Everything You Need to Know for Your Family Caribbean Holiday in Barbados
Barbados, one of the finest Caribbean islands, is located east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
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Bridgetown, the vibrant capital, harmoniously blends contemporary conveniences with historic charm, showcasing well-preserved architecture and cultural richness that has earned it wide recognition globally.
We loved Barbados, as our holiday there allowed us to relax and spend quality time as a family of four. We were able to enjoy different activities as we immersed ourselves in the warm Bajan culture.
After a memorable and hassle-free trip with our kids in September 2024, we’re glad to share some insights to help you make the most of your family's Caribbean holiday in Barbados.
Language: English is the official language, making it easy for us to communicate with locals.
What It’s Known For: Set in the Caribbean Sea, Barbados is renowned for its palm-fringed beaches and colourful coral reefs. It's also popular for being home to the world’s oldest rum distillery that has been operating since 1703, Mount Gay Rum Distillery, and lively festivals, Crop Over, a vibrant cultural celebration from July 1 to August 7 annually.
Local Currency: The Barbadian dollar (BBD) is the primary currency used on this Caribbean island, but the US dollar (USD) is also widely used. The average British pound (GBP) to BBD exchange rate in September 2024 was 1 GBP = 2.64 BBD, while the average USD exchange rate was 1 USD = 2 BBD. Credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for small purchases is advisable. It’s also worth noting that some establishments don’t accept American Express.
Local Cuisine: Barbadian cuisine features fresh seafood, flavourful spices, and local ingredients, such as okra, sweet potatoes, cassava, plantains, and guava. Signature dishes include flying fish served with cou-cou (a cornmeal dish), macaroni pie, and various rum-infused delicacies, such as Bajan black cake and rum balls.
Famous Personality: Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in St. Michael, Barbados, has risen from humble island beginnings to become a global icon, all while keeping her Bajan roots at the heart of her identity and artistry. As a tribute to the artist, the Barbadian government renamed the street where she grew up as “Rihanna Drive”. In November 2021, Rihanna was named National Hero of Barbados.
In terms of weather, December through April is considered the best time to visit Barbados because of the following:
Average temperatures between 28°C (82°F) and 30°C (86°F);
Low humidity levels; and
Sunshine for up to nine hours a day.
However, with the high season comes the following:
Larger crowds, especially around Christmas and New Year;
Higher prices for accommodations and activities; and
The need to book months in advance.
If you’re having your Caribbean holidays in Barbados during this period, consider the following popular events:
Holetown Festival (February)
Barbados Sailing Week (January)
Barbados Reggae Festival (April)
May, June, and November offer a great balance between good weather and value for money.
May and June are still relatively dry, with temperatures around 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (88°F).
Barbados boasts year-round sunshine, but there are greater chances of rain between July and October.
While the period between July and October coincides with the wet season, it can still be an excellent time for budget-conscious travellers to visit.
Between July and October, there are higher chances of rain, but usually in short bursts. There’s a risk of tropical storms, though Barbados is rarely directly affected by hurricanes.
Temperatures range between 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (88°F). Higher humidity levels can be expected.
This season sees the least number of tourists in a calendar year, so travellers can expect the best deals on accommodations and activities.
If you’re having your Caribbean holidays in Barbados during this period, consider the following popular events:
Crop Over Festival culminating in Grand Kadooment (August)
Barbados Food and Rum Festival (October)
The timing of our trip to Barbados was perfect. We were able to take advantage of the low season.
Despite the wet season, we made the most of our holiday as the heavy rain mostly fell at night. Out of the eight days we were in Barbados, it only rained heavily for three days, and only for up to two hours each day.
Beach Activities: Year-round, but water is warmest from May to November.
Surfing: November to June for the best waves on the east coast.
Turtle Watching: May to October for nesting sea turtles.
Hiking: December to May for drier conditions.
Snorkeling and Diving: Year-round, but visibility is best during the dry season.
UK and US passport holders can enter Barbados without a visa and stay up to six months.
No mandatory vaccinations are required for those entering Barbados from the UK and the US.
However, it is highly recommended that travellers, including children, be up-to-date on routine vaccinations before travelling to Barbados. These include the following:
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)
Polio
Influenza (seasonal flu shot)
Additional vaccinations that may be considered include the following:
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Hepatitis B (for longer stays or high-risk activities)
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required only for visitors aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
It’s important to note that Barbados is at risk of transmission of the Zika virus. Since there is no vaccine for Zika, prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites.
It's also advisable to check if any additional health advisories are in place before your trip.
