If you are a United States citizen traveling to Barbados, you will be happy to know that U.S. currency is accepted throughout the island at an exchange rate of one U.S. dollar to $1.98 Barbados currency. Most places also accept major credit cards; however, you may want to use traveler's checks.
It could cost you a bundle to use your personal cell phone while on the island. You can rent phones at Cable and Wireless by calling them at (800) 804-2994.
If you bring a blow dryer or curling iron or any other North American electrical appliance, it will work just fine in the outlets in Barbados.
According to the Barbados Tourism Authority, the drinking water provided by the Barbados Water Authority is completely safe to drink. You be the judge. If you are not willing to risk it, you can buy bottled water.
You can choose lodging from boutique inns, villas and budget hotels to luxury all-inclusive resorts in historic Holetown, in the city of Bridgetown or along the beach. For example, Sandy Lane Hotel, built in 1961, is a luxury resort with 112 rooms. The resort is nestled in a mahogany grove and overlooks the Caribbean. The staff fittingly greets you with tropical fruit punch and chilled towels.
Barbados has a host of beaches for enjoying the great outdoors. Starting at the southern tip of Barbados in St. Philip Parish, go boogie boarding and admire the beauty and the power of the ocean at Foul Bay. Note that swimming and sunbathing at Foul Bay is not recommended because of the size of the waves.
Also in St. Philip Parish, spend some time at Crane Beach, featuring pink sand and rolling dunes.
Next, try windsurfing, wave-riding or kite-surfing at Silver Sands Beach in Christ Church Parish.
As you travel north on the west side of Barbados, swim or snorkel at Paynes Bay in St. James Parish.
Bathsheba, also in St. Lucy Parish on the East Coast, is known around the world as one of the best surfing areas on the island.
While at the northernmost point of the island in St. Lucy Parish, don't miss the Animal Flower Cave, an interesting natural attraction where you can see marine life such as anemones in the tide pools.
Near Animal Flower Cave, visit Flower Forest, a 50-acre botanical garden and nature trail at Richmond Plantation. Here you will be surrounded by tropical plants, orchids and palm groves. Flower Forest also offers nice views of the rugged east coastline. Flower Forest is open everyday, from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
A scenic drive inland from Holetown, through the uplands--featuring old sugar plantations and Barbadian architecture--leads to St. Thomas Parish, where you must explore Harrison's Cave. Tram tours through the limestone caverns and underground streams are illuminated by colored lighting. Here you will also see a 40-foot waterfall that spills into a lagoon. Harrison's Cave is open Wednesday through Sunday. The first tour begins at 9 a.m. The last tour is given at 3:45 p.m.
Traveling south and inland to St. George Parish you will find Orchid World, a beautiful oasis of colorful orchids amid the sugar cane fields.
