Mexican Riviera -Puerto Vallarta Beach Villa Rentals, Hotels, Resorts

Your Basic Travel Guide to Barbados

Decidedly British, Barbados is a beautiful island at the east of the Caribbean surrounded by endless pink and white sandy beaches and azure water. The coastline of the island is a solace for rest and recreation, and amusing pursuits ? a must-be-there destination for historical attractions, cultural events, sporting activities, colorful festivities, round-the-clock entertainment and dining.

Dubbed as ?Little England? in the Caribbean, Barbados is decidedly British yet true to its rich Bajan (West Indian) tradition. You will find that Bajans have a long history of welcoming international visitors, which is why Barbados? pride of warm hospitality is as pleasant as their pristine coast.

Whether you are planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, business trip or just an escape, Barbados offers diverse things to do and enjoy.

GETTING THERE You can get to Barbados by plane or by ship. Barbados boasts a large international airport, and shipping docks to accommodate a growing number of tourists all over the world ? with large numbers from UK, Canada and US visitors. If you are traveling by ship, you?d likely be arriving in style as most ships that dock in the coast of Barbados are cruise ships.

FACTS FIRST Climate -- Barbados is a tropical island, which makes the weather almost always sunny and warm, cooled by the constant northeast winds. The average daytime temperature ranges between 84-88 degrees Farenheght or 23-31 degrees Celsius. A summer temperature rarely exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 degrees Celsius.

Language -- Although the Bajan dialect can be heard all around the island, majority of the locale speaks fluent English. And mind you, they speak with British accent.

Time -- The Barbados time is an hour ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the winter, and the same during US Daylight Saving Time. It is also 4 hours behind GMT in the winter and 5 hours in the summer.

Electricity -- 115/230 volts 50 cycle ? many hotels provide converters and plugs for different types of appliance from different countries.

Dress Code -- Dress appropriately, as always. For a tropical weather just like Barbados?, you can wear anything that is comfortable like a sundresses, shorts, shirts or tops. Islanders and tourists alike prefer slippers or slip-on sandals while traveling around.

Business Hours -- Establishments in Bridgetown (Barbados capital) are open on Mondays to Fridays between 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and closes 1:00 PM on Saturdays; establishments outside Bridgetown, however, operates between 900 AM to 5:00 PM Mondays to Fridays and closes 2:00 PM on Saturdays. Most shops around Barbados are closes on Sundays, although some supermarkets and convenience stores remain open.

Telecommunications -- Barbados has a modern telecommuting infrastructure with the latest in digital and fiber optics technology: Internet connection, facsimile, international calling, etc. The international direct distance dialing code for Barbados is ?1-246? followed by the local seven digit number.

Currency -- The Barbados dollar is tied to the US dollar at a fixed rate of US$1.00 = BDS$1.98. The approximate rate of exchange for sterling is ?1.00 = BDS$3.70, for Canadian currency, approximately CAD$1.00 = BDS$1.60 and the Euro is approximately EURO 1.00 = BDS$2.40. US currency is readily accepted everywhere on the island, while most hotels, restaurants and large stores accept travelers checks and most major credit cards as well.

ACCOMMODATION Barbados and other Caribbean islands are internationally known for their world-class accommodation. But even if you?re in a budget, you can still find a place that will suit your taste.

Barbados has so many options when it comes to accommodation: exclusive, lavish and luxurious upscale chains of hotels and resorts; elegant and personal villas, apartments, guesthouses, backpacker hostels and home stays, which is the island?s new home accommodation program by the Barbados Tourism Authority.

BEACH The island?s beaches are all open to public. The most popular district of Barbados is you plan to have fun in the sun are the beaches in the west coast (Paynes Bay, Brighton Beach, Brandon?s Beach, Paradise Beach and Mullins Beach), south coast (Casuarina Beach, Silver Sands Beach, and Sandy Beach) and the southeast cost (tides coming from the Atlantic), which is the surfer?s turf.

DINING and NIGHTLIFE Dining in the island encompasses everything from authentic Bajan gourmet and exotic delicacies to a m?lange of signature influences and cuisines. Based on the survey by ZAGATt, the world?s leading provider of consumer-based information on where to dine and drink has concluded, and which you should try to dine-in in any of the following less-than-a-hundred-dining places in Barbados: Bubba's Sport Bar and Restaurant, Pisces, The Fish Pot, Cafe Sol Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar, Cocomos Restaurant, Waterfront Caf?, Caf? Jungles Tree House and Patisserie & Bistro Flindt.

If you?re on a splurge for fine dining, the best places to go to are: The Cliff, Champers Wine Bar and Restaurant, The Tides, The Restaurant at Southsea, Josef's, Lone Star Restaurant and Hotel, Daphne's, Calabazza, Zen, L'Acajou, Caf? Luna Restaurant, L'Azure Restaurant.

When the sun sets, don?t be left out on the hippest and the most enjoying night life places in the coasts: Coach House at Paynes Bay, John Moore Bar, Upstairs ay Olives, Baxters Road (Bridgetown), Enid's, The Rusty Pelican, Harbour Lights, Cafe Sol Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar, Plantation Restaurant and Garden Theatre, The Ship Inn, Olives Bar and Bistro, Bert's Bar, Bubba's Sports Bar and Restaurant and After Dark.

* Usually 10%?15% is acceptable when tipping?many restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, so you?d be wise to check before tipping additionally.

SHOPPING Duty-free merchandises in Barbados are lower compared to United States and Canada at prices 20% to 40% discount. Duty-free shops have two prices listed on items: the local retail price and the local retail price less the government-imposed tax. Some of the best buys include cameras, wristwatches, crystal, gold jewelry, cosmetics, perfumes, liquor, tobacco products, apparels, and other imported items. But if you were to purchase an item made in Barbados, you don?t have to pay duty.

