4 tips for a hassle-free Barbados getaway

The beautiful island nation of Barbados is one of the top vacation destinations in the Caribbean, a favorite with tourists due to its crystal blue waters and moderately tropical climate. If you get the chance to visit the country, here are some tips for a hassle-free and enjoyable tropical getaway in Barbados.

1. Determine your budget.

Planning your Barbados vacation will be easier if you plan your preparations on a budget. This should also include taking note of how many people will be going with you and how much is the budget per person. Working around your budget, choose your airline, accommodations, and activities or entertainment venues, and stick with them. The internet is a handy tool for finding the best airfares, hotels, and places to hang out for every budget, mood, or occasion.

2. Find out about the best time to visit the island.

Doing a little research on the busiest and most inactive periods will help you enjoy a more pleasant stay in the best accommodation and entertainment venues on the island. As with most popular destinations, traveling to this island during peak season means higher accommodation rates and more visitors. Therefore, you will probably find it more difficult to find accommodation in popular areas, especially on the coast.

If you are looking for the main events and festivals of this destination, keep in mind that these will also attract more visitors. An example of a major event is the “Crop Over”, a traditional harvest festival that began in the 17th century and takes place in July or August. One approach to this is to write down the festivals or events you want to see and create your travel plans based on them. Of course, you will also need to book your travel and accommodation in advance.

3. Book flights and accommodation in advance.

Flights are often not a concern as they are often booked in advance; the accommodations may need a little more TLC. Once you have chosen a place to stay (a hotel, villa or apartment hotel in Barbados), it is often advisable to book your stay in advance. Since the island is a busy tourist destination, you may find it a bit difficult to find available accommodation spaces, especially in the most popular hotels, villas and apart-hotels in the busiest areas. Booking in advance will allow you to choose the rooms and view you want, and will guarantee a decent and comfortable accommodation for you and your travel companions.

Particularly, if you are going to visit your family or in a group, it will be more convenient for you to have the accommodation reserved before your trip. Apartment hotels in Barbados are excellent options for group travelers because they offer privacy and hotel-like services and amenities. However, since many visitors choose them for these characteristics, it is recommended to book before traveling. Some apartment hotels (like the luxurious St. James Apartment Hotel) require visitors to settle their balance weeks before their arrival date, which is another reason to book early.

4. Take note and compare the offers, promotions or packages offered by travel agencies.

While you may already have a fixed budget for your trip, it’s always helpful to look for deals and promotions that travel agencies offer, especially if you choose to visit during peak season (when everything tends to be more expensive). Most travel packages, discounts, or deals are offered during the low season, but still keep an eye out for travel agencies that offer them during the high season. Who knows, you might need the extra funds from savings for a nice keepsake!