Those who’d like to take extra precautions can consult a travel health professional at least four weeks before the trip to discuss specific vaccination needs based on one’s age, health status, and travel plans.
The Fully Accessible Barbados (FAB) program, led by the Barbados Council for the Disabled, enhances accessibility across the island, from hotels and restaurants to beaches and attractions.
Many resorts now offer accessible rooms, wheelchair-friendly amenities, and trained staff.
Visitors can also enjoy accessible transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vans and some public buses.
Unique experiences like beach wheelchairs and the fully accessible Harrison's Cave tour ensure all visitors can explore the island’s beauty.
For more information about the FAB program, visit the Barbados Council for the Disabled’s website.
Barbados offers numerous accommodations suitable for families with young kids.
This allows families to budget more effectively and enjoy their holiday without worrying about additional costs.
Many hotels in Barbados cater specifically to families, providing amenities and services designed to keep kids and parents happy.
Check out these family-friendly hotels:
We chose a three-bedroom vacation rental to have enough space for our toddler and newborn, maintain their sleep routines without interruptions, and avoid creeping around them, all while enjoying the comfort of a fully furnished home.
Families can find numerous listings on platforms like VRBO, from beachfront villas to cosy apartments.
Local SIM Cards: Upon arrival, tourists can purchase local SIM cards from providers like Digicel and Flow. We opted for the latter simply because it was the first one we saw. A passport is required to purchase a SIM card.
App-Based eSIM Data Plans: App-based eSIM providers like Holafly offer travellers a convenient way to stay connected abroad. Users can set up their eSIM before departure for immediate access upon arrival, enjoying flexible plans and coverage in multiple countries without needing physical SIM cards. Data management is seamless through smartphone apps, with competitive pricing tailored to various travel durations and destinations.
Free Wi-Fi: Barbados offers free Wi-Fi in many public areas, including airports, hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
Tourists have a variety of transportation options to choose from, making it easy to navigate the country and reach popular destinations.
For families travelling to Barbados, we highly recommend renting a car for independent exploration.
Major rental companies like Avis and local agencies are available at the airport and throughout the island.
Remember that driving is on the left side of the road, so ensure you have a valid driver’s licence and are familiar with local traffic rules.
As a family of four with a toddler and a newborn, we chose to rent a car for its convenience and cost-effectiveness, picking it up and dropping it off at the airport. This allowed us to navigate the island without worrying about our kids and the essentials we needed to carry.
We met another family who initially relied on taxis but found the fares expensive, prompting them to rent a car instead.
Taxis are available at the airport and throughout the island.
Upon exiting the Arrivals Hall, visitors can find a taxi dispatcher who will provide fare estimates and direct them to an available taxi.
Travellers can effortlessly book a cab using apps like BimCab and pickUP Barbados.
The real-time driver tracking feature on these apps allows users to view their driver’s location and the estimated time of arrival.
Cashless payment methods are available, so users can conveniently pay for their trips.
Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is the primary gateway to Barbados, located approximately 13 km (8 mi) from the capital, Bridgetown.
Be prepared for direct tarmac boarding upon arrival, which may require carrying kids down the stairs. A baby carrier can be useful.
Arrival: Upon arrival, we completed the Immigration and Customs Form online for every family member. Required information includes every person’s complete legal name, permanent residential address, and accommodation address in Barbados. It also includes a health declaration section. To avoid hassle, the form can be completed online at least 72 hours before the scheduled arrival in Barbados. As we passed through immigration, our photos were taken, and our body temperatures were read individually.
Immigration: BGI doesn’t have a dedicated priority lane for families with children at the immigration. However, families can avail of VIP Fast Track services to expedite their passage through immigration and customs, which can be particularly beneficial when travelling with kids.
Wi-Fi Access: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected while waiting for flights or arranging transportation.
Dining Options: There are several dining options available at BGI, including cafes and restaurants that offer local and international cuisine. Some establishments operate 24 hours, providing flexibility for late-night arrivals or early departures.
Shopping: Duty-free shops are available for purchasing souvenirs, local products, and travel essentials. This can be a great opportunity for travellers to pick up gifts or snacks before heading to their accommodations. Before boarding our flight back to the UK, we bought some rum as souvenirs for our families back home.
Luggage Services: BGI offers lockers for visitors needing to store bags temporarily.
Baby Changing Stations: All female restrooms at BGI are equipped with baby-changing facilities, making it convenient for mothers to attend to their infants' needs, but not so good for fathers.
BGI Airport is equipped with facilities for travellers with disabilities.
Those with mobility issues can request assistance to get off the plane if necessary, especially since heading to immigration involves moving down the stairs and a walk of about five minutes.
