Hello Friends!

Holy crap! I love Barbados! I have been a few times in the last five years and I always seem to return seeking the warm golden sun, awesome beaches and a "not stuffy" British vibe. Perhaps a stay at the Crane Hotel Resort is in your future! 

​Erik

BARBADOS - A LITTLE LIGHT READING

Articles From Erik
Top 10 Safest Airlines for 2020
Planning A Vacation Calendar for 2020
How to Score An Affordable Hotel Room
FAST FACTS
​Continent or Region: The Caribbean
Country: Barbados 
Capital: Bridgetown
Major Tourist Destinations: Bridgetown and four distinct districts
Primary Language: English
Timezone: Central
Currency: Barbadian Dollar (US Dollar can be used)

​​Passport: Yes, Americans need a valid passport to enter Barbados
Visa: American citizens do not need a visa if traveling for vacation

More information on passports & visas can be found here.

I love traveling abroad as much as I love traveling within my home country of the United States. However, I want you to be safe and be an excellent representative of your home country. Even in places that are very friendly to visitors, remember that you are in a foreign country and understanding local customs is critical. So, here are a few tips as you prepare for your adventure.
  1. Before you depart from your home country, call The US Embassy (or your home country embassy) and tell them you are leaving your home country. That way they are aware of your whereabouts in case of emergency.
  2. Carry only the credit cards you are using to charge expenses. Call those credit card companies before you leave. Do not travel with your debit cards. 
  3. Clean out your wallet or purse and carry only what you need. 
  4. Solve your mobile phone situation before you depart. Usually a phone call to your provider will get you started.
  5. Keep all medications with you in your carry on.
  6. Leave a photo copy of all your travel documents (passport, itinerary, copy of your credit cards) with a friend or at your home. 
  7. Do not travel with expensive jewelry.
  8. Make sure you travel with a valid passport or visa (if required). Also, bring another valid form of photo I.D., and photocopies of both I.D.s. in case of loss or theft.
  9. Read up on local laws and practices before you get here.
  10. Be a respective guest of the local customs and obey the local laws.
  11. If English is not the primary language, then familiarize yourself with key phrases and make attempts in the country's primary language. Locals usually appreciate the effort.  
  12. Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times.
  13. Keep possessions close to your body.
  14. Don’t take around large amounts of cash.
  15. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry on road trips or excursions.

For US citizens, visit the US State Department's website (for American citizens) before you travel abroad. Here's a direct link to get started. 
TRANSPORTATION
Generally speaking, it is pretty easy to get to Barbados by air from major hubs in the US and Canada.  

Sir Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is a pretty big international airport for Barbados's size.  Numerous flights arriving in the peak season from the UK and Canada, as well as the United States. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have many flights from the United Kingdom, while American Airlines is the dominant carrier from the United States (Dallas, Miami, and New York). Air Canada and Westjet fly from Canada. The airport is about 8 miles east of Bridgetown. 

Major Air Gateway(s): Sir Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) 
​Cruise Port(s): Bridgetown
Driving: On the left
Car Rentals: You can rent a car or scooter in Barbados​
THE WEATHER
The "wet season" runs from about June to December. The "dry season" runs from about December to May. From December to May the average temperatures are about 70 to 88 °F.  Between June and November, they range from 73 to 88 °F. 
WHERE TO STAY
Sandals Barbados
​The Crane
WHERE TO EAT
Cutters (across from The Crane)
HELPFUL LINKS
Barbados has an official tourism bureau. Learn more by watching this video. 

​Barbados Official Tourism Site
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