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Barbados! What a great place for a getaway. For some good information you can use for your visit to Barbados. Just click on the topic below to find information you will need for your visit to Barbados.
General Information On Barbados Check out Frommer's Jamaica & Barbados for some great information! |
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General Information On Barbados
| Barbados is the easternmost island of the West Indies. It is about 165 square miles in area and a very popular
vacation destination. Barbados has a culture as diverse as its geography with
one side of the island perfect for the dreams of the urban escapist, complete
with low-cost, isolated accommodations set upon high cliffs overlooking the
Atlantic crashing against a rocky shore; while on the other side of the island
visitors find a developed, highly-urban society, with some of the Caribbean's
top-notch shopping and nightlife. But it makes no difference on which side you stay as the entire island maintains a strong sense of British sensibility mixed with its West Indian cultural heritage. So, don't be surprised if everyone stops for afternoon tea, or if an islander speaks to you in a British accent. For more great information in detail, visit the official website of the Barbados Tourism Authority or check out the Government of Barbados Information Network.
Entry Requirements |
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Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Entry Requirements
For U.S.* and Canadian citizens planning on staying in Barbados for less than
three months, a birth certificate, photo ID, and return or on-going ticket are
sufficient for entry. I still recommend that you carry your passport. Visitors from the U.K. and all other countries,
including those of the Caribbean, will need valid passports and on-going or
return tickets.
| *The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. This includes United States citizens! In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future. For additional information, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. |
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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The People of Barbados
The people of Barbados maintain their early British traditions that were introduced during colonization.
The people speak British English with an interesting and melodious
combination of an island lilt and a British accent that makes their "English" sound charming.
As tea time is strictly maintained on the
island, don't be surprised if shop owners, business people, and even cab
drivers take a break in the afternoon to enjoy their tea. Don't get mad about it
-- just join them!
Despite a very traditional culture, the Bajans have a distinctly city culture. Although there is a lot of development on the island, great care has been given to preserve the natural beauty of the place. Barbados is not as densely crowded as other Caribbean islands, making this a more casual, less rushed atmosphere that is reflected in the behavior of the Bajan people and carried over to you when you vacation there.
Health and Safety
Barbados is lucky to have a naturally pure water supply. The water is filtered
through the natural coral rock base of the island and is pumped from an
underground supply. Although the water is good, you may want to stick with
bottled water if you tend to have a rather unsettled stomach.
The number of crimes reported in Barbados is fairly low, and the gap between socioeconomic classes is not so great as to cause many major problems. Common sense is still advisable. Keep an eye on your valuables, be aware of your surroundings and take any other precautions just as you would anytime you are visiting someplace that is unfamiliar.
Geography
Barbados is the furthest east of the Caribbean islands, being just off of the
coast of Venezuela. The island was formed on coral
between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean shore is soft and
calm making it a favorite of visitors. However, although not as calm as the
Caribbean side, the Atlantic coast, despite being home to rough seas, offers
some of the best
scenery on the island. Sight-seeing from atop the cliffs of the Atlantic is a favorite
pastime for both locals and tourists alike.
Weather and Climate
Barbados has a climate with mild weather that is delightful year-round. It's truly tropical
climate allows Barbados to have 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. Bajan rainfall averages 46.7 inches annually, so the island has
gorgeous, lush vegetation.
Hurricanes usually avoid Barbados. They arise off the African Coast and head to the Caribbean, swinging North about 100 miles from Barbados. The pattern is reasonably consistent as hurricanes tend to bounce from one land mass to the next and Barbados is somewhat separate from the Caribbean island chain. But, just to be sure, you may want to check for a hurricane forecast.
Currency
The Barbados dollar (BD$) is the currency of Barbados, and is fixed to U.S.
currency at a rate of $2(BD) = $1(USD).
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious!
Electricity
The electrical system is the same 110-volt AC system used in the U.S. If you are
visiting from another country with different voltages, be sure to bring adaptors
and converters.
Travel
Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We
discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out.
TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference
point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide
travel. Our features and articles are written by professional
journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a
background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit
TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome,
do as the Romans do.”
Getting To
Barbados
Most visitor to Barbados arrive at
Grantley Adams International Airport, 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 over the Caribbean. Many major airlines service Grantley
Adams, including, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air
Jamaica, BWIA, British Airways, Canadian Airlines, Caribbean Star, LIAT and
others. Most visitors arrive in Barbados by air. Below are
some of the airlines that provide scheduled and charter services to
Barbados. There are also several smaller airlines which link
Barbados with the Caribbean and South America. For more information
contact the
Barbados Tourism
Authority Office or Embassy nearest you.
| Country | Scheduled | Charter |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Air Jamaica, American Airlines, BWIA International | Key Airlines Inc. |
| Canada | Air Canada, BWIA International | Canadian Air Intl |
| United Kingdom and Europe | British Airways, BWIA International | Air 2000/Air Tours PLC,
Britannia Airways Caledonian Airways/Air Tours PLC |
| The Caribbean | Air Jamaica, Air Martinique, BWIA International LIAT |
For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises,
Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals,
Click on
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If the link
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www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com
in the address line of your browser.
