Barbados is a small island nation and microstate in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, located at the easternmost point of the Caribbean. It lies at the boundary of the South American and Caribbean plates, with Bridgetown being its capital and largest city.
Tags: Rihanna’s hometown; Tropical island tourist destination; Celebrity vacation spot for European and American stars (frequent location for gossip photos); Mentioned in American TV shows like “Modern Family” and “Friends”; The first lesson in American high school literature is Columbus’s “Barbados Diary,” describing Barbados as a land of gold (though it’s fictional); Known for rum, coffee, chocolate, and seafood.
Visa: Barbados offers a visa-free stay of 30 days for ordinary passport holders from some countries. You can fill in the entry information online before arrival. In case you can’t fill it in before arrival due to reasons like no internet, there are machines at the airport for on-site filling.
Online form link: https://travelform.gov.bb/
Climate: The temperature ranges from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The rainy season is from October to February, cooler, and nights don’t require air conditioning. From May to September, it’s the dry season, hot and sunny, requiring sun protection. Regardless of temperature and season, it’s necessary to use sun protection. In the sea, think of Barbados as a large ship sailing in deep waters because it’s an isolated island.
Currency: Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
1 USD = 2 BBD
USD is widely accepted nationwide.
Accommodation: Stay at hotels on the west coast, book directly through booking.com, average price around $150 per night.
Attractions:
Beaches:
- Reeds Bay: Crystal clear and calm waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and boating. The sunset is magnificent.
- Brandons Beach: Turquoise water, suitable for swimming and playing. The shore is smooth and suitable for those who may not be confident swimmers.
- Barthsheba Bay: Known for mushroom-shaped rock formations caused by erosion.
- Speightstown Pier: A long pier into the sea, perfect for photography or watching fish in the sea.
- Pebbles Beach: Early mornings offer a chance to see racehorses bathing.
- Crane Beach: Famous for its pink sand and the Crane Resort. The sand appears white with a hint of pink.
Tip: Barbados has beaches everywhere, and any beach or bay marked on the map is beautiful and free to access. Exercise caution for swimming and water activities.
Downtown Bridgetown:
- National Hero’s Square
- Parliament Square
- Nid Israel Synagogue
- St. Michael’s Cathedral
- Garrison Historic Area
- Chamberlain Bridge
- The Constitution River
- Queens Park
Sam Lord’s Castle: Sam Lord’s Castle, a beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1820 by notorious pirate Samuel Hall Lord. The castle was destroyed in a fire in 2010, and a new five-star hotel of the same name is currently under construction.
Barbados Museum: National Museum of Barbados, with an entrance fee of $15.
George Washington House: Residence of George Washington, the first U.S. president. He stayed in Barbados at the age of 19 and contracted smallpox. The museum offers a Chinese audio guide. Entrance fee is $12.5.
Garrison Savannah: Barbados racecourse, often hosting races on weekends. Tickets are around $10.