Barbados
Welcome
Motto: "Pride and Industry"
Anthem: "In Plenty and In Time of Need"
Barbados, island country in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, situated about 100 miles (160 km) east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Roughly triangular in shape, the island measures some 20 miles (32 km) from northwest to southeast and about 15 miles (25 km) from east to west at its widest point.
Capital: Bridgetown 13°05′52″N 59°37′06″W.
Population: 287,025 inhabitants.
Gross Domestic Product - GDP (PPP): $5.398 billion.
Official languages: English.
Vernacular language: Bajan Creole.
Area: 439 km2.
Water (%): Negligible.
Currency: Barbadian dollar ($) (BBD).
Safety rating: Not ranked on the Global Peace Index.
Food
Fishcakes and Bakes
Very popular throughout Barbados, the legendary Bajan Fishcake is a different then the ones you get in the traditional fish shop. The main difference is that the batter is made using herbs and spices which gives the deep-fried cod fishcake its unique taste. Bajan Fishcakes are often served with bakes, a form of bread that is made from frying flour, salt and water. Many Bajan dip it in hot pepper sauce.
Bajan Macaroni Pie
In Barbados, pie means one thing: Bajan macaroni pie. This highly popular dish is cooked in every home and is widely available in food stores. Pie is made with macaroni, cheese, onion, herbs and spices, together with ketchup. Some recipes also include mayonnaise or mustard. The ingredients are sprinkled with breadcrumbs and oven baked. It’s often used as a side dish to go with fish or chicken.
Flying fish and cou cou
The Bajan equivalent of the Sunday roast, flying fish and cou cou is the national dish of Barbados and something you have to experience during your visit. The flying fish, which is caught locally in the warm Caribbean waters, is seasoned using traditional Bajan herbs and spices and either fried or steamed in a rich gravy. It is served together with cou cou, which is made from cornmeal and okra.
Roti
Roti is notorious in the Caribbean, and it is a common menu item in Barbados. You can get roti of every variety on the island, flavored with local herbs and spices. Consider it the island version of a burrito and enjoy it with anything from curried potatoes and vegetable filling, to chicken, beef, and fish varieties. Try the local Chefette fast-food joint for a quick roti on the go.
Rice & Peas
Bajan rice and peas goes with just about anything, but it is often served with fried fish. On this island, rice and peas refers almost solely to pigeon peas and rice.
Black Cake
Barbados is renowned for its exceptional rum and besides being the island’s favourite tipple, it’s also a regular ingredient in its cooking. One particular dessert you have to try while on holiday on the island is Black Cake, which is a traditional cake baked with dried cherries, prunes and raisins and the obligatory dash or two of finest rum.
Transportation
Bus
There are 3 types of public transport in Barbados – Transport Board buses (blue), Mini buses (yellow) and ZR / Maxi Taxis (white with a maroon stripe). No matter where you stay, you will find one type or all three on your bus route. It’s US$ 1.00 | BD$ 2.00 per trip, per person. You will need exact fare if taking the Transport Board bus, however, the others will have a conductor who will give you change back. Smaller notes/bills are preferred Eg. $5, $10 or $20. Change is always given in Barbadian currency and foreign coins are not accepted. Buses go just about everywhere you can imagine, from country to town from as early as 5 am until 11 pm. Outside those hours, you will need to take a cab or a taxi.
Car
The best way to get around Barbados is in a car – preferably one you've rented and not a taxi. Compared to some Caribbean destinations, Barbados' roads are easy to navigate. Roads can be winding and narrow and the traffic is frustrating (by any country's standards). Still, this is the most efficient means of getting around. If you want to give it a try, you'll need a temporary permit from the rental agency (you can buy a two-month permit for about 10 Barbadian dollars, or about $5). And remember, driving is on the left.
Private Car
Like all the other island in the Caribbean, you can book a private car. Most tour companies & hotels include a private driver in their fees.
Taxi
Cab drivers are knowledgeable about the best sights (and restaurants). Anticipate paying anywhere between 31 and 46 Barbadian dollars (or $15.50 to $23) for a one-way trip from the airport to the hotels of Bridgetown or St. Lawrence Gap.
Best things to do
Crop Over Festival
To see Barbados really cut loose, plan a trip in early August to experience the climax of the island’s most important cultural event, the Crop Over Festival. Tracing its origins to celebrations by enslaved Africans to mark the end of the sugarcane harvest, this two-century-old festival has grown into a three-month marathon of concerts, performances, and parties, backed by a booming calypso and soca soundtrack.
Eat seafood at Oistins Fish Fry
Barbados’ biggest weekly bash takes place in Oistins every Friday night, when half the island descends on this small village on the southwest coast for the legendary fish fry. The winning formula is a simple one: fresh fish, cold beer and top tunes; it's the island's favorite feast. Dozens of little kiosks serve up everything from grilled fish (flying fish, tuna and swordfish) and shellfish to chicken and pork chops. & don’t forget the macaroni pie!
Rum tasting Mount Gay Rum Distillery
Visitors can observe the rum-making process up close during a tour of the facility, which covers both the history of the site and modern distilling processes. Each tour ends with the tastings – including nine rums on the Premium Flight Experience – so eat a filling breakfast before you come (think a bake and saltfish, or fried bread with salted cod).
Horseback riding
One of the best vantage points for admiring the rugged wilderness on the Atlantic coast of Barbados is from the back of a horse. Horse riding is possible on beaches all around Barbados, with guided trips for riders of all abilities.
Harrison’s Cave
This 1.5-mile-long network of coral caves is an attraction you can’t leave without seeing. Its most visited lies 160 feet underground. You’ll get a different perspective on the coral stone island as you board an electric tram to tour this 1.5-mile network of magnificent caverns, was first mapped in 1974.
Surf the Soup Bowl
Even non-surfers will get a kick out of watching riders take on this powerful wave from the safety of the ruggedly beautiful beach. The island also has excellent waves for beginners, such as those at Freights Bay. You can also sign up for a lesson at beach.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Barbados is between mid-December and mid-April, during dry season. The rainfall is at its lowest and there is plenty of sunshine with temperatures around 29 °C. Barbados is one of those islands you can visit at any time of the year. Rainfall often makes way for sun, even in the wet season
Rainy season in Barbados runs from June to November. But, the good news is, the rain isn't a gloomy all-day affair, rather than constant grey clouds, mud and endless drizzle, the showers are short and sharp & the rest is hot and sunny.
Official hurricane season in Barbados is from July to November. The rain usually consists of brief, heavy showers, but there is lots of sunshine during the rest of the day. The risk of hurricanes is very small, as they normally pass to the north.
Quick tips
Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, particularly after dark. Only use licensed taxis and take particular care at late night street parties, especially during the festival season. Don't carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. If possible, leave valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or hotel safe. while you'll hear that the crime rates in Barbados have increased in recent years, Barbados is still a safe place for tourists.
The wearing of any form of camouflage is illegal in Barbados. Do not dress in, or carry, items made of camouflage material.
All Barbados visitors must have a passport and valid return or onward ticket in order to be allowed entry to the island. Most countries do not require a visa to visit Barbados, but it is always best to check with the immigration office ahead of time.