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At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
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Great
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Getting Around
In Barbados
Barbados has a good network of roads for those who wish to rent a car. The
roadways cover the entire island. Traffic drives on the left and there is a
speed limit of 60kmph (37mph per hour). The road journey from Bridgetown to
Speightstown takes about 30 minutes and to Holetown or Oistins about 20 minutes.
However, for most, it is better to travel on public transportation, taxi, or
hire a car and driver.
Bus
Taxi
ZR Vans
Rental Car
Island Hopping
Bus
You will find excellent bus service on the island that is very inexpensive. Although
you will find the buses can sometimes be pretty crowded, especially
during the rush hours, it can still be lots of fun to mix with the locals. All
of the bus routes terminate at Speightstown.
Taxi
As taxis do not have meters, it is easy to over pay. Be sure to ask the
price of the trip before traveling. The fares are regulated by the
Government, but it is still better to know up front. You can find a
listing at the Tourist Office.
ZR Vans
There are many licensed "Mini Vans" that can get you to just about
anywhere you want on the island. Just look for the "ZR" license plate.
There are not any regularly fixed schedules, but
there are a lot of them so you can almost always find one when you need
one. Next to riding in a London cab, a ride here can be pretty exciting. They
seem to always be stopping frequently, and often
abruptly, as the driver moves on to quickly pick up as many paying passengers in the
shortest time possible.
Car Hire
You can rent just about
Anything here from a mini-moke to a limousine. Rentals may also be hired by the hour,
as well as for a day or week.
And if you would rather leave the driving to someone else, you can often find
someone to not only drive, but serve as an excellent guide.
Island Hopping
LIAT, BWIA run inter-Caribbean flights to most of the neighboring islands.
Tropicair and Aero Services provide charters. There are also
several companies that offer yacht trips and other short term excursions from
Barbados.
Suggestions For Accommodations In Barbados
For information or reservations for hotels, resorts and other accommodations in Christchurch, click on Accommodations in Barbados
Visit
Getting
Away Accommodations, world-wide
reservations available on line. And, if you are looking for a nice resort,
check the
Getting
Away Resort Accommodations page or
ResortDiscounts.com
where you can find discounts at some of the world's most desirable resort
locations.
| Click on The Hilton Family of Hotels to search for Hilton Hotels along with Conrad Hotels, Doubletree Hotels, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hampton Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton. Looking for a better hotel rate? They're at Hilton.com |
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For information or reservations for hotels, resorts
and other accommodations in Saint James, click on
Accommodations in Barbados
| Visit the Getting Away Accommodations page or 1 800 USA Hotels where you can always find rooms. World-wide reservations available on line. And, if you are looking for a nice resort, check the Getting Away Resort Accommodations page or ResortDiscounts.com where you can find discounts at some of the world's most desirable resort locations. |
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My favorite for accommodations would be the Marriott luxury resort, Sam Lord’s Castle. The original "castle" was built in 1820 by Samuel Hall Lord, a notorious planter who imported craftsmen from Europe to build his “castle.” This is probably the finest mansion in Barbados. The estate features double verandas on all sides and magnificent plaster ceilings created by Charles Rutter, who crafted the ceilings of England’s Windsor Castle. Much of the original mahogany furniture and gilt mirrors remain intact. A good number of Lord’s possessions, some of which are on display, are said to have been obtained illegally. Legend has it that his treasure is buried somewhere on the grounds. But, even if you don't find the treasure, just staying here is treasure enough.
| Click on Barbados for suggestions for accommodations in Barbados prepared for Getting Away by the Hotel Club Hotel Club Discount Hotel Reservation System. |
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On the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea exists a place of enchantment. A magical oasis of luxury where the sand is white and pink, the sea and sky cornflower blue, the people warm and friendly, and the hospitality fit for sophisticated travelers. The Fairmont Royal Pavilion has been described as 'The Jewel in the Crown of Barbados' - an elegant retreat where you can golf exclusive courses, play tennis, snorkel, sail, water ski and revel in the sun. An oasis of luxury and tranquility beneath gently swaying palm trees, The Fairmont Royal Pavilion blends old world grace and stunning scenery - a place where you can make memories that last a lifetime. The hotel is primarily a couple-oriented resort during the high season, with children under 13 years being welcomed during the period of May 01 to October 31 inclusive each year. Tastefully decorated in a relaxed Caribbean style, all of our guestrooms are modeled on magnificent ocean vistas. The Fairmont Royal Pavilion has 72 deluxe ocean-front rooms each with its own private balcony or terrace. Our three bedroom villa enjoys views of the lush surrounding gardens. |
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Suggestions For
Things To See And Do In Barbados
Joe's River Tropical Rain Forest (85 acres of woodlands situated in the parish
of St.Joseph) features the imposing Hackleton's Cliff on one side and the
beautiful blue Atlantic Ocean on the other. This is a paradise for any nature
lover. Walk the path from Hackleton's Cliff on which you will see rows of
fiscus, white woods, cabbage palms, bearded fig trees and mahogany trees.
