Barbados, like most other places, has crime and narcotics. Travelers, on the other hand, are less likely to be victims of violent crime and have better protection than locals. The majority of hotels, resorts, and other tourist-oriented companies are housed in secure complexes guarded by private security guards. The Royal Barbados Police Force is a professional force by Caribbean standards, albeit reaction times are slower than in the United States. Tourist-heavy locations tend to have more police stations, outposts, and patrols. On the other hand, opportunistic street crimes such as handbag theft and pickpocketing are common in high-traffic business areas frequented by tourists. When crimes against visitors do occur, local media typically chooses not to broadcast them for fear of backlash against the tourism business.

Barbados is a safe and inviting destination for most visitors; nevertheless, LGBTQ+ visitors should be aware of the country's anti-homosexuality laws. Barbados is known for being one of the most family-friendly resorts in the Caribbean, with a very low crime rate. However, the US State Department warns that there are still several things visitors should be careful of when in the country. Keep reading to know other important things about Barbados before visiting this country.

Barbados is known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and dramatic natural wonders such as Harrison's Cave.

It is helpful to know when to visit this paradise island if you are planning a vacation there. Barbados is best visited between mid-December and mid-April when the weather is dry. There will be less rain, and temperatures will hover around 30 degrees Celsius.

Barbados, thankfully, is one of those islands that can be visited at any time of year. Even during the rainy season, the sun often shines. Booking your trip in August, for example, can help you get more bang for your buck by allowing you to arrive on the island just in time for the annual Kadooment Day, which concludes the Crop Over Festival. This is ideal if you are seeking a relaxing environment with some quality entertainment. You might even see Rihanna, the world's richest female musician, who happens to be from Barbados!

This little island republic in the Lesser Antilles is a Caribbean gem. The soft-sand beaches and blue ocean produce picture-perfect landscapes, but it is the welcoming Barbadians who truly distinguish this island. Barbados was colonized by the British and is English-speaking with a distinctly British flavor. The experience includes cricket, horse racing, polo, high tea, and driving on the left side of the road.

Apart from the beautiful beaches, Barbados' top attractions include caves, historic monuments, gardens, plantations, a wildlife preserve, and other things of interest in Bridgetown, the capital city. Naturally, the sea is one of the most popular activities. Snorkeling, diving, swimming, fishing, and a variety of other activities are all readily available.

Carlisle Bay, on the outskirts of Bridgetown, is one of Barbados' most beautiful spots. This is one of the most tempting places to dip your toes in the sea or put up a beach chair, with beautiful blond beaches and extensive stretches of crystal-clear blue waters. Pebble Beach is one of the greatest bayside lengths, while Brownes Beach and Bayshore Beach areas appealing. Wading or swimming in the calm sea, renting a stand-up paddleboard, or simply relaxing on the beach are all options.

You also may be into Bridgetown. This nation's capital is not only home to a plethora of attractions, but it is also a lovely spot to stroll around, shop, or eat. The downtown area is easy to explore, and most of the attractions are within walking distance. The National Heroes Square and the iconic Parliament Buildings, with their neo-Gothic style architecture and clock tower, are two of the city's prominent attractions.

Other famous destinations: Bathsheba Bay, Animal Flower Cave, St. Nicholas Abbey, Crane Beach, etc.

Currency is one of the most important things about Barbados that you must know before visiting this island. Barbados' currency is the Barbados Dollar (BBD). When planning your Barbados holiday, keep in mind that the Barbados Dollar is valued at $1.98 BDS for every $1.00 US dollar. Barbados' currency is pegged to the US dollar and does not change. Its exchange rate with other currencies changes daily based on its movements against the US dollar.

Traveling about Barbados, you will see that US cash is widely accepted, and most stores and restaurants take major credit cards. Of fact, most Barbados hotels and other lodgings allow these methods of payment as well. Barbados banknotes are available in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Barbados coins come in denominations of $5, $10, $25, and $1. This is actually one of the most important things that you need to remember when traveling to this country.

