Going to be my first time in the Caribbean - Barbados

[PoorGuy]

I leave on Saturday evening and I'm off to the Almond Beach Resort in Barbados for a week.

This will be my first time going to the Caribbean. From what I gather from the internet, I'll need some time to adjust to the climate. Language won't be a problem since this used to be a British colony. Currency is 2 BD to 1 CDN. I've had my Twinrex Hep A/B shot, but I understand mosquito repellant is needed since there was a dengue fever outbreak two years ago.

Some common sense advice would be appreciated, like types of clothing, do's and don'ts at a coral sand beach, local etiquette, tipping, anti-theft, etc.

Ok probably not bars since a lone Asian male in a 95% west indies black population at 1 AM in the morning would be pretty intimidating!

As for PERB-ish action, I'm probably going to visit the strip bars in the capitol city and then book a session at a massage parlour.

 

[Fast Bikes]

Barbados

Hey there;

I have spent a lot of time in Barbados so here are some of my suggestions.

First, stay out of the strip clubs in Bridgetown. They are not what you are looking for, unless you like dark alleys, seedy looking characters, and cheap, unattractive women.

The clubs are great, and I would suggest spending time in the St. Lawrence Gap on the South Beach of Barbados. You can meet some wonderful people, have a great time, and stay safe.

If you are looking for some "action", the only place I would suggest is Caramel's in Oistins which is near the Airport.

The people there are really friendly, but please don't go with any "locals" when you are out at night. It is a very safe place, but you still have to be careful. On any given night, there is a club that is hopping, whether it is in The Gap, or at Harbour Lights, or one of the other clubs closer to Bridgetown. Once you get there, ask around and you will find what you need.

The beaches are great, but there are small waves on the west coast. The south coast has better waves, and if you are into surfing, I would suggest the east coast.

The food is okay. If you like a fancy meal, I would suggest Joseph's in The Gap, but there are some nice restaurants on the West Coast. I am not sure if you are into golf, but there are some nice courses as well. I have a place at the Royal Westmoreland (on the west coast), so that is where I play.

That's it for now. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Fast Bikes.

 

[the_shogun]

Barbados is a beautiful island. i highly recommend doing some snorkling around the reef areas. people are really friendly and chill. it's a tourist island so your going to find lots of things to do there

oh one don't, no matter how hot it is, don't walk around with your shirt off, of course if your on the beach. lol.

 

[PoorGuy]

Wow thanks for the advice!

Some further questions:

I'm coming from Speightstown, where the resort is located. Should I take the ZR minibuses or a taxi to Bridgetown and further to Oistins? How's the service after midnight going back to Speightstown? What are the rates so I don't get bilked?

I'm armed with a 7.2 MP camera and a 2 gb stick, so I take a lot of pictures on trips. Is there minibus access to the parks and eastern villages? Have you some suggestions on picturesque places?

Also, would it be better to deal in BD's or American dollars? I read there are RBC branches in Bridgetown, so I think I may convert our CDN over there rather than here.

 

[Fast Bikes]

Hey there;

I am not familiar with the bus service as I rent a car when I am there.

As to currency, the Barbados Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar at 2 BBD to 1 USD. There is no issue with using either US Dollars or Barbados Dollars everywhere. Most merchants prefer US Dollars.

As to pictures, the island is absolutely beautiful. You will find wonderful places everywhere for photos.

Good luck, have fun, and play safe.

FB

 

[PoorGuy]

Oh my god, it is so hot here! 30+ degrees everyday and night! I didn't know it was so dry here either!

But hey, what a fantastic setting. Just posting because I found out today is one of their National Holidays and most of the city is shut down so I'll be a beach bum today.

As for being a perbert, I'll chance Oasis Massaging Lounge today. The lady quoted me $100 - $200 BD, which is $50 - $100 CDN, with a hostess named "Champagne.

Thanks for all the information E. Humperdink. I have scheduled all your mentioned activites for this week.