These useful notes have been supplied by Harry S. Pariser, author of the new guidebook Explore Barbados.

Details

Capital city Bridgetown

Size in square miles 166 sq mi

Population 259,025 (July 1998 estimate)

Time zone Atlantic Time (one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time; five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time

Economy Tourism, light industry, banking and agriculture.

A hybrid blend of Africa and England set in the tropics, Barbados combines British institutions, architecture, and style with open, African-style hospitality. Nowhere in the world have African and British cultures combined in such a remarkable synthesis. Nicknamed "Bimshire" or "Little England" because its land --reforested with green and yellow slopes of sugar cane fields --came to resemble the motherland. The island's shape resembles a lopsided pear with its stem end pointing north. All of 21 miles long by a "smile" wide, Barbados, an island of dramatic , offers a variety of terrains compacted into one small area. In addition to a smorgasboard of beaches, there are fantastic panoramas, densely-foliated tropical gullies, and breathtaking stretches of craggy coast. For such a small island, there's an enormous amount to see. In few places in the world are people as receptive and accepting of strangers. The island's greathouses, old churches, and forts bring history to life. Discovered by Portuguese explorer Pedro a Campos in 1536 when the island was inhabited by Arawak Indians who had disappeared by the time the British first arrived in1625. Jamestown (modern-day Holetown) was settled by 80 British settlers in 1627. The ecomomy centered around cotton, tobacco and sugar with plantations were worked by African slaves, the direct descendents of today's Barbadians (or Bajans, as they are popularly called). Although independent since 1966, it retains its British character and celebrated 350 consecutive years of parliamentary government in 1989.

Travel Basics

Travel Documents

United States: Citizens need passport (or original or certified copy of birth certificate with photo ID), and onward passage. Passport required for stays longer than six months.

Canada: Citizens need passport (or original or certified copy of birth certificate with photo ID), and onward passage. Passport required for stays longer than six months.

United Kingdom: Citizens need passport (or original or certified copy of birth certificate with photo ID), and onward passage. Passport required for stays longer than six months.

Japan: Citizens may stay 90 days without visa. Passport required.

Australia: Citizens may stay six months without visa. Passport required.

Germany: Citizens may stay six months without visa. Passport required.

Ireland: Citizens may stay six months without visa. Passport required.

France: Citizens may stay six months without visa. Passport required.

Language

The local language in Barbados is standard English. While modeled on the British version, it has its own slang and peculiarities. There should be no problem with communication.

Local Currency

Foreign currency may be exchanged at banks. Many shops will accept US dollars.at a rate of two-to-one which is slightly better than changing at banks.

Cash Access You use ATMS to access funds.

Travelers' Checks Accepted widely.

Credit Cards Major cards accepted widely . Surcharges may apply at banks. Restaurants and hotels do not generally charge a surcharge but check.

Electricity

Voltage/Current 110/120 volts. Plugs are of the flat, two-pin type. n countries, so Visitors from Europe and Asia will require an adapter and converter to run appliances.

Telecommunications

Country code for Barbados 246. No city code is needed. IDD is available. Wait for dial tone before inserting 25 cents.

Fax/Modem Major hotels offer services as do specialty centers in Bridgetown.

Media The two major dailies are the Advocate and the Nation which are available at shops and on the street.

The state owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has one AM station (CBC, 900 AM) and one FM (Liberty, 98.1). The Barbados Broadcasting Service operates BBS, 90.7 FM and Faith FM at 102.1. Barbados Redifusion Service operates VOB at 790 AM and Yess Ten Four at 104.1 FM. The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation runs the television station, and there's also a cable system.

Time Zone

Barbados operates on Atlantic Standard Time (Greenwich Mean Time minus four hours) which matches Eastern Daylight Time during the summer.

Business Hours

Businesses operate Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm. (Food stores stay open later.)

Banking hours are Mon-Thurs 8 am-3 pm, Fri 8 am to 5 pm.

Public Holidays

January 1 New Year's Day

April Good Friday, Easter Monday

May May Day ( May 1) Whit Monday, Kadooment Day

November Independence Day (November 30)

December Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day: (December 26)

Tipping

Restaurants 10-15% (when a service charge is not included)

Bars BB$1

Airport skycap/porter BB$1/bag

Taxis 10%

Hotel bell desk BB$1-2/bag

Hotel housekeeping 10-15%

Hotel room service 10-15%

Parking attendant/valet BB$1-2

Haircare/personal services 10-15%

Health and Security:

No immunizations are required for travelers from Western nations or Japan. Yellow fever certificate will be required if coming from an infected area. Check with your local health authorities for the latest information.