The Central Bank of Barbados announced on March 21, 2022, that by the end of the year, it would replace current paper banknotes with polymer banknotes, allowing for more secure and durable payment. On 4 May 2022, the new designs for the polymer banknotes were presented, and it was stated that the notes would be released on 5 December 2022.

The island's official language is English. After designating Barbados as a protectorate in the 17th century, British colonizers introduced the language. The island's ongoing British influence until the twentieth century resulted in Anglicization and the adoption of English conventions, including languages. English is currently the island's most widely spoken native language. As a written and spoken language, English is utilized in legal concerns, business, and education, as well as in the media and public service. The use of English in formal circumstances on the island requires conformity to normal British English rules and customs. Although English is the official language, the Bajan dialect is more generally spoken among the islanders.

Barbadians speak Bajan, an English-based creole language, in casual contexts. Bajan is regarded as a native language by the islanders and is an important element of their culture. African slaves who did not want their owners to understand them developed the language as a covert form of communication. Bajan is mostly a spoken language that lacks a regular alphabet or dialect. The language differs from other Caribbean creole languages in pronunciation and verb construction from Standard English. Broken English words, truncated words, and two or more words running into each other are all possible in the language.

Barbados' national food, cou-cou and flying fish, is revered by both young and elderly generations. The fresh fish stew, with its mellow flavors, is especially ideal for a typical wet day. Outside of the Caribbean, flying fish is difficult to get by, but sea bass works just as well and is much easier to come by! In Barbados, fresh caught fish is often celebrated in recipes like this, so get the fish as fresh as possible and enjoy the love and warmth of Bajan cooking when you make this at home. The recipe includes seasoned and marinated flying fish with cou-cou (cornmeal, okras, fresh herbs, and butter), which is traditionally eaten on Fridays. After then, the dish is covered with a flavorful tomato sauce.

Going to a Fish Fry on a Friday night is a highly common Barbadian pastime. The Oistin's Fish Fry, held in the charming fishing hamlet of Oistins on the island's south coast, is the most popular event. On weekends, locals and visitors alike will come there to try fried or grilled tuna, swordfish, or even lobster!

The last thing on this list of top 7 things about Barbados Toplist would like to recommend for you is surfing. This is one of the most popular activities here. The greatest waves, as well as surfing competitions, may be found on the island's south and east coasts. The ideal season to surf is from November to June, and surfers who want easy access to restaurants and entertainment frequently choose the south shore.

Freights Cove, near Oistins, is a sheltered bay on the south coast that surfers appreciate due to the offshore breezes. Branden, near Bridgetown, is also a wonderful site for all abilities of surfers. The east coast's Soup Bowl and the south coast's Surfing South Point have both gained notoriety. On the west coast, Batts Rock and Tropicana are worth a look, as are Maycocks in the northwest. If you are going to these beaches to observe rather than surf, pack a picnic basket to share with your friends.

Best time to go surfing in Barbados: November - Jun

Annual events in Barbados include street gatherings, sports festivals, cultural festivities, and gastronomic showcases. Smaller festivals honoring local and regional talent are held throughout the island's many villages.

Crop Over, one of Barbados' most well-known events, originated in the 18th century, when the island was the world's largest sugar producer. Plantation workers would hold days of music and celebration to commemorate the season's last sugarcane harvest. Crop Over is currently commemorated with a sun-drenched (and rum-drenched) party extravaganza that takes place from July through August.

In terms of food, the Barbados Food & Rum Festival, which takes place in mid-October, is the most well-known event. To celebrate the best of Bajan cuisine and rum, international professionals join local chefs and mixologists. Cook-offs, food and rum pairings, mixology demos, and 5-star dinners served in top restaurants across many venues are all part of the week-long food festival. The festival will come to a close with a beach party on Barbados' west coast and a gourmet supper at Tides, one of the island's best restaurants.

The Oistin's Fish Event is a Barbados traditional festival conducted every Easter at Oistins since 1967. The festival's purpose is to honor those who labor in the fishing industry. Because Toni Thorne, the festival's organizing committee chairperson, elected to alter the name in the 2020s, expect it to change as well.