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Barbados Naked
Barbados Naked
Welcome to my Barbados naked series. Here I provide details of things to see and do on the island and recommend restaurants, bars and tours I've experienced so much or had guests tell me how good they really are. I hope that you find the information useful for research or travel the island, and would be delighted if you feel you could add something to my information. If you do please drop me a line and we look Admin@VIPvillas.com to add it to our feature "Naked Barbados" for future readers. Please enjoy reading the articles that will be posting weekly. The series begins this week with an introduction to Barbados, the main sights of knowledge, a little history and facts and figures.
Next week we will learn about food and restaurants on the island. I'll be providing details of the best restaurants in each city and neighborhood and giving you a taste (if you pardon the pun!) of what they offer. I'll also detail some of the dishes you should try and while I was there.
Next coming activities. Barbados is really more of the same time. There are many activities to engage in relaxing on the beach for more energetic activities such as diving, water sports and / or golf course.
Excursions follows that with a guide on what to do and when. This guide gives you everything you need to know the truth, 'Do you same ', then waits for a complete rupture of the island, with contact details for providers of tour and tour operators.
You do not really can go all the way to Barbados and not sample the nightlife now you can! Well click for 5 weeks of my series Naked Barbados to discover that they are hot and which are not. From beach bars to the high life of the West Coast this parcel has it all. Barbados certainly is naked!
I have completed the ten best beaches in Barbados. Tune in to six weeks for an indepth look at the best beaches. I will review almost all of them on the island so you can feast your eyes on those that tourists do not know.
Week seven provides a calendar of events for 2009. Be sure you do not miss a thning through a thorough study of all that goes on there in 2009.
And finished in eight weeks. A whistlestop tour of all that is Naked Barbados! I will conclude my series on travel specialist, to get married? Next in line, one lane of a fantasy of nature? Then click … it's all here in the latter 'round up' week.
So, no time to lose here is my piece of the opening. Please enjoy!
FLIGHTS / GETTING THERE
Barbados is well connected to Britain and North America, and currently has a limited service from Continental Europe. With many flights entry acts as a hub to other islands in the southeastern Caribbean. This makes the island an island hopping excellent base if you want to visit other islands. VIPvillas.com can organize separate stays in luxury villas in over a Caribbean island for you.
The following airlines serve Barbados:
United Kingdom:
British Airways from Gatwick
Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick and Manchester
Caribbean Airlines (formerly BWIA) to from Gatwick using British Airways codeshare
BMI from Manchester.
Europe:
Martinair from Amsterdam
Condor Frankfurt
USA:
U.S. Airways from Philadelphia
American Airlines New York and Miami
Air Jamaica from New York (JFK)
Delta Air Lines in Atlanta.
Canada:
Air Canada Toronto
Regional:
Caribbean Airlines (formerly BWIA), Air Jamaica, LIAT and American Eagle, which have flights in throughout the Caribbean. Flights to the Grenadines are served by SVG Air, Mustique Airways and TIA 2000 – the three airlines also operate together as a Grenadines Airways.
ISLAND
A very useful to know is that there are a number of flights from Barbados to the Grenadines as many trips day and transfers, which are known as "letters to everyone." Practically speaking they run all day, but because they are operated by charter companies, instead of the regular companies, they are not listed in computer systems internationally. See below for airlines that offer shared charter flights to the Grenadines.
Regional Airlines
LIAT
Caribbean Airlines (formerly BWIA)
Air Jamaica
SVG Air
Mustique Airways
Trans Island Air / TIA 2000
Day trips to other islands:
Discoveries Grenadines
Fly to Union Island and join a catamaran for a day sailing, snorkeling and swimming stops at Mayreau, Tobago Keys and Palm Island. $ 640, including lunch and beverages.
One day excursions of air to the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Young Island, and Grenada.
If you would like to charter a plane, so they are available at:
St Barth Commuter
The local airline, in St. Barths, which offers scheduled flights from there to St Martin / St Maarten and aircraft charters to private islands in the Caribbean throughout the Eastern Caribbean. They have a fleet of five twin-engine planes and five specially trained (STOL) pilots with permission to land in St Barths.
SVG Air
The local airline that offers the Caribbean Grenadines Letters to the entire region, often from Barbados, but also of St. Lucia and Grenada, even as far away as Puerto Rico. SVG Air has around a dozen planes and also places 5-19 offers island hopping and air ambulance.
