Bajan Sun

Barbados has a culture as diverse as its geography. On one side of this Caribbean island, an urban escapist's dream awaits, complete with low-cost, isolated accommodations set upon high cliffs overlooking the Atlantic crashing against a rocky shore. On the opposite end, the Caribbean traveler finds a developed, highly-urban society, with some of the Caribbean's top-notch shopping and nightlife.

Regardless of which side you are on, Barbados still maintains a strong sense of British sensibility mixed with its West Indian cultural heritage; don't be surprised if everyone stops for afternoon tea, or if an islander speaks to you in a British accent. For more detailed information, visit our Barbados vacation guide; or visit the official website of the Barbados Tourism Authority or the Government of Barbados Information Network.

Getting There

Grantley Adams International Airport is the only international airport on Barbados; flight availability is very good, with many direct flights arriving daily from Miami and New York, and connecting flights arriving from all across the Caribbean. Many major airlines service Grantley Adams, including, but not limited to, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air Jamaica, BWIA, British Airways, Canadian Airlines, Caribbean Star, and LIAT.

Entry Requirements

All persons entering Barbados are required to present a valid passport and a valid return ticket.  All though those from Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. are not required to present visas upon entry, many other countries are.

Climate

Barbados' delightful year-round climate enhances its natural and cultural beauty. Truly tropical, Barbados experiences stable, pleasant year-round temperatures with January seeing average lows of about 74 and highs of 82, and July basking in lows of 78 and highs of 85 (all temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit). Bajan rainfall averages 46.7 inches annually, so the island has gorgeous, lush vegetation.  For more information, visit our weather guide.

Geography

Furthest east of the Caribbean islands, Barbados is a hop, skip, and a jump away from the continental country of Venezuela. The island formed on coral between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean shore is soft and calm. The Atlantic coast, despite being home to rough seas, offers gorgeous scenery. Sight-seeing from atop the cliffs of the Atlantic is a favorite experience for locals and tourists alike.

Health and Safety

The number of crimes reported in Barbados is fairly low, and the gap between socioeconomic classes is not so great as to cause major problems. Still, using traveler's common sense is advisable - keeping an eye on your valuables, being aware of your surroundings, and taking other basic precautions can go a long way to making your vacation more enjoyable.

As far as water goes, Barbados is lucky to have a naturally pure water supply; water is filtered through the coral rock base of the island and is pumped from an underground supply.

People

The people of Barbados maintain the British traditions introduced to the country during colonization; Bajans speak British English with a gorgeous combination of an island lilt and British accent that makes otherwise "ordinary" English sound absolutely charming. Tea time is strictly maintained on the island, so don't be surprised if shop owners, business people, and even cab drivers take a break in the afternoon to enjoy their tea.

One of the more amazing things about Bajan culture is the modern attitude of the city despite a traditional culture. There is as much development on the island as there is preservation of natural beauty, which leads to an interesting blend of attitudes among locals. Further, the country is not as densely crowded as other Caribbean islands, creating a more casual, less rushed atmosphere that is reflected in the behavior of the Bajan people.