Local Healthcare

Medical care is usually on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bridgetown's 600 bed Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the main hospital; eight health centers and ten other health clinics are scattered across the island. Prescription drugs are available at pharmacies.

Safety Precautions

Don't flash money or possessions around and, in general, keep a low profile. Don't leave anything unattended on the beach, and keep off the deserted beaches at night. Hotels are safe for solo travelers and families with children.

Emergency Contacts

Call 119 in an emergency. Police: 112. Fire department: 113 Ambulance: 115. A decompression chamber (for divers who have the bends) is run by the Barbados Defence Force (436-6185) in the Garrison area on the outskirts of Bridgetown.

Foreign Embassies and Consulates

The following consulates can provide information and assistance to citizens of the corresponding nations.

Embassy of the United States of America

Broad Street Bridgetown

436-4950

fax 431-0249

Canadian High Commission

Bishop's Court Hill

Pine Road St. Michael

429-3550

fax 429-3780/3876

United Kingdom

British High Commission

Lower Collymore Rd., St. Michael

436-6694

fax 436-5398

German Honorary Consul

Apt. 37, Banyan Court, Bay St

. Bridgetown, St. Michael

427-1876

French Consular Agent

Shirley House, Hastings, Christ Church

435-6847

Essential Destination Info

When to Go The winter season is the most popular time and for good reason. Most people want to get away from snow or at least cold weather. During the off season, prices drop and everything becomes more available. However, there may be a less active social scene at your hotel.

The most popular time for visitors during the summer is during the Cropover Festival which is held from mid-July until early August. It features calypso concerts and other events. The Holetown Festival, held in Feb., commemorates the arrival of British settlers. The week- long event includes a music festival, street fairs, and a road race. Held over the Easter weekend, the Oistins Fish Festival celebrates the signing of the Charter of Barbados as well as the abilities of local fishermen. Boat races, boning competitions, and other activities are part of its highlights. (Oistins is to the east of Bridgetown). November sees the National Independence Festival of Performing Arts which offers a variety of talent contests: theater, dance, and vocal. Other activities include a variety of sports marathons. For more information on these and other activities, check with the Barbados Tourism Authority.

What to Take Bring as little as possible, i.e. bring what you need. Recommended items include windsurfing sandals, umbrella, specialty equipment such as snorkeling gear, film, and toiletry items such as sunscreen. Check with your hotel to see if you need formal attire for dinner. A sweater or light jacket should be sufficient for chilly evenings.

Getting There and Around

By Air Barbados has only one airport which is outside of Bridgetown. American Airlines is the chief carrier, with Air Jamaica and BWIA being the main competitors for flights from the mainland U.S. British Airways, Air Canada, and LIAT, also fly.

By Car Don't forget that you drive on the left hand side of the road! On an island this small, it's difficult to get lost. All too often, the island's 830 miles (1280 km) of public roads are poorly marked so getting anywhere can be an adventure in itself!

By Ship Cruise ships dock at a special port in Bridgetown which has a number of shops. It is a short taxi ride to town. How to Get Around:

By Car Renting a car is a good way to see the island. Cars may be rented at the airport from Avis and Hertz. If you show a valid US or International driver's license, a temporary license will be issued for BB$10. The best alternative, is to do this when you arrive at the airport where there is a police window. Car rental companies can also make arrangements. Both small and major car rental companies operate including Hertz and Avis, A permit is also required for motorbikes (70 -90 cc maximum available) or mopeds; helmets are required by law. You must be able to show either a motorcyle license or a diveręs license with a motorcycle endorsement. Expect to pay from BB$450 per week for a 4-passenger "mini-moke" (a hybrid between an Austin Mini and a jeep) to BB$650 for a six-passenger automatic saloon.

By Taxi Taxi fares start at BB$8 and range up to BB$55; a flat rate of BB$32 is offered. Ask your hotel to call you one.

By Bus The bus system is well developed. However, service can be poor to outlying areas, so it is necessary to exercise patience. There are two main bus terminals in Bridgetown, and smaller minibuses also run.

On Foot It is easy to get around Bridgetown and the smaller towns on foot.

