Fodor’s Travel Publications Inc. - Fodor’s In Focus Barbados & St. Lucia

Theres always something to do in Barbados, and thats the appeal to most visitors. White-sand beaches await your arrival whether you choose to stay among the classy row of resorts on the west coast or on more affordable south coast.

Exceptional golf courses lure a lot of players to the island, but the private coursesnotably Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lanearent for anyone with a light wallet.

The islands restaurant scene is impressive; you can choose from street-party barbecue to international cuisine that rivals the finest dining on the planet.

Getting out on the water is the favored activity, whether thats on a snorkeling day sail, in a mini-sub , on a deep-sea fishing boat, or surfing at Bathsheba Soup Bowl.

Getting to Barbados: Various airlines fly nonstop to Barbados from Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, and New York. Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is in Christ Church Parish, about 15 minutes from hotels situated along the south coast, 45 minutes from the west coast, and about 30 minutes from Bridgetown.

Hassle Factor: Low because of many nonstop flights from airports in the United States.

On the Ground: Ground transportation is available immediately outside the customs area. Some resorts arrange ground transfers if you make arrangements in advance. Otherwise, you can take a taxi. Airport taxis arent metered, but fares are regulated (about $38$40 to Speightstown, $30$35 to west-coast hotels, $16$22 to south-coast hotels). Be sure, however, to establish the fare before getting into the taxi and confirm whether the price quoted is in U.S. or Barbadian dollars.

Getting Around on the Island: If you are staying in an isolated area, you may want to rent a car, but bus service is good throughout the island and especially between Bridgetown and stops along the west and south coasts. Taxis, of course, are always an option.

If you stay on either the tony west coast or the action-packed south coast, youll have access to great beaches; the east coast doesnt have good swimming beaches but does offer spectacular ocean views. Prices in Barbados can be twice as high in-season as during the quieter months. Most hotels include no meals in their rates, but some include breakfast and many offer a meal plan. Some require you to purchase the meal plan in the high season; a few offer all-inclusive packages.

Resorts: Great resorts run the gamutfrom unpretentious to knock-your-socks-offin size, intimacy, amenities, and price. Many are well-suited to families.

Villas and Condos: Families and long-term visitors may choose from a variety of condosfrom busy time-share resorts to more sedate holiday complexes. Villas and villa complexes range from luxurious to simple.

Small Inns: A few small, cozy inns are located in the east and southeast regions.

The minimum legal drinking age in Barbados is 18.

Electricity in Barbados is 110 volts, just as in the United States. No converters or transformers are needed for U.S. appliances.

A 7.5% government tax is added to all hotel bills, and a 7.5% V.A.T. is imposed on restaurant meals, admissions to attractions, and merchandise sales (other than duty-free items). Prices are often tax-inclusive; if not, the V.A.T. will be added to your bill. A 10% service charge is often added to restaurant checks; otherwise, tip 10%15%. Some hotels add a 10% service charge, as well.

The Barbados dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a rate of Bds$1.98 to US$1. U.S. currency is accepted almost everywhere on the island, so many travelers never change their money into local currencyalthough change will most often be given in local currency. ATMs are widely available but dispense local currency only.

Restaurant prices are the average cost of a main course at dinner or, if dinner is not served, at lunch. Hotel prices are the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season. Prices for rentals are the lowest per-night cost for a one-bedroom unit in high season.