Barbados on a Budget

Barbados is considered a luxury island often visited by the rich and famous. But there is a way to experience all of the beauty and charm Barbados has to offer on a budget. Visit Barbados this year without the huge price tag by following our tips and tricks to spend smart and save money.

Before you go…

Flights can sometimes be the most expensive part of your vacation, but they don’t have to be. If you love to travel, then you should consider signing up for an Air Miles Credit Card. The more you swipe the faster you can earn your free trip to Barbados.

Use your resources – the internet has a number of great budget friendly websites that can help you find the cheapest flights we use kayak.com or skyscanner.com for trips to Barbados. You can also search for seat sales on airlines that fly direct to Barbados like Air Canada, West Jet, Jet Blue, American Airlines, Virgin, British Airways and more!

Finally, book your trip during the ‘off season’ (May to November in Barbados) not only will flights be cheaper, but so will accommodation.

Getting Around

Big city life versus island life – they have their differences, one is that there is no Uber or Lyft in Barbados as yet. Barbados has a very convenient public transportation system called ZR’s as the license plates all begin with ‘ZR’. These are minivans that run on different numbered routes every 2 minutes or so. Similar to a train, you pay per ride, not per distance. Each ride is about $1 USD, walk with small change, they do not accept cards. Visitors to the island call the vans ‘Reggae Vans’ as they are known to play reggae or soca during your ride. Craggy Nook Villas is conveniently located on the ZR and bus route.

Looking for a private means of transport? Renting a car in Barbados is around $50 USD / day but is so worth it if you plan to treat yourself to a self-guided driving tour of the island or go beach hoping. Don’t forget Craggy Nook guests get 10% off their car rental with Stoutes Garage.

Where to Eat?

Enjoy cheap eats at the newly opened Worthing Square Food Garden where you can find local and international street food. We like the Trini doubles and they are only $2.50 USD each. Another south coast favourite is the Quayside Centre food court, home to Just Grillin’, the best Chinese food on the island, Pizza, Ice Cream and more. All very budget friendly!

Taste the local flavours at Cuzz Fish Stand where you can try the world-famous fish sandwich for $4.50 USD. Oistins Fish Market is an absolute MUST! Enjoy a FULL plate of local food like macaroni pie, rice and peas, plantain and more paired with fresh fish all for around $15 USD. Wash it all down with the local Banks Beer specials in Oistins you can get 4 beers for $5 USD.

Another way to save is to make meals at your villa. Head to the local supermarket on your first day and stock up on basics like eggs, bread, milk, pasta and more. Be warned, groceries in Barbados are more that groceries at your local supermarket due to the high import taxes on food. Many visitors are known to bring cereals and snacks to the island.

Things to Do on a Budget

There are many FREE things to do in Barbados once you can get around. Here are some of our favourites: 

• Walk the south coast boardwalk at sunset
• Explore Bridgetown and the historic Garrison area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Do the FREE self-guided tour of the award-winning Foursquare Rum Factory
• Attend a Saturday Farmers Market and browse the local arts, crafts and foods.
• Go beach-hopping and relax on a different beach each day
• Go on a self-guided driving tour of the island (if you rent a car)
• Go Snorkeling / Paddle Boarding – gear is included with your stay at Craggy Nook
• Watch sea turtles nesting or hatching with the Barbados Sea Turtle Project.

 

Want to learn more about Barbados, or interested in booking your stay? Email our team at reservations@craggynook.com and we would be happy to help. Don’t forget to ask about our 2020 Sale!