Barbados Budget Travel Tips

Eastern Caribbean on a Budget

Barbados has a reputation for being expensive, but pricey tours and five-star food are not necessary to enjoy this beautiful island. It costs little or nothing to simply take a walk. The historical and cultural benefits are incredible. Sidewalks show you through enchanting churchyards and across marketplaces filled with Caribbean foods and crafts. The Barbados National Trust organizes free hikes on Sundays in locations throughout the island. These walks focus on cane fields, gullies, tropical forests and coastal communities to explore the unique geological and social structure of Barbados. Although free, donations for this worthwhile endeavor are greatly appreciated.

Many Barbados visitors arrive via cruise ship, but others find very good deals that might include airfare and meal plans with accommodations. CheapCaribbean.Com offers Barbados Seven Nights w/Air From $389 deals. Some are only available at certain times of year, so check the requirements carefully. Since getting here can be expensive, this is a place where air/hotel package deals can pay dividends. Shop the airline Web sites for such deals.

It was late Wednesday late morning, and I was walking through a church yard in Bridgetown when I noticed there was a midday service. As I approached the building, I noticed the doors were open to the sanctuary, and ringing through the air was the congregation's rendition of the hymn "Amazing Grace." It's an example of great travel moments that come with no admission fee. Church yards in Bridgetown host mausoleums with colorful epitaphs. Museums on the island are well worth your attention, especially Barbados Museum & Historical Society. Admission prices are reasonable; check for the current prices. Learn about the history and art of the island. There is also a section for children.

Barbados has developed a shopping area that caters to craftspeople. Pelican Bay provides a place for them to display and sell their products, and gives visitors to the island a pedestrian-friendly experience for viewing and buying products of Barbados. We're not just talking about paintings and sculptures. Hand-rolled cigars are sold and created in a store. Even if you're not a smoker, it's fascinating to see the number of steps and the skill necessary to produce one cigar. Pelican Bay is located a short distance from the port in Bridgetown.

Cruise passengers move from their ships to the taxi stands through a mall in the terminal offering a variety of duty-free products. Tobacco, alcohol and more expensive products such as jewelry are offered here. But as always, it pays to check what's available elsewhere before assuming that these are the best bargains in Barbados. Swan Street is a place many people find bargains. The best bets here are arts, crafts, crystal and china.