The locals are known as Bajans. They are not known for their speed or sense of urgency. They have a totally unstressed lifestyle and find our natural European impatience somewhat amusing. Being in the Caribbean is all about ""chilling out";. Don't allow the locals' laid back attitude to stress you out in the first few days before you've got the hang of the lifestyle!. Go with the flow. Nothing in Barbados happens in a hurry. During our last trip, taxis would turn up 30 minutes late with no hint of an apology. However in reverse, when they had been waiting 70 minutes for us when our games were running late, they would not be in the slightest bit fussed, would just grab a beer, watch the hockey and wait for us to finish.
CLOTHING
Wear what you like, but as a tip, the Barbadians are fairly conservative and frown upon swimwear worn around town. Very few eating-places are formal, except those in the more up market hotels and restaurants
CLIMATE
Barbados enjoys a mild, breezy and sunny climate year round. The average temperature is 80 degrees F. Be warned, it is very hot and everyone without exception will need sun protection. In particular, watch out for sun burnt tops of feet and ears. You will definitely get a good tan during the two weeks. Please take it easy over the first couple of days. To avoid sunburn, it is best to avoid the sun between 1100 hrs and 1500 hrs. Be sure to use the appropriate sun block.
MONEY
Both Barbadian dollars and US dollars are generally accepted. Prices are very often shown in both currencies. There is a bank very close to Sunset Crest, which is generally the best place to exchange travelers' cheques. General opening hours for banks are 9.00 am until 3.00 pm every day except Friday when they close at 1.00 pm and then re-open between 3.00 pm and 5.30 pm. I used Barbadian dollars all the time I was there which seemed to work OK.
CREDIT CARDS
Major credit cards are accepted in most places. You should check in advance before making a purchase.Major credit cards are accepted in most places. You should check in advance before making a purchase.
SECURITY
To be on the safe side, do not leave personal effects unattended, especially on the beach. Lack of proper care towards your property (i.e. leaving it unattended), may result in any insurance claim being refused. You will need your passport to exchange travelers? cheques at the bank and, if you are purchasing Duty Free, you will also need your flight ticket and passport. No matter how tempted and hot you are, do not leave your front door open at night. You can get extra keys for the apartments and also a safe deposit key/battery from Reception on payment of a small deposit. Whilst Sunset Crest was pretty secure, it is not advised to walk backwards and forwards from the beach clubs/bars at night by yourself.
DRIVING
Driving is on the left; the speed limit is 60 kph in the countryside and 35 kph in towns. Barbadians make very full use of the horn and drive somewhat precariously, so be warned. The roads are around Class A and B although the road surfaces can be very rough. Don't be frightened of going of the beaten track and exploring as this is the way you will see some of the most spectacular scenery and discover the real Caribbean. We have built the hire of a moke for each apartment for 10 days into the cost. We will also get 2 space cruisers, one for the girls and one for the guys for carrying goal-keeping kit and also securing valuables. If you intend to drive, you will need your UK license and will need to pay for a local license (BDS$10) from the car hire rep. Main note on driving, particularly when up country, is make sure you have enough petrol before venturing into the wilds.
ACCIDENTS
However minor the traffic accident, these must be reported to the police. The Car Rental Company will advise you on the procedure to follow should the occasion arise.
TAXIS
These are not metered, so the rule is to agree a fare before you get in. For larger minibus type taxis, the fare will normally be agreed on a per head basis. We will hopefully negotiate with a couple of taxi firms for standing rates whilst we are there.
BUSES
Barbados has one of the best organised bus services in the Caribbean. The big blue and yellow Transport Board buses fan out across the island from terminals and run to a schedule. Numbers and routes are prominently displayed on the front of the bus. You must have the exact fare when boarding these buses.
DRINKING
Barbados has its own Rum (Mount Gay or Cockspur), which is very cheap to buy. It also has its own brewery which produces Banks Beer (The Tournament Sponsors), again in plentiful supplies at bargain prices and wonderful for drinking in the sun. Costs about 60p at the Europa Bar and 33p during happy hour. Best value is crates from the local supermarket.
EATING
Flying fish is a Bajan delicacy that you must try and can be found everywhere from gourmet dishes to the famous flying fish sandwich available in each beach bar. Naturally, fresh fish features heavily on all menus. Dolphin will be on the menu and is delicious, but not the Flipper type. King Fish is also fabulous. There are loads of places to eat covering all price brackets and tastes.
EXCURSIONS
There are loads available, we will organise a number of excursions ourselves as a group and will also put flyers in everyone?s tour folder. Flyers are also available from the Europa reception.
NIGHTLIFE
Barbados nightlife is worth seeing and getting involved in. There are many places to go after dark, but do be sensible and avoid dark alleys and going out of populated areas. The South Coast is the most lively night spot area with the main clubs & pubs being around St Lawrence Gap. We managed about 4 or 5 organised nights out on the last trip. A local pub for a Karaoke night, Oistins Fishing Village for a touch of the local culture, Harbour Lights for an amazing disco experience under the stars (entry �10 and drink all you can) and The Boathouse with potent cocktails and live group.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Most of the locals are happy for you to take photos of them and their homes, but please ask first. You will usually then get a great big smile for your camera. Underwater cameras are useful for catching those once in a lifetime shots of the turtles and for snapping the tiddlers off the Cocomos Beach.
SHOPPING & DUTY FREE
A trip to one of the many markets is always entertaining; they provide an ideal setting to meet the locals. The Cheapside and Fairchild markets in Bridgetown are outstanding, as is the fish market in Oistins. The locals will regularly approach you to sell you almost everything you can imagine. They love to chat and will always respect the polite "No Thanks" if you?re not interested. If you do want to buy, haggle over the price. There are dozens of supermarkets, delis and mini-marts all over the place. Don't be put off buying from an open-air stall on the street corners, as this is the norm.
HEALTH
Fresh water around the island is safe and refreshing to drink as it is filtered by the geological base of limestone and coral, which is then pumped pure and clean to the tap with a minimum of chemical treatment. If in good health, you shouldn?t have a problem with drinking the water and ices cubes, but do remember to take sensible precautions with washing fruit and salad.
LAST MESSAGE
You must have six months to run on your passport when you go, so check it now and get a new one in plenty of time if you need one. Tour folders will have lots of more relevant details like, phone numbers, maps, emergency numbers, etc.
