Barbados Essentials
General Overview
Like many Caribbean Islands, Barbados has beautiful beaches but where it differs is the diversity in the villa accommodation. No matter what your budget is, whether you are looking for a value-for-money beachfront villa or a budget-busting luxury villa on the Sandy Lane Estate, Barbados can cater to all. For full details of our Barbados villas for rent can be found on our homepage. As you move towards Barbados’ awe-inspiring east coast, where the mighty Atlantic Ocean collides with the island, you’ll catch sight of the expansive plantation mansions that were once inhabited by the early settlers. This breathtaking sight entices surfers from across the globe to flock here. With an annual influx of over 500,000 visitors, Barbados boasts the highest percentage of return visitors among all the Caribbean islands. This remarkable fact speaks volumes about the island itself and its warm-hearted inhabitants, as it seems that once you experience Barbados, you simply can’t resist the desire to return.
Travelling to Barbados
Barbados is easily accessible from the UK, Europe, US, and Canada plus other Caribbean Islands. We have highlighted approx flight times from some of the major cities from these countries;
| London | 8 hrs 50 mins |
| Manchester | 8 hrs 55 mins |
| Brussels | 9 hrs |
| Frankfurt | 9 hrs 20 mins |
| New York | 4 hrs 20 mins |
| Atlanta | 4 hrs 45 mins |
| Dallas | 5 hrs 30 mins |
| Montreal | 5 hrs |
| Toronto | 5 hrs |
| St. Lucia | 45 mins |
| Trinidad | 1 hr |
Airport
Grantley Adams International (IATA Code: BGI) is the sole airport in Barbados. It is located on the south east of the island. It is approx 9 miles to the capital Bridgetown and will take approx 45 mins by car to reach the hub of the west coast, Holetown. Car rental and taxis/cabs are readily available from the airport.
Car Rental / Airport transfers
Here at Tropical Island Rentals, we can pre-arrange airport transfers for you so they will meet you upon exiting the arrivals hall and they will take you straight to your holiday villa. We can also arrange a car rental for you. This can either be picked up at the airport or they will drop it off at the villa for you. You can then either leave it at the airport on your departure or again the car hire company will pick it up from your villa rental. If you would prefer to organise your own car hire then we would suggest Drive a Matic or Stoutes Car Rental as both offer good quality car hire rentals.
Climate
Barbados offers sunshine every day! It averages out between 8 to 9 hours of sunshine per day. Average temperatures range from 28°C to 31°C. December through to May tend to be the driest months whilst September through November are the wettest months. When it does rain it tends to be either early in the morning or late afternoon showers and they are normally over very quickly. The Hurricane season officially runs from June through to October but a hurricane in Barbados is a very rare occurrence.
Currency
The currency of Barbados is the Barbados Dollar (BBD). It is pegged to the US$ at a rate of $1.98 BDS to $1.00 US. We do advise that you take some local currency with you although you will find that many places accept US $ and the majority of shops and restaurants will also accept major credit cards.
Electricity
Electricity in Barbados is 110 volts/50 cycles Standard plug types in Barbados are: Flat blade (2 flat blades) Flat blades with a round grounding pin You should be fine if you are travelling from North America, but you may need adaptors if you are travelling from Europe. However, always check with your agent or villa manager as many villas now supply adaptors for you.
Safety
Barbados is considered a very safe destination to travel to but like anywhere crime does happen so just take the normal precautions as if you were at home. i.e Lock all windows and doors at night, keep valuables out of sight and use your vacation rental’s security safe if they have one.
Items you will definitely need
Sun cream – With the many hours of sunshine in Barbados, this is a necessity.
Sun hat / Sunglasses – The sun is strong in Barbados, so always protect your eyes and head as well as your skin.
Mosquito protection – This is especially true during the more humid months between July and November.
Light clothing – It doesn’t get cold in Barbados so light clothing is all that is required.
Phone Camera / Video – Barbados is beautiful and taking evidence of this is vital.
Driver’s License – It is worth renting a car for at least part of your vacation in Barbados, so you can explore this stunning island. You will need a valid driver’s license and you will need to obtain a Barbados driving permit. The permits can be issued to you by your car rental company.
Dining
If you have a passion for exceptional dining experiences, Barbados is the perfect destination to satisfy your culinary cravings. The island boasts a diverse range of upscale restaurants, each offering a delightful array of cuisines accompanied by breathtaking views. From delectable local dishes to tantalizing seafood and continental delicacies, there’s something to please every palate. Given the popularity of these establishments, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance, particularly during the bustling months of December through April. Moreover, Barbados caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets, ensuring that there are plenty of dining options available to suit everyone. Additionally, if you opt for one of the luxurious Barbados villas for rent provided by Tropical Island Rentals, you can even indulge in your own personalized fine dining experience, as many of their accommodations offer the services of a skilled chef or cook.
A few restaurants we do recommend include:
Featured Barbados villas for rent
Beach Villas - 92