Explore the numerous hills, gullies and plains as you wander through this
tropical forest paradise which includes nature trails and some fine picnic
areas.
Some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean lie along the so-called Gold Coast of Barbados, as well as some of the best hotels in the area. Favorites include Paynes Bay, Brandon's Beach, Paradise Beach, and Brighton Beach, all of which are open to the public.
Be sure to visit some of the sugar plantations. One of the best, and most attractive, is Villa Nova, which may still be closed for refurbishment. If so, there are several other sugar plantation houses you may visit including Francia Plantation in St. George which, although a private home, welcomes the public on weekdays. It is set on a wooded hillside with terraced gardens. The great house is an interesting blend of Barbadian coral-stone and Brazilian wood paneling. There is a magnificent collection of antique West Indian maps in the house. Another must see is St. Nicholas Abbey in St. Peter, one of only three houses of Jacobean architecture still standing in the Western Hemisphere. St. Nicholas Abbey has Dutch gables and finials of coral stone, as well as an herb garden reflecting a medieval design. You will also enjoy a visit to Tyrol Cot Heritage Village in St. Michael. The home is filled with a collection of antiques and memorabilia. The Heritage Village is an outdoor “living museum” comprising chattel houses and the folk architecture of Barbados. Each house displays the work of a traditional craftsman or artist at work on-site.
If you enjoy gardens, you will love the breathtaking Andromeda Gardens which contain many varieties of orchids, bougainvillea, hibiscus, heliconia, palms, ferns and cacti. This six-acre garden was started in 1954 by Mrs. Iris Bannochie, a devoted horticulturist, who named it after the maiden in Greek mythology who was chained to a rock. It is located on a cliff, and is bisected by a stream that forms an entrancing sight of pools and waterfalls.
| At InfoHub, we believe vacation travel should be much more than just flying you to a tropical beach. Since 1996, we at InfoHub have worked hard to bring you the largest specialty travel portal on the Internet. Today, you can find over 20,000 specialty trips on InfoHub.com, covering activities from Artist Workshops to Yoga Retreats. Whatever your special interest is, you will find it right here! Plus trips you never even knew existed! We continue to expand the exciting array of travel options available by adding hundreds of out-of-the-ordinary trips every week! Our goal is to make Infohub.com "The Ultimate Source of Inspiring Travel Ideas" for your next dream trip. | ||
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If you have something you believe I should add to
this section of Getting Away, please send it to me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Suggestions For
Dining in Barbados
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add to
this section of Getting Away, please send it to me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Favorite Places And
Things To Do In Barbados
My favorite for accommodations would be the
Marriott luxury resort, Sam Lord’s Castle. The original "castle" was built
in 1820 by Samuel Hall Lord, a notorious planter who imported craftsmen from
Europe to build his “castle.” This is probably the finest mansion in Barbados.
The estate features double verandas on all sides and magnificent plaster
ceilings created by Charles Rutter, who crafted the ceilings of England’s
Windsor Castle. Much of the original mahogany furniture and gilt mirrors
remain intact. A good number of Lord’s possessions, some of which are on
display, are said to have been obtained illegally. Legend has it that his
treasure is buried somewhere on the grounds. But, even if you don't find the
treasure, just staying here is treasure enough.
If you have something you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please send it to me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Books, Magazines and Other Information|
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Caribbean Travel & Life - Escape to the Caribbean with Caribbean Travel & Life. Visit romantic hideaways and luxurious resorts and discover secluded beaches and teeming coral reefs. This magazine helps you find your own perfect place in the sun. For additional information, or to purchase a subscription, click on Caribbean Travel & Life. You can also click on Best Deal Magazines, Magazine Unlimited Magazine Subscription Superstore, or Low Priced Magazine Subscriptions for other great prices on magazines! |
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Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel
is a travel magazine for REAL people. This magazine is not just for those of
you on a budget - it's for everyone. Each issue comes packed with articles
on affordable and enjoyable vacations to just about everywhere.
For additional information, or to purchase a
subscription, click on
Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel.
You can also click on Best Deal Magazines, Magazine Unlimited Magazine Subscription Superstore, or Low Priced Magazine Subscriptions for other great prices on magazines! |
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Barbados
Links
Click here for language
helps, dictionaries,
electronic translators,
language software and other helps for learning
a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the
country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip
more. Jim.
2007 Travel Alert - Passports Needed for Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and Caribbean. Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport. As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Click here for the State Department Summary. And, if you need a passport in a hurry, because you forgot to apply months ago when you should have and your trip is almost upon you, click on Passports In A Hurry, or on Passport Visa Express!