Restrooms for males, females, and wheelchair users are available, so everyone has access to clean and comfortable amenities.
Wheelchair services can be arranged in advance, ensuring all family members have a comfortable experience.
Barbados is generally considered safe for tourists.
Familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers, such as the following:
Police: Dial 211 for immediate assistance. This number connects you directly to the Royal Barbados Police Force, which is well-trained and responsive to emergencies. For non-emergency inquiries, you can reach the police at (246) 419-1730.
Fire Service: In case of fire emergencies, call 311. This number will direct you to the fire department for quick response.
Ambulance Service: For medical emergencies requiring an ambulance, dial 511. This connects you to the ambulance service for urgent medical assistance.
Barbados boasts a rich cultural tapestry influenced by African, British, and indigenous traditions. Bajans are particularly friendly and welcoming to visitors, so engaging with them warmly and respectfully is encouraged.
During our trip, we noticed it’s common for locals to greet strangers with a friendly “good morning”, “good afternoon”, or “good evening”.
A friendly smile and a simple "hello" go a long way in establishing rapport with Bajans.
It’s normal for locals to invite visitors into their homes for a meal or a drink, which further showcases their hospitality.
When addressing older people, it’s customary to use formal titles like “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, or “Ms.”.
Participating in local customs and festivals, such as Crop Over, is highly encouraged to appreciate the island's vibrant culture. Being mindful of local practices enhances tourists' travel experience.
While Barbados has a generally relaxed atmosphere regarding attire, certain guidelines should be followed.
When visiting churches or rural communities, modest clothing is advisable. This includes covering shoulders and knees.
Some upscale restaurants may have a “super smart” dress code, requiring more formal attire. If you plan to dine at a fancy restaurant, it’s best to confirm the establishment’s dress code policy.
Swimwear should be reserved for beach areas, such as Seven Mile Beach, and pools. Wearing swimsuits away from these designated areas may be considered inappropriate.
Keep in mind that any form of public nudity is illegal in Barbados, so tourists are advised not to attempt nude sunbathing.
Wearing or carrying any camouflage clothing or accessories is also illegal in the country.
During our holiday, we shopped at Massy Stores. It was convenient and had everything we needed and wanted, especially from the UK and the US. However, it was very expensive! We were very surprised by how expensive it was.
Local markets were suggested as cheaper alternatives.
The tap water on this Caribbean island is generally considered safe to drink. The Barbados Water Authority sources water from surface and groundwater, treating and monitoring it through regular testing to ensure it meets health and safety standards.
A variety of childcare and babysitting services are available in Barbados, allowing parents to enjoy some time alone while ensuring their kids are safe and entertained during their Caribbean holiday.
While parents enjoy some downtime, there are numerous activities available for children in Barbados.
Many family-friendly resorts on this Caribbean island offer dedicated kids' clubs that provide supervised activities for children of various ages.
These clubs are designed to keep kids engaged, allowing parents some leisure time.
Further, some resorts and hotels offer organised excursions, such as snorkelling, sailing lessons, or visits to local attractions like the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, where children can interact with animals.
Families can engage in cultural activities that are both fun and educational, such as visiting local museums or participating in cooking classes designed for kids.
Downloading certain apps and referring to credible resources can enhance tourists’ beach holiday on this Caribbean island.
This app offers seamless access to over 300,000 tours and activities, allowing you to easily plan, book, and manage unforgettable experiences that cater to all ages, ensuring everyone can create lasting memories without hassle.
This app provides reviews and recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and activities.
Families can filter searches based on kid-friendly options and read other parents' experiences.
This app allows free messaging and calls over Wi-Fi or data, so it’s widely used for communication in Barbados. Those with local contacts or who wish to stay in touch with their loved ones back home will find it useful.
With this app, tourists can discover local dining options that cater to children’s tastes.
Moreover, it offers reviews of family-friendly restaurants and local cuisine recommendations.
Those going to Barbados on beach holidays will find this app useful.
Visitors can easily locate the best white sand beaches based on specific needs, such as calm waters for toddlers, using this app. Information includes details about amenities available at pristine beaches, such as Seven Mile Beach and Crane Beach.
Stay updated on the weather conditions during your trip with a handy weather app.
Apps like AccuWeather provide forecasts, alerts for severe weather, especially during the hurricane season, and hourly updates.
Exploring Barbados with your family promises a delightful blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
We definitely had fun during our Barbados trip, and we’d love for you to experience the same during your Caribbean holidays!
If you have thoughts or questions about travelling to this Caribbean paradise with your family, please leave a comment below!
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