Barbados is considered a luxury island often visited by the rich and famous. But there are ways to experience all the beauty and charm Barbados has to offer on a budget.  Here are some tips and tricks to experience Barbados without the  huge price tag.

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.

Book your flights during the ‘slower season’ (May to November), not only will flights be cheaper but so will accommodation. 

Choosing Accommodation

Book your stay during the summer months for significantly reduced rates on accommodation. At Realtors Limited we offer even further savings – up to 20% OFF – when you book direct and stay before September 30th, 2022. Email our team at info@realtorslimited.com for more details. 

When looking for accommodation choose a location that is super central, this will help you save on transportation costs. Many of our villas are walking distance to the beach and some of the island’s best restaurants and shopping. Another budget friendly tip is to stay on a bus route which can help you save on transportation costs.

Getting Around

Big city life versus island life – they have their differences; one is that there is no Uber or Lyft in Barbados. The island does have 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. Like a train, you pay per ride, not per distance. Each ride is about $2 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.

Prefer private transport, our concierge team can help you save on car rentals or can arrange airport transfers and taxis for you. Email info@realtorslimited.com – we are happy to help.

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 - they are only $2.50 USD each.  In Holetown you can head to Just Grillin’ for grilled favourites and salads or Zaccios for Pizza - both 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 $6 USD.

Many popular restaurants offer fixed price summer menus for reduced rates starting around $50 USD for a 3-course meal. Another way to save is to make simple meals at your villa. Our team can stock your fridge before you arrive. Reach out by emailing info@realtorslimited.com to learn more about this service. 

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: 

• 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)
• Watch sea turtles nesting or hatching with the Barbados Sea Turtle Project.
• Go on a self-guided hike on the East Coast

Our team can help make further recommendations on how you can save on your trip to Barbados. Email info@realtorslimited.com to get started with booking and planning your summer escape today.