More Information

BRIDGETOWN

Harbour Road

(P.O. Box 242) Bridgetown, Barbados

(809)427-2623/2624

fax: 426-4048

GRANTLEY ADAMS AIRPORT

Christ Church, Barbados

(809) 428-0937/5570

BRIDGETOWN HARBOUR

Bridgetown, Barbados

(809) 426-1718

NEW YORK CITY

800 Second Ave. NY, NY 10017 USA

(212) 986-6516/6518

Telex: 023-666-387

Fax: (212) 573-9850

(800) 221-9831

LOS ANGELES

3440 Wiltshire Bvd.

Suite 1215 LA, CA 90010 USA

(213) 380-2198

Fax: (213) 384-2763

(800) 221-9831

TORONTO

5160 Yonge Street Ste. 1800

North York Ontario M2N 6L9

(416) 214-9880

Fax:416-512-658 (888) Barbados

MONTREAL

615 Rene Levesque Blvd. W. Suite 960 Montreal, Quebec H3B 1P5

(514) 861-0085

fax: 514-861-7917

GREAT BRITAIN

263 Tottenham Court Rd.

London W1P 9AA

(011) 4471-636-9448/9

Telex: 051-262081

Fax: 011-4471-636-9448

GERMANY

Rathenau Platz 1A 6000 Frankfurt 1 West Germany

011-49-69-23-26

Telex: 041-414068+

Fax: 49-69-294-782

FRANCE

(Agency) Barbados Tourism Authority

c/o Caribes

102 Ave. Des Champs-Elysees

75008 Paris, France

4562-6262, 4226-6262

Telex: CARAIB 6420 33F

Fax: (331) 4074-0701

SWEDEN

Barbados Tourism Authority

c/o Hotel Investors (Sweden)

Ltd. Nybrogatan 87 S-114, 41

Stockholm Sweden

468-662-8584 fax: 468-662-8775

Barbados Highlights

Andromeda Gardens Begun by the late Iris Bannochie in 1954, this is the island's most famous garden. Named after the mythical Greek maiden who was tied to a rock as a sacrifice for a sea monster, the flowers in these gardens are also "tied" to rocks. Set on a seaside cliff on the Atlantic, it includes orchids, hibiscus, and other blooms amidst palms and other trees. Animal Flower Cave -- Carpeted with "sea flowers" and adorned with rock formations, this set of sea caves --located at the island's northernmost center --is justly famed for its yellow sea anemones. Down in the cave, you can see a small number of small purple anemones. The cave has formations which resemble a turtle, hand, and a lizard, and the view through the cave and out to sea is splendid and worth the visit in and of itself. A guide takes you through the cave. It's at North Point, St. Lucy.

Barbados Museum This lovingly conceived and executed complex (tel. 427- 0201, 436-1956) serves as a superb introduction to Barbados Housed in the old military detention barracks (constructed between 1817-1853), most of the galleries here were once cells that held prisoners. It has exhibits on natural history, antiqwue maps, and art installations. It's in St. Ann's Garrison, St. Michael, which is in Bridgetown.

Barbados Wildlife Reserve --Termed a reserve but more accurately described as an open-air zoo as the animals have mostly been imported, this is a project of the Barbados Primate Center; it gives you an opportunity to observe the island's green monkeys and other indigenous and not-so-native fauna close at hand. You can walk through on your own. It's in Farley Hill, St. Peter.

Barclay's Park -- Good picnicking but dangerous swimming can be found at this 50-acre beach park which climbs up a hillside. Crowded with locals on weekends. It is on the Atlantic Coast in St. Andrew. Bathsheba --Lying 14 miles from Bridgetown on the Atlantic and in St. Joseph, this tiny fishing village is a world apart. Its rocky terrain --one of the most photographed spots on the island --surrounds one of the island's most spectacular beaches. Named the "Soup Bowl," owing to its foamy surf, this shady beach plays host to an annual surfing competition. Chalky Mount --Actually a rugged range of hills that rise 571 feet over the road, a few potters still linger on here, a reminder of the time when this community was the major supplier of household ceramic items. There is not much to see or do here, save watch the potters at work and perhaps buy a souvenir. It's in St. Andrew.

Cherry Tree Hill --Resplendent rows of wind-bent and gnarled-branched mahogany (not cherry!) trees line the avenue leading up to this hill which offers a great view from the top gazing southward to Chalky Mount and Hackleton's Cliff. The road goes right through it. It is in St. Andrew and on the road to St. Peter. Codrington College --Barbados's first institution of higher learning. Approached by a row of stately cabbage palms --some of whom are reputed to be more than a century old, this theological college for the training for West Indian clergy stands on one of Codrington's former plantations overlooking Conset Bay. A new feature on the premises is a short nature trail. There's not much to see or do here, but it is of interest for its Old English atmosphere. It's in St. John near the Atlantic.

