Barbados

When planning a trip in Barbados, make sure to factor in all potential costs so you don’t go over budget.  A mid range vacation will cost approximately $4,300 – $5,800 for two people for a week-long getaway (this includes accommodations and airfare).  For a luxury vacation, you can expect to pay $7,900 or more. I break the costs into three general buckets: accommodations, flights, and daily miscellaneous items.

Cost For Accommodations

Finding the right place to stay that matches your style and budget is perhaps the most important part of the planning process. It will be the biggest expense for your vacation by far. I personally prefer the all-inclusive resorts because it makes for a stress free vacation. The good news is that Barbados offers a wide variety of options ranging from ultra luxury to budget friendly hotels. 

All-Inclusive: All-inclusive resorts will almost alway be the more expensive option, but they include food, drinks, transfers, activities, and more.  That’s why I say it’s important to consider all potential costs when budgeting.  While the all-inclusives generally have a higher price tag, they oftentimes will end up costing less overall.  The average all-inclusive in Barbados will start at about $280 per person, per night. These prices can vary depending on the time of year you go and the location. Saint Lawrence Gap is the most popular resort area, located on the Southern tip of the island. 

Hotel Stays: The average beachfront hotel in Barbados will cost between $200 – $300 per night. This is for a 4 star hotel on the beach. You can head further north toward St. James and St. Peter perishes where there are some very nice 5 star hotels that will $600 or more per night.  It’s also worth researching which hotels include breakfast and other perks so you get the most bang for your buck. 

Budget Stays: There are plenty of budget stays around the island.  If you want to sacrifice a prime beachfront property and don’t care about some of the higher end frills, then you can find 2 or 3 star hotels for approximately $100 a night. For those that are just looking for a place to sleep and shower, these are great options. 

Short Term Rentals: Apartments and Villas available on AirBnB are popular, especially for groups or families. Prices often start at $350 per night but can go into the thousands for large villas that have multiple rooms. If you do have a big group going and you want to all stay together, sometimes splitting a house or villa can make the most economic sense. 

Cost For Airfare

The cost of flights to Barbados will vary depending on where you’re flying from and the time of year. For example, round trip flights from Miami (MIA) to Grantley Adams Airport (BGI) will cost around $450 on average, but will get higher from December to March.  During that window flights can cost over $750 for a round trip. 

I generally try to book flights like this 60 or more days in advance to take advantage of lower prices. I’ll set alerts on Google flights to track the price of the flights I need.  If you have flexibility, you can also compare prices on different days of the week, since weekend departures tend to be pricier.

Airlines serving Barbados with nonstop flights include American, JetBlue, Air Canada, and British Airways. If you have any points with these airlines (or partner airlines), you can apply them toward your flight to get big savings. 

Miscellaneous Expenses

Have you ever gotten back from a vacation just to look at your bank statement and wonder what happened!  Those little miscellaneous expenses can add up to a big number. Again, this is why I tend to prefer all-inclusive resorts 🙂

As far as dining in Barbados, an average meal will cost between $15 – $25 per person at mid-range restaurants, while upscale dining starts at about $40 per person. For local food from food trucks or small cafés, meals can be as low as $5 to $10.

Taxis are the most common method of transportation and fares start at $10 to $15 for short trips. Note that there is no Uber or Lyft. Transfers from the airport have a pre-set cost, and will range from $15 to $70 if you’re going to the north end of the island. (more on this later)

Optional activities like catamaran tours, snorkeling, and rum tastings may range from $50 to $125 per person. Admission tickets to the popular Harrison’s Cave cost $57 for adults and $39 for kids. I always set aside a bit extra for souvenirs, and bottled water or snacks, which adds a few more dollars per day.

I know what you’re thinking right now, and the answer is yes, most everywhere in Barbados (including the taxis) accept the US dollar or major credit cards. 

Pro Tip: Trip insurance can be a lifesaver and protect your investment.  Most resorts or booking platforms will offer insurance as a potential add-on for your vacation.  It can be an extra cost, but if you end up using the insurance, it will end up saving you thousands. 

