Blissful Barbados

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Blissful Barbados

Enjoy incredible savings of up to 65%

Barbados Holidays

Barbados is a bucket-list destination for those who seek nothing but endless days of sun, sea and sand, it’s safe to say that Barbados holidays are pure bliss. With some of the most scenic shores in the Caribbean, you could spend hours simply lounging under the swaying palm trees sipping rum punch. But Barbados holidays offer so much more, from welcoming Bajan culture to an ocean filled with exotic marine life – spot turtles and stingrays in their natural habitat on a guided snorkelling or scuba diving trip. Discover the best things to do in Barbados.

Once you’ve finished sunning yourself on the white sand beaches, head into the island’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, Bridgetown. Experience the two sides this mesmerising city has to offer from the many luxurious branded stores we know and love to the bustling traditional markets. While the capital has an excellent number of restaurants, our top pick for foodie holidays to Barbados is to try the local flavours at Oistins Friday Night Fish Fry, an evening not only of food but music and dance – an event not to be missed!

Thinking about 2025 Barbados holidays? Plan your perfect luxury Barbados holiday with our choice of fabulous accommodations. Choose from 5* beachfront Barbados hotels and romantic retreats to excellent All Inclusive options, all of which are available at incredible prices. Handpicked by our Caribbean travel experts, you’ll find the best selection of resorts and flight deals amongst our range.

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Barbados Holidays Travel Information

Travelling to Barbados? Find top tips for making your holiday to Barbados the best it can be with our handy Barbados Travel Guide.

Flights are available from Manchester, Glasgow, and London to Barbados.

American Airlines, Jet Blue and United also fly in-direct to Barbados via the United States, which allow the option of spending some nights in New York or Miami before Jetting to Barbados.

There are also daily inter-Caribbean flights that are operated for the purpose of island hopping and experiencing more than one Island on your holiday.

Flying to Barbados from the UK: Non-stop flights leave various UK airports daily to Barbados.
Flight time from the UK: 8-9 hours
Barbados Currency: Barbadian Dollar, The USA Dollar is widely accepted.
Time difference: GMT +5
Do you need a Visa for Barbados: No
Language in Barbados: English
Barbados National drink: Rum cocktails
Barbados National dish: Cou-cou with flying fish

All travellers need to complete Online Immigration and custom forms prior to arrival, which can be viewed here.

Barbados Weather

On average each year, the daily high temperature is 30 degrees / 86 Fahrenheit. With an average rainfall of less than 14 inch and 3000 hours of annual sunshine, Barbados is perfect to visit any time of the year.

The Dry Season is between November and April when the temperatures are cooler, and less rain is expected.

The Wet season is between May – October when the days are likely to be warmer and when rainfall is expected to be higher. The rainfall could last seconds or minutes.

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Things To Do On A Barbados Holiday

Barbados Activities

While there are plenty of opportunities to do nothing more than relax by the pool, enjoy being pampered, or simply occupy a lounger on the beach, you'll find yourself curious to discover the rest of what Barbados has to offer. Surrounded by miles of crystal-clear ocean, Barbados plays hosts to come of the most incredible marine life in the world.

Watersports - sometimes included in Barbados package deals and all inclusive holidays - are hugely popular, with scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and windsurfing some of the best ways to enjoy the Caribbean Sea above and below the waves. Make the most out of Barbados’s offerings by scuba diving or snorkelling out in the deep blue with an instructor. They’ll take you to all of the best spots to see turtles, stingrays and a myriad of vibrant fish.

Barbados Food & Drink

There’s no shortage of traditional Bajan dishes to try on a Barbados holiday, which is why many come to the island and explore the local cuisines. A cornmeal dish called cou-cou – which is often compared to polenta – is a must-try. Often served with fresh flying fish and plenty of rich gravy, it’s a hearty dish that’s perfect after a day of watersports and exploration.

Enjoy everything foodie Barbados has to offer from seafood salads and fishcakes to sweet bread and polenta fries for lunch, all of which will have you craving more. Macaroni pie is another popular dish on the island. It's essentially a creamy and delicious version of your typical mac and cheese but with the unusual addition of mustard or ketchup to add flavour and colour.

Barbados Attractions

See another, more magical side of nature in Barbados with a visit to Harrison’s Cave. Located in the heart of Barbados, this limestone cave looks like another world. The crystallised rock formations are vast and breathtaking, leading to incredible waterfalls. Featuring flowing streams and towering columns of natural limestone, you can explore this magical cave via tram and foot.

Our Barbados Travel Consultants also recommend a trip to Hunte’s Garden, where you can see some of the most incredible exotic plants in the Caribbean. Made to look like a tropical Caribbean forest, it truly is a haven of vibrant flora. Bridgetown is an attraction in itself on any Barbados holiday. It's UNESCO World Heritage listed and boasts stunning architecture, excellent restaurants and traditional shops offering a slice of local life.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Barbados?

The perfect time to visit Barbados depends on what you're looking for in a tropical getaway. With an average temperature of 27°C year-round, it's suitable for travel at any time. For the best weather and to avoid rainy season, book your Barbados holiday between December and April. Although if you don't mind occasional showers and prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting from June to November.

Does Barbados have a nightlife?

Barbados offers an energetic and vibrant nightlife that suits every holidaymaker's taste. From beachside bars offering the freshest seafood and rum-based cocktails, to nightclubs echoing with the hypnotic beats of calypso and reggae, Barbados has something for everyone.

What are the best activities to do in Barbados?

Barbados boasts pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, perfect for scuba diving, surfing, or sailing. If you're looking for land-based adventures, hiking through the island's lush landscapes or exploring the vibrant streets of Bridgetown are must-dos on your Barbados holiday. Don't miss the chance to indulge in the island's rich history and culture by visiting its many museums, architectural wonders, and local markets.

How do I prepare for a holiday to Barbados?

First, research about local customs, traditions, and weather for Barbados. Understanding these will allow you to pack appropriately, ensuring you have the right attire for both exploration and relaxation. Currency is another consideration; while most places accept international credit and debit cards, it's handy to have some local currency for smaller vendors. Lastly, don't forget to check travel advisories regarding health, safety, and travel requirements.

Where is Barbados?

The Caribbean Island nation of Barbados lies southeast of Miami, Florida, and northeast of Venezuela in the North Atlantic Ocean.

When is hurricane season in Barbados?

Hurricane season in Barbados typically ranges from June through November, with the peak period being from August to October

What plugs are used in Barbados?

Type A and Type B plugs are used in Barbados. The standard voltage is 115V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz.

What area of Barbados should I stay in?

The choice of area in Barbados to stay in depends on your preference. If you're looking for luxury resorts and serene waters, the parish of Saint James on the west coast is perfect. Here, you'll find luxury Barbados resorts like Mango Bay and Sandy Lane. If you're seeking a vibrant nightlife and bustling activity, the south coast, particularly the parish of Christ Church, is ideal. Here, you can find the luxury resorts of Sandals Barbados, as well as O2 Beach Club and Spa.

What are the best beaches in Barbados?

Barbados has a range of stunning beaches, with Crane Beach being one of the finest. Renowned for its distinctive pinkish hue, it has rightfully earned its place among the top ten beaches in the world. Moreover, conveniently situated nearby is The Crane Resort & Residences, offering an added level of comfort and convenience for the traveller.