5 things everyone should know before going to Barbados - travel tips

Barbados is an amazing country full of friendly people, amazing food, beaches and wildlife. Every country has its own quirks and rules though, and Barbados is no different. Check out my Barbados travel tips below for things that can make your stay even better.

1 Water - The tap water is 100% drinkable, so make sure you take a refillable water bottle with you on your trip. Not only will you help cut down on plastic use and pollution you can also save money for much nicer things. Barbados has invested in free water stations around the island so you can refill your bottle in parks, supermarkets and bus stations to name just a few. Keep your eyes open for the stations some photos are below (I have added the arrows) If you are caught out, look for the entrepreneurial Bajans who have coolers of water bottles on their front porch and sell them ice cold for a reasonable fee.

2 USB Charge points - Everyone hates it when their phone dies while you are out and about, and Barbados has come up with a great way to combat this. Most bus stops have a solar panel and USB port built into them so if you need a little boost, head onto the road, find a stop and have a seat for a little while. Let the sun do its thing and it's all free to use.

3 ZR Buses - ZR buses are small minibuses that buzz around the island with loud music and people shouting enthusiastically from the window for you to come on board. They all have a ZR at the start of their registration number, are white with a burgundy horizontal stripe and have a number on them (see photo). They might seem intimidating at first, but they are by far the cheapest, most frequent, and fun way to get around, which is probably why they are so popular with the locals. They are 3.50BBD ( US$1.75/ approx £1.45) per adult per journey so you can go one stop or as far as the bus goes for the same fee. The fare price is regulated by the government., and you pay the driver or their wingman during or at the end of the journey. They are cash only, but always give change, so no problem if you don't have the exact money. ZR minibuses stop like an F1 pit crew when you get on or off, and will flip down seats you never even saw so more people can get on, but it's all part of the charm. Find the one with the loudest music and funkiest horn, it adds to the fun! If you miss one, don't worry, there will be another in a few minutes.

Phot: BajanZindy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

4 Free WiFi - Barbados has invested a lot in its internet and has free public access WiFi in some parks and public spaces. Most businesses also offer access to their WiFi for customers. If you want to save on your roaming charges you can head to these spaces to check your emails or upload all those amazing photos you have taken to social media.

5 Clothing - Topless/nude bathing is illegal in Barbados, so don't do it. Once you are finished on the beach add a cover-up before heading into any towns or shops. It is also an offence for anyone, including children, to wear or carry items made from camouflage materials of any colour. This print is exclusively reserved for the Barbados Defence Force. Just don't take anything camouflage with you, it's not worth it.

As I learn more from being on the island I will probably have more tips so keep an eye out for more.