Barbados is a vibrant island with many exciting adventures just waiting for you and your family. Avoid any inconveniences and hassles with this informative list on how to have the most easy-going, smooth sailing family vacation that will have your friends wondering how you did it!

Barbados is one of the most family friendly destinations in the Caribbean. Here are 10 tips to be sure you have a unforgettable vacation and memories that will last forever. 

Step 1 – Book Family Friendly Accommodation

Staying in a small, single room hotel can feel a bit cramped when travelling with your kids. We recommend booking a villa. Villas are great for extra space and added privacy. Look for a villa that is located on the beach or within walking distance, so that entertainment is always just a few footsteps away. When the kids get bored or need to burn off some energy, they can build sandcastles or go for a dip in the ocean. Click here to see some of our top family friendly and beachfront rentals.

Step 2 – Plan the Flights

They say “It’s about the journey, not the destination” but when travelling with kids sometimes we would rather teleport than deal with airports. Book direct flights to Barbados, if possible. Barbados has direct flights from over 15 major cities globally. We recommend booking flights 4-6 months in advance for better rates and to lock in your seats to sit all together. 

Step 3 – Rent a Car in Barbados

We highly recommend renting a car for your visit to Barbados for added convenience and safety. Public transport in Barbados is not as family friendly as it could be and some areas around Barbados lack sidewalks. Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing programs are not available in Barbados as yet.

Car rentals are roughly $50 USD / day so may work out to be more economical for families or groups. Don’t forget to request a booster seat for your kids and to arrange airport pick up and drop off – two things our concierge would be happy to help with.

Step 4 – Get the Family Involved

Let the excitement begin. Getting your kids involved with the planning leads to higher rates of participation on the vacation. No parent wants to plan a day full of fun to have their kid wake up grumpy and wanting to stay home. Ask your kids what tours they want to do and what new foods they want to try. This will help get them excited and prepared for the activities that they helped to choose.

Step 5 – Book your Tours

The list of family-friendly things to do in Barbados is endless. Some of our favourites include:

• Catamaran Cruise – snorkelling with sea turtles and shipwrecks
• Atlantis Submarine – Dive into the Caribbean Sea to explore the underwater world
• Harrisons Cave – Explore the stunning limestone caves beneath Barbados
• Boatyard – A fun beach day with water trampolines, rope swings, turtles and more.
• St. Nicolas Abbey – A historic plantation house tour and train ride.

Our concierge team would be happy to make other recommendations and book your tours for you. Email our team at info@realtorslimited.com to get started.

Step 6 –  Plan your meals

Barbados has many family-friendly restaurants with kids’ menus and kid specials. Chefette, the local fast-foodjoint is also a must for families with young kids as many have large playparks plus all your kids favourites like pizza or nuggets.

Plan to make a few meals in your villa after a visit to the local supermarket chain, Massy Supermarkets. We recommend bringing your children’s favourite snacks with you to Barbados. Barbadian supermarkets have mostly local snacks or imported snacks at a much higher cost due to import duties.

Don’t forget to book a date night out for the adults. Our concierge team can help book dinner reservations and arrange a certified baby sitter.

Tip: A favourite Bajan kids menu dish is the flying fish fingers and chips – healthy and tasty! 

Step 7 – Packing

Pack smart and pack light to avoid lugging around extra suitcases. Preplan your kids’ daily outfits and roll them up together before packing. Not only does this save space in your suitcase but it saves time when getting your kids ready each morning. When travelling to Barbados you will want to pack sunblock, bug spray, sun hats plus your other travel essentials.

Step 8 – Travel Day Tips

Check-in online 24 hours in advance to choose your seats together for no additional cost (on most airlines). Leave for the airport ahead of time to avoid any unnecessary stress that may come with unplanned delays. Pack a carry-on bag with your kids’ favourite snacks, toys, entertainment like tablets or colouring books and more. This will be a lifesaver during your flight to Barbados. Once on board, use the time to talk to your kids about upcoming activities in Barbados to get them excited. 

Step 9 – Create a Happy First Impression

Your kids will be tired after a day of travelling. Plan to have a relaxing first day exploring your villa and new home away from home. Before bedtime, talk to your kids about all the exciting things they did that day and chat about all they have to look forward to the next day. Keeping excitement levels high, tummies filled and sticking to nap time is a way to ensure family vacation success. 

Step 10 – Make Memories

You are in Barbados! With your family! On the vacation that you have spent months planning! Enjoy it all! Take photos, make memories, soak up the laughter and smiles. 

Reach out to our team at info@realtorslimited.com to book your family holiday to Barbados.