Barbados capital, Bridgetown is the Mecca for hawkers. You can find that their shopping district is complete from Antique shops, craft shops, malls, clothing boutiques, flea markets, thrift shops, etc? But as they say, you have to be a smart shopper to spot a bargain.

* 15% VAT (Value Added Tax) is included on all prices in shops, supermarkets and restaurants. In hotels, 7.5% VAT and 10% service charge will be added to your bill.

ACTIVITIES and ATTRACTIONS You?ll never run out of things to do when you?re in Barbados. If you trip on the island?s attractions and amusements, you should never let your stay in Barbados without visiting these places: Andromeda Botanic Gardens, Barbados Wildlife Reserve, Flower Forest, Francia Plantation, Gun Hill Signal Station, Harrison's Cave, Heritage Park and Rum Factory, Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, St. Nicholas Abbey, Sunbury Plantation House, Tyrol Cot Heritage Village, Welchman Hall Gully, Carenage, Trafalgar Square, St. Michael's Cathedral, Synagogue, Garrison Savannah, Farley Hill National Park, and Crane Beach Hotel on Crane Bay.

TRANSPORTATION With so much to see and do in the island, if you prefer to explore the island on your own, you can rent a car. There are no major US car rental companies on the island. However, there are a number of Barbados car rental companies.

* Driving in Barbados is on the left side of the road and the majority of vehicles are ?right hand drive.? For tourists, hiring a taxi on a frequent basis may be expensive.

###

To learn more about Barbados car rental, please click this link http://www.glrentals.net/

DHORJ ESCUSA is a web copywriter for http://www.uswebsitebuilder.com a web design company that build websites and increases visibility through optimization and promotion.

MORE ARTICLES:

Win a Luxury All-Inclusive Mexican Vacation for a Family of Four in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Family Scavenger Hunt Leads to 4-Day/3-Night Mexican Vacation at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

Iconic Mexican Performers Take Flight In Puerto Vallarta
Every weekend in Puerto Vallarta, a group of famous Mexican performers take flight From a central location on the Malec?n ? Puerto Vallarta?s beloved boardwalk ? the Papantla Flyers dazzle visitors with six performances each Saturday and Sunday

Mendocino Coast Hotel Pacific Mist Inn Whale Watchers Festival Vacation Rental Home Special
Mendocino Coast Hotel offers a new special during Whale Festival. Pacific Mist Inn and Cabins announced that throughout the month of March, they are offering a special for travelers to the Mendocino Coast, if a guest books any room or full cabin for two nights, the third night is for free.

Hawaii Maps and Weather Round out Comprehensive Vacation Rental Site
Hawaiian Beach Rentals, an Oahu based company known for its local knowledge on the vacation rentals they provide, now provides a one stop shop for local information by adding current weather conditions and maps of Kauai and other Hawaiian locales to their site.

Puerto Vallarta: The City of Festivals
After Puerto Vallarta found its way onto the international tourism map following the release of ?The Night of the Iguana,? the city became a meeting place for artists, musicians and anyone seeking a cosmopolitan destination amongst incredible natural beauty As a result, numerous festivals have developed in Puerto Vallarta, celebrating everything from independent film to haute cuisine

Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Receives AAA Four Diamond Award
Casa Velas Hotel Boutique in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is again joining the ranks of AAA Four Diamond Award winners. Casa Velas is the only adults-only all-inclusive golf resort in Mexico to receive this AAA Four Diamond award.

Spring Break Soccer Training and Spanish Language Camp in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Spring break soccer training and Spanish language camp will take place in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

CasaHelga.com Offers Over 120 Luxury Villa Rentals in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - New Website Offers More Photos, Videos, Search by Availability
Our new and improved website allows vacationers interested in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to find a luxury villa suited exactly to their needs and available during the dates they specify. We've also added more photos and videos of the exclusive villa homes we represent.

Dream Destination Wedding in a Puerto Vallarta Villa
Every woman dreams of her wedding at some exotic destination with beautiful white sand beaches, pristine clear waters, magnificent Villa and surrounded by her close ones. If you thought this is just a dream then you could not be more wrong. You can have your wedding with great style and sophistication in a luxury Villa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

A Mexico Vacation Special To The Maroma Resort In The Mayan Riviera
Some very good reasons for booking a Mexico vacation special and choosing the best of luxury hotels the Maroma Resort in the Mayan Riviera

Celebrate Grandparents at Grand Velas Resort in Puerto Vallarta
Dolphin Encounters, Spanish Lessons, Mexican Folkloric Night and More As part of the Grandparents Package Available Until October 1st

Discount Last Minute Puerto Vallarta Packages To The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
We managed a discount last minute Puerto Vallarta package to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. In truth the discount was the bonus, because we fully intended to go there anyway, and pay the full price, but thanks to some work online, we got a huge discount. A quick thank you to The Vacation Bargain Finder, details of which can be found at http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/pages/Vacation-Bargain-Finder.html

My Holiday Villa Rentals, Vacation Rentals and Holiday Homes by Owner
More and more vacationers are choosing the cheaper, more cost worthy option of renting a home. This is often a way to give holiday makers a larger more comfortable space for far less cost than a hotel room. Sending inquiry messages are free, any commissions are cut out completely as you rent direct from the owners. This is now becoming the most popular way to vacation around the world.

Puerto Vallarta Vacation Review
Just returning from a wonderful trip to Puerto Vallarta, I've decided that tropical vacations are good for the "soul". It's important to take the time to get a way from the everyday routine.

Livin' La Vida Loca at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico is in itself a paradise with its lot of places that offer nothing but the best comfortable life to anyone. Out of the several coastal resort-type offerings in the region, Puerto Vallarta is possibly the greatest epitome of wonderland.