AIRPORT
Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI airport code, then Bridgetown, capital of the island) is located about 10 miles/16km southeast of downtown Bridgetown. Tues VIPvillas.com luxury portfolio of West Costa Villas in Barbados to choose from, they really are pure luxury!
The airport has recently undergone an expansion of several million dollars with large stage completed in 2007. This included the construction of a new arrivals terminal much larger than currently houses 22 work stations immigration, five major baggage carousels and two rights-free shops. The old arrivals hall has become part of a larger departure lounge and houses a food court and new runway Retail. Other facilities include a bank and postal services. About four airlifts are part of the next set of improvements and there has been talk of putting check-in area and installation of air conditioning.
Passports and Visas
As a visitor to Barbados you will require a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, along with a valid return ticket airlines. This applies to all U.S. and Canadian citizens, while British citizens are required to have a passport full of 10 years. American, Canadian, British and EU citizens do not require a visa to short stays. other nationalities please check with the Barbados High Commission or with your travel schedule entry requirements
LOCAL TRANSPORT
The bus system in Barbados is a good and fleet of blue and yellow bus (registration BM) reaches all corners throughout the island on a regular basis. You will need exact change for buses and stop at bus stops only official that are marked "To City" or "Out of Town" in a red circle and white. The destination is displayed on the windscreen.
The government service is complemented by privately operated mini-bus (plate B), which are painted yellow with a blue stripe on the side, and route taxis (ZR license), which are white with a burgundy stripe. These buses do not give change, and also play local music (a little loud at times) and can be hailed anywhere on route. The destinations are usually a sign placed at the bottom left hand corner of the windshield and routes normally painted on the sides of buses. Note that ZR vans are an adventure as well as a mode of transport. They tend to stop with the drop of a hat and travel at speeds that are not for the faint hearted. But then they go out of their way to the downfall of a grandmother with their purchases out of their home. Avoid traveling at peak times when buses are packed to the limit. The fare to any destination is Bds $ 1.50 one way. Depending on the route during the week buses can operate from 05.30 until as late as 12:30.
For more information about the shuttle service from the government, Barbados Phone 436 6820
CAR HIRE
Renting a car is an excellent addition to a visit to the Caribbean, but especially in Barbados, because there is plenty to do and because the island is surprisingly good to explore. There are some lovely beaches cut into the cliffs of the Southeast, which make for a excellent day for picnics, and the Atlantic coast is wonderfully dramatic. Getting lost in the cane fields is almost par for the course, so do not worry, when you do. Just stop and ask and someone is bound to help. Finally, there are all restaurants to visit in the evening. From a perspective of the island, cars are a vital aspect of local life. The Bajans prefer to drive a few hundred meters to work than to walk and there is really a rush hour every morning and evening. There a staggering 1,719 km network of paved roads on the island.
A local driving permit is required to drive in Barbados. This costs $ 10 Bds and can be obtained from the company car when you hire a car, or at any police station. If you are visiting during the winter and know you will want to a car, then it is advisable to book in advance otherwise, due to demand, it will be impossible to get hold of one. VIP Houses can set rates for car-hire great for you, better than the hiring of major car companies. You must have a driving license for at least two years to rent a car in Barbados, and have at least 21 years of age and under 75 years of age.
Indicative prices can be found below.
2007-08 Stoute Car Rentals Rate Guide U.S. $ per day / week:
Mini Moke Auto (4str) – 61/265
Jimny Jeep (soft top) Auto (4str) – 69/320
Terios Jeep 1500cc (Hard top) Auto A / C (5str) – 85/420
Vitara Jeep 2000cc (Hard top) Auto A / C (5str) – 95/490
Rates are U.S. $, subject to a 15% VAT and are valid 16 December 2007 to 15 December 2008.
comprehensive insurance is included in the rental rate with except for a deductible of U.S. $ 1,500 in case of loss, injury or damage to the vehicles – regardless of fault.
The collision damage waiver (CDW) is offered to cover this deductible at a cost of U.S. $ 49/week or $ 10/day USA. Customers are charged for gasoline in vehicles at the time of contracting, and should return the vehicles. Child seats and booster seats are available for hire on request. rates for car rental insurance, petrol, and extras such as child seats and booster are subject to VAT of 15%. Payment is made for hire at the time of delivery.
Driving & PARKING
Turns to the left in Barbados, do not forget your license!
