Barbados Travel Guide

Barbados FlagBarbados was first settled by the Saladoid-Barrancoid people from Venezuela around 350 AD. They were replaced by the Arawaks around 800 AD who were replaced by the Caribs around 1200 AD.

Even though both Portuguese and Spanish ships stopped at Barbados it was not colonized until 1627 when the British arrived. Barbados is unique in the Caribbean as it never passed hands between European empires over the centuries and has been British from the beginning until independence in November 30, 1966.

Helpful Info
Population – 285,000
Money – Barbadian dollar (also called Bajan dollas) (fixed at US$1 = bds$2)
Language – English
Religion – 74.6% Christian
When to go – Dec-June is most popular. Summer is nice also, but a little hotter and more humid. Hurricanes most active Aug-Oct.
World Heritage Sites – 1 – Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
Country formed – Independence from United Kingdom on 30 Nov 1966

Part of the reason Barbados never changed hands is due to the isolation the island feels being removed from the arc of islands in the Caribbean. Barbados sits almost 100 miles up wind fro m the other islands and is therefor tougher to sail to. This is true even today and Barbados is less traveled than other Caribbean islands.

Interestingly, locals are referred to as Bajans and not Barbadian.

My Visit

Way back in 2002 I visited Barbados during a Carnival Cruise, but that does not really count. 🙂 I plan on sailing the Guiding Light to Barbados in March 2020 after the Trinidad Carnival. I do have space aboard available if you are interested.

Likes, Dislikes, and Recommendations

As always, I will blog about all my experiences and bring you helpful hints and places to go when I do sail to Barbados. Of course, a travel video will follow after that. 🙂

All Blogs From Barbados