Cotton Tower Near the top of Horse Hill, this three-storey four-layer structure served as a message relay post. Construction was begun in 1819. Chiefly of interest for the views, it is near the top of Horse Hill in St. Joseph. Crane Beach --One of most popular of island's beaches. Surrounded by towering cliffs, it's beautiful on moonlit nights. Nature lovers have been enjoying this splendid spot since the 1700s. It is below the Crane Beach Hotel. It has dangerous swimming. It is in St. Philip.

Farley Hill National Park One of the island's top tourist attractions. Until the demon fire so rudely and thoughtlessly destroyed it some years back, this mansion commanded a view of the ocean on three sides. Today, it consists of several acres of verdant parkland containing carefully cultivated tropical vegetation. It is in St. Peter.

Flower Forest Set in the heart of the Scotland district in Richmond, St. Joseph, this attraction consists of an expertly landscaped forest which still retains much of its original wild ambiance. It is on Hwy. 2, St. Joseph. (Its sister project, Orchard World, is also worth a visit).

Folkestone Park Also known as Barbados Marine Reserve, this area features tennis courts, a playground, and an artificial reef, purposefully formed by sinking the ship Stavronikita which had been destroyed by fire in 1976. It has a small museum, and snorkeling gear is available for rent. It is in St. James and near Holetown.

Francia Plantation Only opened to the public for the first time in 1989, this small-yet-stately greathouse stands on a wooded hillside at the heart of a still- operating plantation. It is located near Gun Hill in St. George, and the home contains antique furniture aong with a fine selection of old prints and maps. Grenade Hall --An old signal station (in operation from 1819-1887) which has been refurbished as part of an "ecotourism" project. The forest has a self-guided nature trail, and Indian artifacts --unearthed during the restoration process --are also on display. It's on Farley Hill, St. Peter, near the Wildlife Reserve.

Gun Hill This signal station served double duty: as a communications point and as a convalescent station for sick solidiery. Set off of Fulsier Road just below it, a full sized milk-white limestone lion --a representation of the British Imperial Lion „was carved out of the rock in 1868. Climb the stairway to have a look. Also accessible by car and located farther up, the towering Signal Station „ with its panoramic view praised by visitors over the centuries „is definitely a not-to- be-missed sight. The small museum inside was opened in 1982. It's on Hwy. 4 in St. George.

Harrison's Cave Located on Highway 2 just near Welchman Hall, this is one of the largest caves in the Caribbean. One of the cave's more remarkable features are the large number of virgin white, pear-shaped stalactites which hang suspended from the ceiling. There are regular tours. Harry Bayley Observatory --The Eastern Caribbean's only observatory --is named after the co-founder of the Barbados Astronomical Society who also built the island's first medical laborabory and modern hospital. Designed by the late Barbara Hill, an architect who wrote the Historic Churches of Barbados, the conical structure is topped by a Celestron14 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Admission (only on Fri. evenings) is B$8 adults, B$4 children, and B$5 each for groups. Your donations help pay the rent here. It is on Hwy. 6, Clapham, St. Michael.

Morgan Lewis Mill In line with its reputation as the best preserved sugar mill on the island, Morgan Lewis Mill is the only one with its arms and well house intact. In fact, it is the best preserved sugar mill in the entire Caribbean. Its walls display a collection of antiques and photographs. Climb to the top for a great view. It is near Farley Hill and on Hwy. 2, St.Andrew.

Portvale Sugar Factory Located in Blowers in the E part of the parish, this huge collection of sugar manufacturing and harvesting equipment is housed in the Sir Frank Hutson Sugar Machinery Museum, a restored "boiling house." Visitors may see a model windmill and taste "sling" and molasses, both of which are by-products of the manufacturing process. Hwy. 2, St. Andrew.

River Bay This bleak but scenic park is a famous and favorite spot for Barbadian picnics. Its name stems from a small stream flowing to the sea here. Cut into chalk and limestone, the bay features spectacular wind-blown coastal scenery. It is in St. Lucy.

St Nicholas Abbey Located near Cherry Tree Hill and Farley National Park in St. Peter, this great house may be the island's architectural highlight. It is one of only three greathouses of Jacobean design surviving in the Americas. It's near Cherry Tree Hill, St. Peter. Tours are self-guided.

Sunbury House Located near Highways 4B, 5, and 6 in St. Philip, this early-18th C. plantation house was refurbished in 1981. A small historical museum of Bajan life, its collection includes antique furniture, antique buggies, and agricultural vehicles. Tours are self-guided.

