Barbados is a beautiful island in the Caribbean that attracts many tourists every year. However, visiting Barbados does not have to be expensive.
One of the biggest expenses when travelling is accommodation. I decided to use Airbnb instead of staying at a hotel. Airbnb offers a variety of options, from private rooms to entire apartments, that are often cheaper and more spacious than hotels. I found a cozy studio near the beach for only $50 per night. It had a kitchen, a bathroom and a balcony with a view of the ocean.
Another advantage of using Airbnb is that you can cook your own meals and save money on dining out. Barbados has many supermarkets and local markets where you can buy fresh ingredients and local specialties. I enjoyed making breakfast with eggs, bread, cheese and tropical fruits. For lunch and dinner, I sometimes cooked simple dishes like pasta, rice or salad, or I ordered takeout from nearby restaurants.
However, I also wanted to try some of the local cuisine, so I dined out at least once a day. Barbados has many options for eating out, from street food to fine dining. Some of the dishes I tried were flying fish, cou-cou, macaroni pie, fish cakes and rum punch. I found that eating at local eateries was cheaper and more authentic than eating at touristy places. I also avoided drinking alcohol at restaurants and bars, as it was quite expensive.
Transportation was another factor that I considered when planning my budget trip to Barbados. I decided to use public transportation instead of renting a car or taking taxis. Barbados has a good network of buses that cover most of the island. The buses are frequent, reliable and cheap. A single ride costs only $2 BBD (about $1 USD). The buses are also a great way to interact with the locals and experience their culture.
Finally, I wanted to explore some of the attractions that Barbados has to offer. Barbados has many natural and historical sites that are worth visiting. Some of them are free or have a low entrance fee. For example, I visited the Animal Flower Cave, which is a natural cave with sea anemones and stunning views of the ocean. The entrance fee was only $20 BBD (about $10 USD). I also visited the Mount Gay Rum Distillery, which is the oldest rum producer in the world. The tour cost $30 BBD (about $15 USD) and included a tasting of different rums.
By following these tips, I was able to travel to Barbados on a budget and have an amazing time. I hope this article inspires you to visit this wonderful island and enjoy its beauty and culture.
Photo by Kathryn Maingot