What budget for activities and outings Barbados?

We're not going to lie, Barbados isn't the cheapest destination in the Caribbean, so plan on a larger budget than you usually would. Nevertheless, there are ways to keep your expenses under control and still get the most out of your stay.
All Barbados beaches are public, even where properties overlook a beach. Pedestrian and vehicular access is available.

Public transport is the best way to get around.

If you want to save money to visit Animal Flower Cave, you can enjoy the panoramic view from the cave entrance free of charge.

To eat without spending too much, visit Chefette, Barbadian McDonald's, small informal restaurants or street-food stalls. This is your chance to try out everyday Barbadian cuisine.

There's a campground at PEG Farm Reserve (on the east coast) or ready-made tents at Camping Barbados (also on the east coast).

Don't forget to pack your mask and snorkel, as Barbados has some great diving sites... and they're all within easy reach. A swim just a few meters from the beach is enough to find a few coral reefs populated by multicolored tropical fish. A real delight, and with a bit of luck, you'll come face-to-face with a turtle! If you want to take advantage of facilities (such as toilets, changing rooms and showers), Folkestone Marine Park is recommended and free of charge. What's not free (unless you're diving off your resort's beach) is the use of parasols and deckchairs. You'll need to rent one from the beach vendor, unless you can find a tree to shelter under. Be careful with mancenillium, though. This small tree with its poisonous fruits and leaves can cause burns when it rains or just by touching a leaf. Fortunately, on busy beaches, these trees are marked with a sign and a red circle around the trunk.

Hotels often include free rental of water sports equipment. Find out more and take the opportunity to go kayaking or boogieboarding, for example.

Hiking is another great activity, as long as you protect yourself from the sun and stay well hydrated. Hikes to remember include the summit of Mount Hillaby (Barbados' highest point), the Bath trail to Bathsheba along the old railway line or the Barcklay's Park trail to Chalky Mount.

Prices are a little higher than in France, except for local products (such as rum). As Barbados is on the cruise itinerary, you'll find quite a few duty-free stores (including the famous Bridgetown Duty Free, Colombian Emeralds or the luxurious Limegrove Lifestyle Centre in Holetown). You'll just need to show your boarding pass (if you're on a cruise) or your return ticket (if you're flying back) and your passport to benefit from duty-free prices. The difference in price can vary from 20% to 40%, so it's not hard to see why.

Stores accept credit cards, but be sure to bring cash

For nightclubs, the entrance fee is 25 BBD (€11.50). In some cases, ladies are entitled to a reduced price. Cards are widely accepted, but be sure to bring some cash for tips, if necessary (staff, security...).

What budget to eat Barbados?

Eating out in Barbados is relatively expensive (as is the case on many islands), especially when many ingredients have to be imported. Expect to pay around €27 for a dish in a good restaurant. On the plus side, portions are quite generous and if you can't finish, you'll be offered a doggy-bag (and if you're not, don't hesitate to ask).

For those on a smaller budget or just for a quick bite, there are plenty of small restaurants, cafés, street food stands and rum shops, especially in the city. And of course, there's always Chefette, Barbadian Mc Donald's.

Almost all establishments accept credit cards, but always carry a little cash with you, especially in the smaller establishments.

Like the restaurants, service is included in the bill and credit cards are widely accepted (but remember to carry some cash). Expect to pay at least 5 BBD for a beer, 8 BBD for a glass of rum and 10 BBD for a rum punch.

What is the budget for accommodation Barbados?

Tourism is one of the mainstays of the Barbadian economy, so you'll find an astronomical number of hotels, most of them splendid, whose prices, even for the most modest, are relatively high. Nevertheless, the differences in rates between high and low season are significant. Rooms in three-star hotels on the south coast can be found for around €95 (instead of €200 in January, for example). As an alternative to hotels, vacation apartments and villas are also widely available for rent, either from resorts or private individuals. This can be very economical, depending of course on the standard of the resort or apartment.

There are very few youth hostels (one in Oistins), but guest houses are also common. Expect to pay around sixty euros a night.

Finally, there are three camping sites, all on the east coast, where you can either bring your own tent or rent one. Prices start at around €35.

Travel budget Barbados and cost of living

Barbados enjoys a relatively high standard of living for the region, although inequalities remain glaring. Being a small island, many goods have to be imported