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'd like to save up for a visit to Animal Flower Cave, the panoramic view from the cave entrance is free of charge.
Don't forget to pack your mask and snorkel, as Barbados has some top-quality 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 amenities (like toilets, changing cubicles, showers), Folkestone Marine Park is recommended and free. What's not free (unless you're diving off your resort's beach) is the use of umbrellas 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 boogie-boarding, 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 bring cash just in case.
For nightclubs, the entrance fee is 25 BBD. 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. This is your chance to try out everyday Bajan cuisine.
Almost all establishments accept credit cards, but always keep some cash on 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 analternative to hotels, vacation apartments and villas can also berented , either from a hotel complex or a private individual. This can be very economical, depending of course on the standard of the resort or apartment.
There are very fewyouth hostels (one in Oistins), but guest houses are also common. Expect to pay around sixty euros a night.
Finally, there are three campsites, 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, so prices are high at almost every level.
For those on a budget, expect to pay between 180 BBD and 300 BBD per day for a double room in a small hotel, B&B or vacation rental (which will allow you to cook for yourself). Street-food stalls (such as Cuz's Fish Shack), small informal restaurants and even Chefettes can get you by for less than 100 BBD per person. As for activities, the beaches are all free and accessible, and your accommodation may even provide you with a free mask and snorkel for diving. Take advantage of other activities that don't cost a thing (strolling the streets of Bridgetown and discovering historic sites, hiking). And for transportation, take the local buses (3.50 BBD a way).
Medium budgets should get by with mid-range hotels (and even some all-inclusive hotels) between 400 BBD and 600 BBD per night. Cafés and small restaurants will be your allies. Count on at least 160 BBD per person for the 3 meals of the day (140 BBD if your hotel offers free breakfast). Use public transport whenever possible, but for a few jaunts around the island, car rental prices start at 100 BBD for a small city car.
Budget travellers are spoilt for choice: 4 or 5 star hotels, great houses converted into hotels or vacation villas... Luxury hotels, especially in low season, start at around 800 BBD and go on to infinity and beyond. Treat yourself to gourmet restaurants and cafés in luxury properties, with daily prices of up to 550 BBD. Renting a comfortable car should cost around 200 BBD. For private excursions or a round of golf, you'll need to spend between 200 and 500 BBD.
As a guide: a meal in a small, inexpensive restaurant per person: 40 BBD; 3 courses for two in a mid-range restaurant: 200 BBD; a glass of rum: 8 BBD; a local beer (Banks or Deputy): 5 BBD; a liter of petrol : 4.22 BBD; a visit to a botanical garden: around 30 BBD; a snorkeling trip in Carlisle Bay: from 70 BBD; a catamaran trip: from 160 BBD (3h, without lunch) or from 200 BBD (5h, with lunch).
