If you’re looking for sun, beaches and a luxurious getaway, look no further than Barbados. Apart from offering a wide variety of barbados homes for rent which caters to all tourists and budgets, they have some of the best stretches of sand in the Caribbean. With millions of annual visitors from around the world, the island-nation boasts an impressive tourist infrastructure. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan. If this is your first time, check out these essential tips to help make sure your trip runs smoothly and you get excellent value for money.
Barbados Isn’t a Cheap Destination
We all know how much a luxury vacation costs, especially when we’re looking at one of the most picturesque islands in the world. Barbados isn’t cheap and there’s no getting around spending thousands on your holiday. While there are some savvy ways to cut the costs, it’s not a good idea to try and cut corners. If you’re willing to fly halfway around the globe to have a holiday, splash out and make it a memorable one. Expect prices to be on par with what you would expect in the likes of London and New York.
Want to Get Better Value for Money? Book Off-Season
As with almost every tourist hotspot, Barbados has distinct high and low seasons. The first corresponds to Christmas, New Year and the European winter. Not only does this match the island’s dry season, but it also gives tourists the chance to escape the long, dark winter days. If you wait a few months and plan a trip later in the year, you might be able to save thousands on the flights and cost of accommodation. But this comes at a price. Barbados gets fewer visitors during their rainy season. Skies tend to be more overcast and storms can hit the island especially in July, August and September. But if you don’t mind the wet weather, it’s entirely possible to find an ultra-luxurious holiday for a fraction of the original cost.
Make the Most of the All-Inclusive Resort
Many of Barbados’s visitors book their vacation in an all-inclusive resort. When you look at the initial cost, the price can seem quite high. But when you consider the cost of eating out and drinking in some of the island’s bars, it becomes much more worthwhile. Many of the resorts offer a high standard of food and drinks including a selection of both local and imported alcohol. If you’re looking to relax for a week or two, the all-inclusive option might be better. The resorts can arrange tours and day trips to explore more of the island as well.
Want Exclusivity? Get a Vacation Rental
The vacation rental industry is booming in Barbados. Dozens of villas and beachside rental advertise their space for couples and families to have their own section of paradise. If want to avoid the thousands of other tourists, this option might be for you. Popular with honeymooners and couples, there’s little else in the Caribbean that can beat waking up to the sound of the ocean. Many of the rentals have their own private section of beach too. But be aware that it can be challenging to get to and from the villa without having your own set of wheels.
Rent a Car
Some holidaymakers plan on spending most of their time soaking up the sun and topping off their tan. Others want to get out and explore more of the island including hidden beaches, the island’s culture and heritage while generally having more of an adventure. If you fall into this second category, it’s advisable to rent a car. You can either get a car as soon as you arrive in Bridgetown or rent one after a few days. First-time visitors should probably hold off on getting a vehicle until their acclimatised to the Barbadian way of driving. Roads quality tends to be lower and some people drive more recklessly than back at home. Drive defensively and always expect the unexpected. And regardless of what the person at the shop tells you, you probably don’t need a sat nav.
Keep Your Guards Up
Barbados is a relatively safe island. Unlike some of the others in the Caribbean, violent crime and robberies are much less common. But this doesn’t mean you have a pass to be careless and complacent. The best piece of advice is to treat Barbados in the same way as you would with a big city back at home. If you wouldn’t show off your expensive watch and diamond jewellery back there, don’t do it here. Some holidaymakers like to bring all their designer clothes and fancy accessories when they travel overseas. While this might be suitable on cruise ships or some of Europe’s cities, it’s not a wise idea in the Caribbean. The casual approach to life means the typical dress code is shorts and a t-shirt, not a three-piece suit that screams ‘I have a lot of money’.
Take the Time to Learn About Barbados
Barbados has a rich and fascinating history dating back centuries and passing through 300 years of British colonial rule. Stroll through Bridgetown, and you’ll see some of this legacy in the style of the architecture. Not everyone learns about this part of the island’s past. But those who do tend to get more out of their trip.
A Holiday of a Lifetime
Barbados makes an idyllic place for a couple of weeks on the beach. Follow these suggestions to help make sure your holiday is a dream come true.