Generally drivers are who speak very politely, and being very conservative, they tend to respect the Highway Code. However be careful around roundabouts, as not all drivers know where which lane you should be in. You also need to keep an eye out for vans and minibuses Z to stop in the middle of the road at the drop of a hat. Try to avoid going anywhere place during rush hour, when all the major roads heading into Bridgetown, Holetown and the South Coast tend to be back-to-back with Traffic (radio stations sites have traffic reports during rush hours in the morning and evening). Almost all the houses on the island seems to own a car, and for those there are not many families that have more than one. Some children continue to walk to school, and there are very few sidewalks (sidewalk), you should drive carefully during the start / finish of the school day. Take special care when going around blind corners in rural areas.
Drink driving laws are being introduced to verify that the new standards.
Seat belts are mandatory and not using one attracts a fine of Bds $ 500. The speed limit is in Barbados 37 km / h mph/60 except on roads (55 km / h mph/80) and Bridgetown (20 km / h mph/32).
PARKING
Parking fees official car parks at Bridgetown and the airport is currently Bds $ 1 per hour or part thereof and $ 6 for all day. Tickets are issued on entry and payment is made in the output.
TAXIS
Taxis are widely available around Barbados (if you can not find a little walk to the nearest hotel and they find one for you), with taxi stands located at the airport, port of Bridgetown, and Bridgetown on Independence Square Downtown, Broad Street and Heroes' Square, the South Coast Accra Beach – Hastings Rocks, West Coast at Sunset Crest Shopping Centres and 1 2.
Taxis are not metered. Instead, prices are fixed. However, it is always a good idea to confirm the cost of your trip before leaving.
Fees for distance should not exceed Bds $ 2.50 per mile or Bds $ 1.50 per mile. The flat rate per hour is Bds $ 32, with the waiting time Bds $ 7 per hour between 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Bds $ 8 per hour, 10:00 to 6:00.
MEDICAL
Generally the weather in Barbados is fairly benign and there are only a couple of questions that you may encounter here that are not in Europe or the States. Verify coverage for polio and tetanus is updated. There is no malaria in Barbados, but there are very occasional outbreaks of dengue fever – another mosquito-borne disease that occurs after a substantial rain. You should take normal precautions against mosquito bites. If you are susceptible then make sure to use insect repellent during the day and after dusk.
requirements of visitors can be met by local pharmacies, after consulting with a local doctor.
HOSPITALS
The medical facilities in Barbados are among the best in the Caribbean. There are eight polyclinics throughout the island and two hospitals.
The hospital general is Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Bridgetown, which has 600 beds and operates 24 hours a department of A & E.
There is also a modern mechanism Private Hospital in Bay View in San Miguel which has an A & E Department, however there is the FMH Emergency Medical Clinic in San Miguel.
VACCINES
Vaccinations are not required for entry into Barbados, you can check with your doctor before traveling. There an exception, for travelers who come from areas infected with yellow fever where a vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one (1) year age.
ELECTRICITY
Domestic appliances designed to operate current 115/230 volts AC, 50 cycles, with two-pin plugs and USA taken.
PHONE
Barbados has a good telecommunications system and which has recently been deregulated, so that mobile phones from abroad will work (though calls can still be very expensive). The networks are Cable & Wireless, Digicel and AT & T Wireless.
The international dialing code for Barbados is a 246 followed by seven digits. When the island simply dial the seven digits. If you're staying in a house to check to see if the phone allows international calls, as some have private, that has to be lifted, and for which there is a deposit.
Internet services are available at most hotels, and some villages, besides a number of Internet cafes have opened. Cell phones can be rented or a roaming feature can be added to his own cell
Overseas phone calls can be made from any public phone around the island, the payment is by credit card or a prepaid card local call.
TIME
Barbados is 4 hours behind GMT and so during the winter, is four hours behind Britain and five behind the rest of Europe, and one hour before the standard the East. Barbados has no daylight saving time in summer, so the island is then five hours behind British Summer Time (six behind the rest Europe) and at the same time as the East Coast of the United States.
TOURISM INFORMATION
There Barbados Tourism offices Authority information on the airport, between the arrivals hall before the Immigration and Departure Lounge, t 428 0937, at the Deep Water Harbour (where the cruise ships arrive), 426 1718, and at the headquarters of the BTA in Harbour Road, Bridgetown, t 427 2623.