Tyrol Cot Heritage Village A restored mansion dating from 1854. It is the birthplace of former Prime Minister Tom Adams and the former residence of his father Sir Grantley Adams, the first premier of Barbados and the first (and only) prime minister of the short-lived Federation of the West Indies. Its surrounding four acres has a restaurant, chattel house village selling arts and crafts, and a Bajan rum shop. Tours are self-guided. It's in St. Michael.

Welchman Hall Gully Open to the public since 1961, this windy, cool, and damp deep ravine (tel. 438-6671) has been developed as a national park. There's a self- guided hiking trail. It's on Hwy. 2, St. Thomas.

Suggested Itineraries

3- Day Itinerary Relax and Explore

Day 1 Relax at your hotel.

Day 2 Tour the island by car, perhaps visiting the far north. Try to get off of the main roads. You may also wish to hire a driver or take a bus tour.

Day 3 Tour the island by car, perhaps exploring Bridgetown or take an excursion.

5- Day Itinerary Relax and Roam

Day 1 Spend the morning relaxing on one of the tranquil beaches on the island's east or south coast. For lunch, head to Bridgetown and have lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants along the Careenage. Stop for a photo op in Trafalgar Square, a smaller but earlier version of its London namesake. Then spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and duty-free luxury goods at Broad Street's department stores and boutiques.

Day 2 Head to St. Joseph, in the picturesque Scotland district of the island, for a tour of Harrison's Cave. Then stop at the nearby Flower Forest for a close-up look at the colorful, native plants of this region. In the evening head to St. Lawrence Gap, near Bridgetown and have dinner at one of the lively cafes there. If you're not ready to call it a night, visit the neighborhood's After Dark Club and dance to some island soca.

Day 3 Visit the parish of St. Philip, on the eastern side of the island. Tour Sunbury Plantation House, filled with artifacts from the island's early days as a sugar colony. Proceed along the area's sugarcane-lined roads to Bathsheba Beach and spend the afternoon watching the surfers and high waves.

Day 4 Pack a picnic lunch and drive out to Folkestone Park, near Holetown. Spend most of the day here, enjoying the recreational facilities. Be sure to bring or rent snorkeling equipment to view the underwater wreck of the Stavronikita. That evening, take in a dinner show such as 1629 and All That. Day 5: Take a scenic drive to the parish of St. Peter, stopping along the way to take in the magnificent views afforded atop Cherry Tree Hill. Stop at Farley Hill National Park to stroll among the ruins, take in the sweeping views, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Be sure also to visit the park's Barbados Wildlife Reserve to view green monkeys. Continue on to St. Nicholas Abbey, and spend the rest of the afternoon touring the beautiful old house and grounds.

7-Day Itinerary Explore

Day 1 Spend the morning relaxing on one of the tranquil beaches on the island's east or south coast. For lunch, head to Bridgetown and have lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants along the Careenage. Stop for a photo op in Trafalgar Square, a smaller but earlier version of its London namesake. Then spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and duty-free luxury goods at Broad Street's department stores and boutiques.

Day 2 Head to St. Joseph, in the picturesque Scotland district of the island, for a tour of Harrison's Cave. Then stop at the nearby Flower Forest for a close-up look at the colorful, native plants of this region. In the evening head to St. Lawrence Gap, near Bridgetown and have dinner at one of the lively cafes there. If you're not ready to call it a night, visit the neighborhood's After Dark Club and dance to some island soca.

Day 3 Visit the parish of St. Philip, on the eastern side of the island. Tour Sunbury Plantation House, filled with artifacts from the island's early days as a sugar colony. Proceed along the area's sugarcane-lined roads to Bathsheba Beach and spend the afternoon watching the surfers and high waves.

Day 4 Take a tour underwater with the Atlantis Submarine which departs from Bridgetown. Spend the afternoon touring the Barbados Museum. That evening, take in a dinner show such as 1629 and All That.

Day 5 Take a scenic drive to the parish of St. Peter, stopping along the way to take in the magnificent views afforded atop Cherry Tree Hill. Stop at Farley Hill National Park to stroll among the ruins, take in the sweeping views, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Be sure also to visit the park's Barbados Wildlife Reserve to view green monkeys. Continue on to St. Nicholas Abbey, and spend the rest of the afternoon touring the beautiful old house and grounds.