Travel conditions vary slightly throughout the year in Barbados. Weather, crowds, and seasonal events all play a role in choosing the best time for a trip. I’ll break down the best times to visit depending on if you’re looking for the best prices or the best weather. 

Peak Season

The peak season in Barbados runs from mid-December to mid-April. This is the island’s high season for tourism when there’s minimal rainfall and the sunniest weather. Temperatures average a comfortable 75°F to 86°F during these months. 

I would advise to book early if you plan on going in the high season since hotels and resorts fill up quickly. The downside is that prices are also the highest. This is especially true between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. 

Popular beaches like Carlisle Bay, Dover Beach, and Mullins Beach get a lot more visitors. So while the dry season is perfect for water sports and outdoor activities, there are higher crowds to deal with. 

Overall, if you’re searching for guaranteed sunshine with pleasant temperatures, this is the best time to visit. 

Shoulder Seasons

The two shoulder seasons in Barbados fall between May and June, and then again in November. These months provide great value in terms of prices, but also offer lower crowds. The weather has slightly higher humidity and just a chance of brief showers. Note that November has slightly higher average rainfall. Temperatures will average around 80° F during the day. 

If your schedule allows for traveling during shoulder seasons, it’s one of my favorite times to go. Room prices drop during these months, and special deals are common at resorts. There are also fewer crowds to contend with. I like that the water is still warm so swimming and snorkeling are enjoyable.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in Barbados lasts from July through October, with the wet season peaking from August to October. The risk of hurricanes is relatively low compared to other Caribbean islands, but I still recommend keeping an eye on the forecasts before you depart. 

It’s important to note that although rain showers are more frequent and humidity increases, it was my experience that rain showers were short-lived.  There is still plenty of sunshine to be had during these months.  The average temperatures will be approximately 80° F. 

Many resorts offer significant discounts, and I found the island much less crowded. Some smaller restaurants or attractions may be closed or have shortened hours during the low season though. 

Overall, for those who don’t mind some potential rain but want to maximize savings, this season offers the best value for both accommodations and flights. I highly recommend checking cancellation policies and getting travel insurance if visiting during these months!

I sometimes get asked if Barbados is safe to visit. From my perspective, I never felt unsafe or had any issues during my time there. Like all of the Caribbean Islands, there are a lot of places to explore, but it’s always important to exercise common sense precautions. 

Currently the US State Department lists Barbados as a Level 1 destination, meaning normal safety precautions are recommended. This is the lowest level out of four. I always check the travel advisories because they will also give specific details if there is anything to be aware of. 

If you visit Barbados, here are some tips for extra safety: 

• Stay in well traveled and well lit areas
• Use official taxis or licensed transport services
• Use the resort staff to assist you and provide information
• Only use registered tour operators
• Keep your valuable secure and don’t carry too much cash around
• Always lock your car doors if you rent a vehicle
• Stay vigilant in busy areas like Bridgetown and Holetown

If you do find yourself in an emergency, the local police number is 211. 

Below are my top 7 things to do around Barbados.  There are plenty of other things to see and places to go, but these are the activities that I can recommend with confidence! 