Outside you will find Barbados BTA offices in the following locations:
Britain: 263 Tottenham Court Road, London W1 7LA P, t 020 7636 9448, btauk@barbados.org
Canada: 105 Adelaide St. West, Suite 1010, Toronto, Ontario M5H 1P9, t (416) 214 9880, toll free 1800 268 9122 btapublic@globalserve.net,
USA: 800 Second Ave, New York, NY 10017, t (212) 986 6516 btany@worldnet.att.net,; 3440 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1215, Los Angeles, CA 90010, t (213) 380 2198 btala@worldnet.att.net, 150 Alhambra Circle Suite 1000, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, t (305) 442 7471, btamiami@barbados.org
Boarding fees and taxes
Departure tax is not payable on the plane as he checked in should be included in the cost of your airline ticket – please check your ticket to confirm this. This tax (passenger service fee) is payable by all passengers leaving the island (exempt for stays of less than 24 hours) and aged over 12 years. The increase of Bds $ 55/US $ 27.50 on Feb. 1, 2007.
Hotel and villa accommodation incurs a 7.5% room tax from the government and a service charge in Barbados, which is normally added to your bill (unless you are staying in a hotel with all inclusive). You can make a big difference to the final price of your holiday, so if you are booking direct make sure you calculate it when prices upward on their journey.
15% VAT applies to most services including car rental, tourist attractions, restaurants, retail trips (excluding duty free items), etc., but this is usually included in the price published, except rates for car rental which are usually quoted excluding VAT so you need to add it.
WEATHER
Barbados boasts that he has 3000 hours of sunshine each year. Indeed, even within the Caribbean, has an excellent climate. Temperatures range from a few degrees throughout the year and because it is surrounded by sea from the island rarely gets too hot, except occasionally in summer, especially if he still is. Generally, however, there is a breeze to take the edge off the heat. The best time to visit is in winter when the northern hemisphere is at its coldest in February, although this is, of course, high season and the time more expensive.
The time wettest of the year is during the summer months between August and late October. Often, the sun comes back after a shower, but occasionally, a blanket of cloud will spin off of a weather system in the northern hemisphere and can cover the island with cloud for a few days.
Barbados, sits on the edge of hurricane belt, but not has been seriously affected in recent years.
WATER
Most of the water in Barbados is well water, rainwater that has soaked into the structure of limestone terrain. Usually it is drinking from the tap and good taste, but the restaurants will be offered a choice of water Bottled or location. However, with so much pressure on existing sources of underground water in recent years, a desalination plant (the largest of the Caribbean) facilities is already in operation, which supplies water to 20% of the island's population, currently within the area of Spring Garden Road where the plant is located. Sandy Lane Hotel also has a desalination system.
Piped water was introduced to Barbados in 1861 and to commemorate the event of an ornamental fountain, made in England, was erected in 1865 in what is now the Heroes' Square.
CHILDREN
In children in general are well received in Barbados, but some of the smarter hotels have an age restriction policy at certain times of year, especially during February and March. Others offer special children's programs. Most houses are well prepared for the children. It's easy to find babysitters and they cost about of Bds $ 20 per hour, plus transportation.
There is an abundance of playgrounds in Barbados at the moment, but six of the fast food outlets Kids Zone Chefette now (with air-conditioning Rockley) and each has a playground slides, cars and trips and other activities, and also cater for parties. Pizzaz Pizzeria on Sunset Crest in Holetown on the West Coast also has its own playground.
Besides playing in the sand castles the sea and the construction, there are a number activities for children available on the island: the Barbados Museum has a gallery dedicated to children with an exhibit called "Children in yesterdays Gallery Kidd, Holetown near Folkestone Marine Park is a recreational park with an underwater diving trail, an interpretive center and museum with exhibits and marine water saltwater aquarium, there are also tennis courts, a picnic area and basketball and a playground. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is popular among children to the animals in view, as is Atlantis Submarine and Harrison's Cave. The Barbados Golf Academy has an 18-hole mini-course with special rates for 14yrs and under. There is a Drive-in Cinema by Centre Sheraton, which also has a cinema inside. Farley Hill National Park has a picnic and playground. See plots after Barbados naked for activities for children more friendly in Barbados.
