Beautiful Barbados.
Barbados isn’t just another Caribbean island to me—it’s my birthplace and still home to some of my family. Whether you’re dreaming of white sand beaches, swimming with horses, snorkeling with sea turtles, or rum shops by the sea, I’ve got tips to help you explore Barbados beyond the resorts.
Top Things to Do
Sarah’s Picks
Favorite Way to see the Turtles | Catamaran Snorkel with Sea Turtles Tour
Where to Eat a Fish Cutter (Sandwhich) | Cuz’s or Caboose
My Favorite Beach | The Crane
Favorite Activity | Surf Lesson
Favorite Non-Alcoholic Drink | Lime Squash
Barbados Travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Barbados?
The island is warm year-round, but the dry season (December to April) offers the sunniest skies. That said, I’ve visited during the off-season too—May through November—and still had great weather with fewer crowds and lower prices.
Is Barbados safe for solo travelers?
Yes, especially for solo women. Like anywhere, stay aware of your surroundings, but Bajans are generally friendly and helpful. I go into more detail in this post about safety in Barbados if you want real-world tips.
Is it expensive?
Barbados isn’t the cheapest Caribbean destination, but it can be done on a budget.
Do I need a car to get around?
Not necessarily. The island has public transportation or you can book tours. You can also use taxis, but for the most freedom you should hire a car to really explore.
What’s the currency in Barbados?
Barbados uses the Barbadian dollar (BBD), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. The fixed exchange rate is $1 USD = $2 BBD, so conversions are easy.
Are the beaches public?
Yes! All beaches in Barbados are public, even the ones in front of fancy resorts. Some of the best are Carlisle Bay, Accra Beach, and Bottom Bay and the Crane—don’t miss the local beach bars either.
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Best Day Trips in Barbados: Top Tours Worth Your Time
The best day trips in Barbados range from snorkeling with sea turtles and catamaran cruises to rum tastings and full island tours. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, there’s an experience worth adding to your itinerary, especially if it’s your first or second time to the island. Even though Barbados is…
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Best Beaches in Barbados Near the Cruise Port
I am happy to help you fall in love with my birthplace even if you just have a day! While Barbados is small, it offers a lot of great beaches that are absolutely stunning. And the beauty of this island is they are all public! There are no private beaches in Barbados, but some are…
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1 Day in Barbados: How to Drive the Island in a Day
I’m partial to my birthplace and think it’s absolutely worth visiting! Barbados has gorgeous beaches and friendly locals, making it worthwhile to get out and explore! Of course, I’ve ridden around the island many times over many visits, but I’ve actually driven it myself in recent trips. In this guide, I offer a suggested driving…
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7 Days in Barbados Itinerary – The Perfect Mix of Relaxation, Adventure & Culture
I love my birthplace, and I think a week in Barbados allows time to both relax, explore and enjoy this island culture! I’ve traveled for many one-week trips over the course of my life to visit family, but we also did touristy things as well! All these trips allowed me to explore this beautiful island…
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Best Area in Barbados to Stay: Complete Guide to All 4 Coasts
Are you looking for the best area in Barbados to stay and not really sure where to start? I love my birthplace and would love for you to have a great experience in this paradise! Barbados has a beach for everyone’s taste, areas with plenty to do and even some quieter spots on this small…
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Is Barbados Worth Visiting? Honest Guide from a Barbados Native (2026)
Are you planning a trip to the Caribbean and asking the question, is Barbados worth visiting? With dreamy, tropical waters, friendly locals, and a vibrant culture, my short answer is yes! While I am biased to my birthplace, I also grew up in the States and I will share some areas that Barbados may fall…
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Is Barbados Safe? Safety Guide from a Local Born There
Barbados is actually very safe and usually has the best ranking on the US Travel Advisory site! While I was born there and have visited many times throughout my life, I also asked family members who live there to weigh in. So yes, Barbados is a safe place to visit. In this guide, I’ll cover…
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Barbados vs Hawaii | Which Blissful Getaway Should You Pick?
I’m absolutely an island girl! Perhaps it’s because I was born in Barbados, but this post won’t be a biased sell on Barbados, because I very much loved Hawaii! I’ve been to Oahu and the Big Island and plan to return one day to see the Nā Pali Coast in Kauai! What I will do…
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Where to Stay in Barbados for Surfing | Best Spots for Every Wave Level
Are you planning a trip and wondering where to stay in Barbados for surfing? Barbados has some of the best waves in the world! It also has some great beginner breaks, which I’ve had the pleasure of surfing. So regardless of your level, there’s a break for you! And what better place to surf than…
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Unforgettable Surf Lessons in Barbados | Learn to Surf in Paradise
I’ve taken surf lessons in Barbados on two separate trips. There is a special place in my heart for Barbados. For starters, I was born there, as well as my dad and generations back. I have so many wonderful memories in Barbados, though fewer than I’d like. However, I’ve enjoyed adding surfing memories in more…
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