1. Explore Bridgetown: I like to walk through Bridgetown to explore the colorful colonial architecture. It is actually a UNESCO world heritage site! There are plenty of local markets to check out, and the boardwalk has beautiful views of Carlisle Bay. I also recommended going to the Barbados Museum, with entry of only $10 USD, it’s worth it if you have some extra time. 
2. Oistins Fish Fry: Every Friday night, Oistins hosts a very popular fish fry with other Bajan foods from local vendors. It’s located on the south coast only 20 minutes from Bridgetown.  Entry is free and the prices are pretty cheap.  A dinner plate will start around only $10 USD. It’s a great spot to try rum punch and enjoy some dancing with live music.  Easter weekend will have the annual fish fry which is a great way to soak in the local traditions. 
3. Visit Mount Gay Rum Distillery: I highly recommend touring the Mount Gay Rum Distillery in Bridgetown, which is the official birthplace of rum established in 1703. I did the Signature Tour that lasted 2 hours and cost $55.  You tour the property, hear the history and interesting anecdotes, and most importantly, taste several rum variations.  You can book the tours in advance right on their official website. 
4. Go To The Crop Over Festival: The largest party of the year is Crop Over Festival.  Held for 6 weeks through July and August, it celebrates the sugar cane harvest.  The gathering includes calypso music, traditional costumes, contests, and street parties. Most events are free, but tickets for the  Grand Kadooment Day parade on the last day and parties can range from $30 to $100 USD. 
5. Harrison’s Cave: Harrison’s Cave is a must visit tourist attraction located right in the middle of the island. Here you can take a tour through the one of a kind caves and take a dip in the water pools. It really does look like something out of a scifi movie. Beyond the cave itself, you can also do ziplines and different activities around the park. The general tram tour ticket will cost $57 for adults and $39 for children.  
6. Animal Flower Cave And Restaurant: Located on the very north tip of the island is the only sea cave that you can walk through in Barbados. There are fantastic views and rock pools that you can wade in.  Note that when walking in the cave, it is rather slippery, so you need to be careful walking. Tickets are $20 and the guided tour takes about 15 minutes. There is also a nice restaurant there on the seaside where you can grab some lunch and enjoy the views. 
7. Hit The Beach: Most beaches are free to access, and of course, Barbados has some of the nicest beaches in the world.  The favorite beaches that I visited were Dover Beach in the south, Crane Beach on the southeast coast, and Mullins beach on the west coast.  You can take surf lessons, rent jet skis, go snorkeling, and relax on the white sand beach!

Before you jet off to Barbados, it’s important to understand local customs, money, food, weather, and transportation.

Culture

The Barbadian or “Bajan” culture is very welcoming and warm. It’s a blend of Caribbean charm, West African customs, and British-influenced traditions. Although English is the official language, the Bajan dialect is commonly spoken. People are always smiling and saying hello when I walk by!  There were a  couple of times I needed to ask for directions and locals were quick to point me in the right direction.

The general vibe is laid back, but it’s important to dress conservatively when visiting cultural or religious sites to respect local customs.  Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon as well. Like nearly every culture, respect for elders and courteous behavior is expected.

Currency

The official currency is the Barbadian Dollar (BBD), which is pegged at approximately $2 BBD to $1 USD. That said, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted, but major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. 

I would just advise to keep a few dollars in cash for small purchases or rural shops that might not accept cards. ATMs are easy to find in Bridgetown, larger resorts, and popular around tourist spots. 

Food And Dining

Barbadian cuisine focuses on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local ingredients influenced by African, Indian, and British flavors. This makes sense as the national dish is flying fish and cou-cou, a delectable cornmeal and okra stew.  Mahi Mahi is also very popular here, and I had some of the best fillets of my life at a couple of local seaside restaurants. 

Some other favorites are macaroni pie, which is exactly what it sounds like!  Macaroni and cheese that is baked into a delicious pie shape.  Fish cakes are also tasty little treats.  They are generally cod mixed with spices in a small ball, and deep fried with a light batter. 

There are also a number of solid street food vendors in Bridgetown that serve local snacks.  I grabbed a ham cutter at Cuz Fish Shack, which is a ham sandwich in salt bread with lettuce and tomato. 

On to the drinks now. The absolute must try drink in Barbados is Rum Punch. Afterall, Barbados is the home of rum!  The local beer that I really enjoyed is Banks Beer. It is very popular around the island and you can get it just about anywhere, and a lot of times it’s cheaper than water. 

Speaking of water, drinking tap water is generally considered safe; but if you want to play it safe, bottled water is also widely available for very cheap. 

Tipping at restaurants is normal in Barbados.  I noticed that the bills often added 10% to 15% service charge for a tip. Make sure to look specifically at your bill so you are not getting charged the 15% fee and also paying an additional tip on top of it (unless you want to of course).

