Discovering Barbados: My Island Adventure

I recently explored Barbados and fell in love with its charm. From the tranquil west coast beaches to the lively nightlife of the south, this island has it all. Here are some of my top Barbados travel tips if you are planning a trip! Of course, you can always reach out and I’ll do the planning for you.

What Side of the Island to Stay On

Geography and Best Beaches in Barbados: Most resorts and hotels are on the west or south coast. The west, facing the Caribbean Sea, offers calmer waters and fewer chances of sargassum. The southern shores, bordering the Atlantic, still have manageable seas and less sargassum compared to other islands, but you get more of an Atlantic Ocean experience. Most luxury resorts, like (my favorite) Sandy Lane, are on the west coast.

While the west coast has the best beaches, it’s farther from nightlife and local hangouts. The south coast is close to spots like Oistins for the Friday night fish fry, St. Lawrence Gap for nightlife and restaurants, and Worthing Square for a quick bite with locals. There are also more all-inclusive resorts, such as the well-know Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados.

Experiencing the Island Outside of the Resorts

Barbados is perfect for those wanting to leave their resort and experience the local culture. Locals and tourists often frequent the same places, whether it’s a restaurant or a nightclub. Barbados is considered very safe, rated Level 1 by the US State Department. English is the official language, and various currencies, including USD, CAD, Euros, and local BBD, are widely accepted, making it easy to explore without a guide. It’s possible to drive here as a US tourist but keep in mind that they drive on the right side of the road.

There are also several excursions, both on land and on the sea.

What to Know About All-Inclusives

There are not nearly as many all-inclusives as you will find in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. While there are a few all-inclusives and resorts that offer all-inclusive packages, you won’t find waterparks and 10 different restaurants and bars anywhere else other than Sandals. Many people prefer not to do all-inclusive since exploring and dining with the locals is so easy. However, you do have a handful of options available to you if you find traveling more relaxing if you are at a resort where your meals and drinks are included.

Interesting Facts and Tips

• Splurge for the airport fast track: It’s a small airport and I loved having someone meet me right off the plane to whisk my through customs and immigration!
• Tourist Base: Unlike many Caribbean destinations, Barbados’s primary tourist base is from the UK. Despite gaining independence in 1966, it remains part of the Commonwealth.
• Travel Convenience: Visiting Barbados from many US destinations is less convenient, making US and Canadian tourists second to British tourists. This can be challenging for reunions or destination weddings, as flights primarily come from the eastern US.
• Birthplace of Rum: Barbados is the birthplace of rum! Explore Mount Gay Rum Distillery to taste the island’s flavorful history. The staff are experts and teach you how to taste the rum and identify notes in each glass properly.

Those are some of my top Barbados travel tips and an island overview! For more details, join my Facebook Group if you’re planning a destination wedding or honeymoon there, or follow along on Instagram for my resort highlights! Make sure to subscribe for a future blog discussing all my favorite resorts in Barbados.