Day 6 Spend the morning relaxing on one of beaches (either near your hotel or at Paynes Bay (near Holetown) or Mullins Beach (between Holetown and Speightstown). In the afternoon, tour the Animal Flower Cave in the island's far north and then take in the scenic views at Morgan Lewis Beach and Barclays Park along the rough Atlantic coast before returning. In the evening visit the Harry Bayley Observatory on Hwy. 6, Clapham, St. Michael.

Day 7 Spend your last day on the beaches. Visit Sandy Bay (in Worthing on the South Coast) or Dover Beach (on the South Coast at St. Lawrence). Alternatively, head for one the golf courses (such as the one at your hotel or at the Rockley Resort Golf Club), play tennis at your hotel's court (or at the public courts near the Garrison or at Folkestone Park in Holetown), or go on a horseback riding excursion with Highland Adventure Tours at Canefields, St. Thomas. (They will pick you up). In the evening, indulge in one of the twice-weekly traditional five- course feasts held at Sunbury Plantation House.

Where to Stay

If you have a fondness for luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants, Barbados has some of the best in the world.

The formal Sandy Lane Hotel is perhaps the most famous of all. It offers a golf course, spa, and tennis courts. It has been undergoing renovation and will reopen sometime in 2001-2002.

Set just south of the quaint town of Speightstown, Cobbler's Cove Hotel is an exclusive hotel which has ten Spanish-style villas in a garden setting. It has a white-sand beach, great restaurant, tennis courts, and a variety of water sports. This is an expensive yet attractive place to stay.

The St. James Beach Hotels are a local chain of luxury hotels which include The Crystal Cove, Colony Club, Coconut Creek and Tamarind Cove. Staying at one gives you access to the facilities of all via water taxi. The Crystal Cove is in Fitt's Village and has two restaurants, three pools, and two tennis courts. Colony Club is in Porters near Holetown. It offers grounds with acres of tropical gardens with rocky pools. Facilities include groumet restaurant, beachside pool and three others, two tennis courts, fitness center, and water sports including boating. It is popular with British tourists.Coconut Creek Club is at Derricks and is an intimate and informal resort which has a restaurant modeled after an upscale British pub. It has a pool and water sports. Tamarind Cove is the flagship property and offers Spanish-style rooms and suites as well as four pools, golf (nearby), and other activities.

Glitter Bay is an attractive resort with gardens at Porters. It offers kitchenettes, massage and fitness center, two tennis courts, adult and children's pools, watersports, and golf (nearby); guests may use facilities at the Royal Pavilion.

Crane Beach Hotel is set on a hill overlooking the beach of the same name. This luxurious hotel has lovely suites, gourmet restaurant, tennis, and a pool with Roman columns which has been frequently used as a backdrop for photos.

The 16-room Bagshot House Hotel is at St. Lawrence in Christ Church. It is a family-run, artsy type of place which includes breakfast in the rates. It has a restaurant. The Rio Guest House is also in St. Lawrence. This former home has nine rooms with shared and private baths. It provides a shared refrigerator in the kitchen.

On the East Coast, the German-run Sea-U! Guest House overlooks scenic Tent Bay in Bathsheba, St Joseph, Barbados. Its colonial-style wooden house is surrounded by tropical gardens. Rooms command ocean views, and studios are available. A supermarket and Bathsheba's restaurants are all in walking distance. And best of all, friendly owner Uschi is a guidebook writer and has written the top German guidebook to Barbados!

See Explore Barbados for hundreds more...

For Business Travelers

Barbados Business Style and Etiquette

All business in Barbados will be conducted in or near Bridgetown. As with other ex-Crown colonies in the West Indies, Barbados adopts a slightly more formal business style than that found in the United States. Address your business contacts as as "Mr." or "Ms." unless they tell you to call them by their first names. Start with a "good morning," "good afternoon," or "hello" before proceeding. Upon being introduced, shake hands and offer your business card. Coffee or tea is often offered during a meeting. The custom is to stand when being introduced or when newcomers enter the room.Smoking is not banned everywhere, but you should ask before indulging. Meetings generally take place in the office from 8 AM to 5 PM. Appointment times are kept to, and you should be punctual. It may be hot but businessmen and women dress smart. Men wear suits. Some in the tourism sector may don short sleeves. Women wear suits, dresses or skirts and blouses. Women may also wear short sleeves. Reserve resort wear for informal occasions. Women sometimes hold high positions and participate in or run meetings. A visiting businesswoman will likely be addressed as "Mrs." (unless she requests otherwise) and may have a chair pulled out for her or receive compliments on her attire.