Transportation

Getting around Barbados is straightforward with taxis, public buses, or rental cars. The most common transportation is taxis, which are readily available. Official taxis will have the letter “Z” on the license plate. They generally wont have meters, but fixed rates for different destinations.  This is why it’s important to agree on the fare before you get in. 

Ride sharing apps like Uber are not available in Barbados. There is an app called pickUP where you can book taxis, but it’s not very popular and kind of clunky to operate. 

Most reputable resorts will at least provide airport transfers.  You can also ask the concierge to coordinate any transfers you need while staying there. 

Note that people drive on the left side of the road in Barbados. This is especially important if you rent a car! You will probably need to get an international drivers license to rent a car. This can be done quickly online or with the rental agency for about $25. 

Airports

The primary airport for international travel is the Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), located on the very southern tip of the island about 10 miles southeast of Bridgetown. The flight to Barbados is not too long either.  A fight from Miami, for example, takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes. 

The customs and immigration line can be busy during peak arrival times of about 12 PM – 6 PM. It might take an hour or less, but I have never had to wait longer. 

Taxis, shuttle buses, and several car rental companies are available at the airport. For example, a taxi from the airport to Bridgetown will cost about $40. There are public bus transfers to Bridgetown and other popular coastal cities (bus numbers 27 and 54C) which are significantly cheaper, but will take longer and won’t drop you off right at your destination.

Passport And Visas

A valid passport is required for entry into Barbados for US citizens. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay plus 6 months. However, travelers from the United States do not need a visa for stays up to 6 months.  You may also be asked to show proof of a return flight, but that should not be a problem for vacationers. 

You will also need to complete the online immigration and customs form at least 72 hours prior to arrival. 

Weather Statistics

The weather in Barbados is fairly consistent year-round, with average daytime highs between 80°F – 88°F and mild nights. The tropical climate has a bit of humidity with northeast trade winds thanks to its easternmost location in the Caribbean. 

The dry season lasts from December to mid-May when you have low humidity and minimal rain, making it the peak time for travelers. The rainy season runs from June to November, which has rain showers (sometimes quite heavy) that usually pass quickly. Hurricanes are rare but possible during the months of July to October.

Electricity

Barbados uses Type A and Type B plug types with standard voltage of 115V at 50Hz.  This means that US visitors probably don’t need to worry about getting an adapter.  Type A plugs have two flat, parallel pins, while Type B plugs also have two flat, parallel pins but with an additional grounding pin. 

Weddings in Barbados are very popular, especially on the beach. Wedding ceremonies in Barbados are in fact legally binding so that your marriage is recognized back in your country of residence. Most wedding planning planners will help you to complete the required documents. 

There is not a minimum required number of days to be on the island before you can get married.  Whereas, some Caribbean islands require you to be there for at least 2 or more business days before you can have an official wedding ceremony.  I would still recommend having a few days before your wedding to ensure you get the correct documents prepared at the Ministry Of Home Affairs and to ensure everything is set up correctly. 

There are several resorts and venues that offer spectacular settings for the ceremony and reception. Oftentimes they will have packages depending on the size of the wedding so you can get it all in one bundle. 

What is the cheapest time to visit Barbados?

The cheapest time to visit Barbados is between July and November during the rainy season. During these months the precipitation is higher along with the humidity, however, there are fewer crowds to contend with.  There is still plenty of sunshine though.  The temperature will average approximately 80° during the day and showers are usually short lived.  

Is Barbados safe to visit?

Yes, Barbados is absolutely safe to visit as it only has a Level One Travel Advisory, which is the lowest rating from the US Department Of State.  It is still wise to use common sense precautions like staying in well traveled areas, protecting your valuables, and only using official transportation options. 

What is the best side to stay on in Barbados

Barbados is generally split into four quadrants: The more modern south coast, the high end north west coast, the rocky north coast, and the more traditional east coast. In my opinion, the best beaches, restaurants, and resorts are in the south by Saint Lawrence Gap.  It’s also much closer to the airport.  My second favorite is the west coast in St. James Perish, but the resorts there can be very expensive.