, enjoy coconut turnovers, and sip a Banks beer or a rum punch made with Barbados’ famous Mount Gay rum.

7. What are the best natural attractions in Barbados?
Top natural attractions include Harrison’s Cave, a stunning limestone cavern with stalactites, and the Animal Flower Cave on the north coast for its sea views and rock pools. Visit Hunte’s Gardens for tropical flora, hike in the Welchman Hall Gully, and explore the rugged east coast at Bathsheba for dramatic rock formations.

8. What are the best events in Barbados?
Top events include Crop Over (July to August), a vibrant festival with calypso music, parades, and the Grand Kadooment finale. The Barbados Food and Rum Festival (October) showcases local cuisine, while the Holetown Festival (February) celebrates the island’s history with street fairs and music.

9. What are the best activities on the south coast of Barbados?
On the south coast, party in St. Lawrence Gap, known for its nightlife and restaurants. Snorkel at Oistins Bay to see shipwrecks, relax at Miami Beach (Enterprise Beach), and visit the Oistins Fish Fry on Fridays for fresh seafood and live music. Take a surf lesson at Freights Bay.

10. How can I travel around Barbados?
Taxis are widely available, with fares like $20–$30 from the airport to Bridgetown. Renting a car is ideal for exploring, costing $40–$70 per day (driving is on the left). Public buses, including the blue government buses and yellow private buses, are affordable at $2 per ride and connect major areas like Bridgetown, Speightstown, and Oistins.