Adventure Beach, Shipyard has kayaks, pedal boats, glass bottom boats, ocean trampolines, a floating rock climbing ice berg beach volleyball and diving. Accra Beach Rockley area is another popular beach and good bodyboard with boards for rent. Batts Rock West Coast (near the Restaurant Calabaza) is good for swimming and diving, a playground for small children with slides, swings and see-saws. There is a parking area, picnic benches, showers and changing facilities, and vending machine.
CORPORATE / INCENTIVE
Barbados has excellent facilities for corporate clients in all types of group and incentive travel and corporate events. The island has good regional and international air links, making it easier arrived. Where accommodation is concerned, some of the larger towns can make adjustments VIPvillas ideal for small groups. Especially those that come with personal chefs.
Facilities for meetings outside of the properties featured note:
Sherbourne Conference Centre, S. Michael, t 467 8200
www.bcslbarbados.com
Multi-level events and conference facilities with 164,000 square feet of space for meetings and exhibitions, for fairs, congresses and events of up to 1,200 people seated theater style in the main hall. Eleven meeting rooms, five living rooms, two foyers and two dining rooms, mass media facilities and state of the art telecommunications equipment, Infrared Simultaneous Interpretation System
Frank Collymore Hall, Central Bank building, Bridgetown
The Grande Salle, 61'x 29 ', can be used for exhibitions, art shows and meetings with five large and eleven small screens. The meeting room seats 70 people and is equipped with presentation and projection equipment.
That to pack
Consider the following when packing for a trip to Barbados:
Adequate sun protection, sunscreen factor high sunglasses, hat / cap and a light beach-shirt/blouse/t-shirt; Beach and proper walking shoes, mosquito repellent containing DEET suitable for use during all day cream for insect bites. Also, consider and adapter, camera films and batteries, hygiene mat / beach towel, favorite brand of coffee tea, small flashlight.
Clothes – lightweight cotton clothing, attire / smart casual for the evening. Note that most good restaurants and hotels top demands that men wear long trousers and shirts and no night, shorts, sandals or t-shirts. During the festive season people tend to dress up and some of the most unique establishments may require a jacket and tie. Women may want to pack a lightweight wrap or jacket during the winter months, as the evenings (Jan / Feb) sometimes feels good after the heat of the day.
You should be aware that it is offensive to everyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing in Barbados. It also an offense to bring meat products from the UK.
BANKS
International and local commercial banks operating in Barbados include Bank of Nova Scotia / Scotia Bank, Barbados National Bank, First Bank Caribbean, Caribbean Commercial Bank, Royal Bank of Canada and Bank Mutual. The Central Bank of Barbados is in operation since 1973. The island also offers offshore banking and insurance.
Bank opening hours are Mon-Thurs 08:00 to 3:00 and sixth 8am to 5pm. Most banks are closed on weekends, but the Mutual Bank has two branches that open up to seven hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 14:00, and the Caribbean Commercial Bank opens 9:00 to 1:00 on Saturdays. ATMs are located throughout the island including the airport, port, some gas stations and shopping centers. Note that ATMs only give Barbados Dollars (not U.S. Dollars) and some charge for cash transactions abroad.
The banks require customers to show their passport when cashing travelers checks. You will have to show an operation of sliding, and if you want to convert Barbados dollars back to local currency.
CURRENCY / CREDIT CARDS
The currency of Barbados is the Barbados dollar (BDS), which is fixed to the U.S. dollar at a rate of U.S. $ 1.00 = Bds $ 1.98 (about street / beach vendors can make a straight 2 to 1). All prices on the island are priced in U.S. dollars Barbados, with the exception of the rates of hotels that are U.S. only, and duty free items where the price of $ Bds site is shown alongside the U.S. dollar price. U.S. dollars (notes only) are accepted throughout the island, however you will often find that the exchange rate is not be as favorable in hotels, shops and supermarkets as the bank.
CREDIT CARDS
Most major credit cards (including debit cards) are accepted anywhere that deals with tourists on a regular basis. Do not expect local bars or small local restaurants to accept them (if in doubt check in advance), but you will find that supermarkets usually do. It is interesting Please note that certain credit cards may attract an additional charge.
Next week I'm covering restaurants and food on the island to make sure you click to read it. I will detail specific restaurants and include contact details for them so put that together with the numbers of taxi and you're on your way!
About the Author
Mark is a respected travel professional who has travelled extensively. He writes for VIPvillasblog.com regularly. For more information and travel articles visit the blog.
