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Barbados
(Barbados)


This part of the Caribbean hasn't quite lost its British accent.

Barbados is the 'Little England' of the Caribbean, but not so much so that the locals have given up rotis for kidney pies, or rum for bitter ale. Bajans, as the islanders call themselves, are as West Indian as any of their Caribbean neighbours, and have tended to selectively borrow rather than assume English customs.


Barbados sits almost a hundred miles east of its closest neighbour, so when the Spaniards, Danes, French and others were busy fighting over the rest of the Caribbean, Barbados sat back with its Pimm's on ice, remaining solidly British.

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To Do & See
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At a Glance
Getting Around:

The best and cheapest transport option on Barbados is the bus. There are three kinds of buses: government-operated public buses, which have the most extensive routes; a privately operated minibus system; and route taxis.

Renting a car is another good way of getting around. None of the island's many car rental agencies is affiliated with a major international rental chain, so just call to book a car and someone will swing by your hotel to pick you up. Temporary driving permits are required; they can be obtained for a small fee through your rental agency. In Barbados, you drive on the left.

Taxis are also available and fares are fixed by the government. However, vehicles are unmetered so establish a fare in advance, especially if you hire a taxi for a sightseeing tour. Rent bicycles in Hastings and Maxwell. Because of Barbados' easterly position and challenging sailing conditions, it's well off the main track for most sailors and there's no local yacht charter industry.

Weather:

The climate in Barbados tends to be nice year-round: in January, the average daily high temperature is 83°F (28°C), while the average low is 70°F (21°C). Temperatures come down to average highs of 86°F (30°C), and lows of 74°F (23°C) in July. February to May are the driest months (April averages only seven days of rain), while July is the wettest month with some 18 days of rain. June through October is the hurricane season: September and October are the most humid months and have the highest hurricane risk.

Dial in code(s):
Country code: 246
City code:246
Ethnic Groups:

African (90%), English, Scottish & East Indians

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