Short
Description The perfect diving, snorkeling and windsurfing destination, the island of Barbados was formed by years of coral reef growth, and offers its visitors 21 miles of pink sand beaches, many sightseeing attractions, great nightlife, dining and shopping.
Destination
Highlights Pink Sand Beaches Coral Reefs Great For Diving Windsurfing Capital British Flavor and Culture Great Duty Free Shopping Exciting Nightlife Live Entertainment Various Types of Dining Golf and Tennis Racket Swinging and Cricket
Local
Weather The average temperature in the Barbados is 82 degrees in the summer and 79 degrees in the winter. The balmy, tropical climate is cooled by constant sea breezes, but it is sunnier and drier than the other Caribbean islands. The dry season is from December to June; during the so-called wet season (July to November) some brief rain showers are likely, followed by the tipical hot and dry Barbados sun.
Other
Destinations
Description Barbados is an island in the Atlantic about 300 miles (483 km) north of Venezuela and the easternmost island of the Caribbean's Lesser Antilles. It is an island formed in pre-historic times from years of coral reef growth which has left modern-day visitors a 21-mile-long playground for beachgoers, scuba divers, snorkelers, golfers, fishing enthusiasts and just about anyone seeking fun. On Barbados' south and west coasts, where the warm Caribbean Sea caresses the shore, there are many beachfront resorts. The waters of the West Coast are famous for their clarity and the location of the most exclusive resorts and beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. Snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing and scuba diving are regular activities. In fact, Barbados ranks among the top-six places in the world with ideal conditions for windsurfing. Other often played sports include racket swinging, golf, tennis and cricket which are its major sports. Barbados is a great island getaway, offering not only beautiful pink, sandy beaches, but also a rich cultural heritage and a wide array of sightseeing attractions. This sophisticated island has a distinguishably British flavor - afternoon tea and the sport of cricket are quite popular. Its upscale shopping and gourmet dining will please vacationers with distinctive taste. Throughout the Caribbean, Barbados boasts some of the lowest prices on certain goods. There are goods bargains on English goods such as Porcelain, China, Crystal and Perfume. Rum is also a buy. The capital of Bridgetown is often considered the most vibrant and exciting in the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean. Its colonial charm blends well with the contemporary commercial buildings. It is also a port city and the deep blue harbor accommodates container ships of great economic importance and massive cruise liners of similar importance.
Local Information The local currency is the Barbados dollar but US dollars are accepted throughout the island.
The official language of the Barbados is English.
Electricity is normally 110 volts but some hotels have 220 volts and offer transformers. American appliances are fully compatible.
As far as driving, British rules apply, so please drive on the left and remember to look right before crossing streets. You will need a valid driver's licence plus a driver's permit issued at the airport (cost is US$5) to rent a car.
Eastern Standard Time is used within the islands of Barbados. (GMT-4)
Airport
Information To get to the Barbados you would fly into Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI). The airport is located approximately 10 miles (16km) southeast of Bridgetown city centre which is the capital of Barbados. Major carriers sevicing the island include Air Canada, Air Caribbean, Air Jamaica, Air Martinique, American Airlines, American Eagle, British Airways, BWIA, Carib Express, LIAT, LTU International and Virgin Atlantic. Each traveller is required to pay departure tax of US $12.50 at the airport upon leaving the island.
Entry
Requirements Effective December 31, 2006, the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality. This information should be used only as a guideline and non-U.S. citizens should contact the airline they are traveling on, or their local consulate regarding the specific entry requirements that apply to their nationality.
