September 25 marks One Hit Wonder day. Any list of songs classed in that category will include Barbados by Typically Tropical – a 1975 tune promising us “palm trees, palm trees … by the sunny Caribbean sea”. Caribbean holidays were a rarity for UK and EU travellers then. But have things changed? What can Barbados offer you today?
Well, rest assured Europesure Travel Insurance customers, the palm trees still sway and around 80 beaches are truly idyllic, including Crane Beach, Bottom Bay Beach and Carlisle. Barbados has been dubbed the ‘Platinum Coast’, thanks to glorious white, ground coral sand. But some Europesure travel tips will come in handy.
Do take every care when it comes to sea safety, however. Not all beaches have warning flags to alert you to dangers and sea currents can be very strong. On many east coast beaches, swimming is not recommended at all. Check with your hotel and tap into other local knowledge, if necessary. Try to choose beaches with lifeguards and read our holiday water safety advice before taking the plunge.
The manchineel tree presents another unusual risk in Barbados. Often skirting the beach, these trees may be sprayed with red warning paint - and with good reason. Their sap is a blister-inducing skin irritant, so don’t stand under them or touch their fruit.
Rules to abide by in Barbados
Barbadian beaches are fantastic by day and often party places by night. Whilst many organised events are safe, just make sure you don’t find yourself left alone and stranded on the beach at night. Remain in a group, or just make the beach a day-time destination. Never strip off, as topless and nude bathing is prohibited, and do not light a fire. This is also illegal.
Talking of that, one more unusual ‘not to do’ in Barbados is wearing camouflage clothing – a rule even applying to children. Such clothing is banned as it causes confusion with official law enforcers and their uniform. That's a major Europesure travel tip for you!
How to stay safe in Barbados
Safety-wise, Barbados is not as risky as some other Caribbean countries but be cautious. Stick to well-populated, well-lit areas, avoid any show of wealth and don’t display valuables. That includes not leaving them on show in a car. There is some armed gang activity, so always stay alert, particularly if attending a late night party. Be extra cautious around ATMs too and leave valuables in a safety deposit box. Lock balcony doors and apartment windows and, if using taxis, only use licensed cabs. Check the fare before you set off. Cabs have no meters.
If hiring a car, remember driving is on the left in Barbados, as in the UK. This can particularly catch some of Europesure Travel Insurance’s EU and EEA policyholders out, so we always regard it as one of our key Europesure travel tips. Make a note of the local emergency numbers of 211 for police, 311 for fire brigade and 511 for an ambulance.
Being alert to weather and sun risks
Also be aware of the alert level of the Kick ‘em Jenny underwater volcano, just off Grenada. If necessary, follow the advice of local authorities, if eruption is likely. Similarly, monitor for any hurricane warnings, especially in the June to November hurricane season. Follow local authority advice, if any earthquake tremors are experienced.
Take good care in the sun, exercising strong sun and sunglasses safety and safeguard yourself against mosquito bites. Wear a DEET-based repellent and long-sleeved shirts or blouses and trousers, in the evenings.
What to see and do in Barbados
Do all this and you can have a fantastic time, shopping till you drop at Holetown’s Limegrove Lifestyle Centre on the west coast, with its luxury outlets and designer labels, or for Bajan crafts and souvenirs in local markets like Saturday’s Brighton Farm Market, St George.
You can check out places to visit, including the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, the underground cave system at Harrison’s Cave and Clifton Hall Great House, or just tuck in to some local delicacies. These include the cornmeal, okra and flying fish combo of ‘cou-cou’, fried flying fish, macaroni pie, and pudding and souse (sweet potato and pickled pork).
The need for travel insurance for Barbados holidays
And yes, you will find your “palm trees, palm trees”. Just make sure that, when you do, you also have your Europesure Travel Insurance policy at hand, whether you opt for single trip protection or buy an annual policy to cover you for all of your travels through the year.
Whilst medical facilities are generally good, some highly costly specialist care might have to be sourced on another Caribbean island or on the US mainland. Read more here and don’t take the risk of having to pay for such high-cost treatment and repatriation expenses yourself.
Lead photo credit: Photo by Kathryn Maingot on Unsplash
