Barbados was famous for the production of tobacco, sugar and cotton but the name of the island is derived from the Beadered Fig Trees that can be found on the island. Barbados has the world's third oldest parliament and its capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Suggested Tour Itineraries In Barbados
Windsurfing Holidays In Barbados
With more than 70 miles of coastline, annual water temperatures between 22 and 26 degrees and ideal wind conditions, Barbados is among the premier spots for year-round windsurfing. Located in the Atlantic Ocean to the east of the Caribbean Sea, Barbados is perfectly situated to catch the waves breaking after traveling across the ocean. Its southern coast, with good heavy currents, reefs and shore breaks, is well known for windsurfing.
Barbados is one of the best windsurfing spots of the world. The chances of wind are high and the waves are perfect for jumping and wave riding in side shore winds. Not only wave cracks, speed freaks and beginners as well will find dream conditions in the warm waters of Barbados.
As Barbados is a Coral island, a coral reef stretches all around Barbados' coastline, providing for unlimited windsurfing conditions all over the year.
Money
The official currency of Barbados is the Barbadian dollar. The Barbadian dollar is tied to the U.S. dollar on a rate of exchange that is fixed at $1USD=$2BBD.
Commercial banks will exchange money at no charge, and the island is served by the Barbados National Bank and a range of at least six international banks.
American Express, Barclaycard, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, EuroCard, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in the resorts, but cash is preferred for customs duty payment.
Automatic teller machines are available on Barbados and are the easiest way to get cash while you are away from home.
In Barbados travellers checks are accepted by all banks and most hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, you are advised to take travellers checks in U.S. dollars or pounds sterling.
Weather
The climate in Barbados tends to be nice year-round: in January, the average daily high temperature is 28°C (83°F), while the low average is 21°C (70°F). In July, the average daily high is 30°C (86°F), while the average low is 23°C (74°F). February to May are the driest months (April averages only seven days of rain), while July is the wettest month with some 18 days of rain.
The tourist high season runs from mid-December through mid-April. June through October is the hurricane season: September and October are the most humid months and have the highest hurricane risk – although many years see none.
Like the rest of the region, the temperate season is also high season, so expect prices to peak December to April. Other times Barbados is wetter and hotter but also much cheaper.
Reccommended Vaccination
Travellers to Barbados are required to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination but only if travelling from a contaminated locale. Although this the only health requirement visitors to Barbados must meet, a vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended since it is a frequently occurring disease on the island. Liberal use of mosquito repellent is also considered sound advice, as there have been occasional outbreaks of Dengue fever.
The Entry Requirment
Every person entering Barbados, including all North American citizens, should have a valid passport and a valid return ticket in order to be allowed entry to the country. U.S. citizens and other international travellers are reminded that entering or re-entering the United States from Barbados or any other point in the Caribbean will require a valid passport.
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