Swimming - Swimming is very safe on the west coast and south coast beaches due to the extremely calm, clear, warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. However, the East Coast of Barbados borders the Atlantic Ocean and although it provides great surf, for the same reasons it is very dangerous and should be avoided for swimming.

Driving in Barbados Left Is Right - Driving in Barbados Visitors can obtain a temporary visitor driver’s license at any rental car agency just by providing a valid US driver’s license and paying a small fee with your rental car. The minimum age to rent a car is 25. Make sure you remember to drive on the left side of the road (as in England) and are prepared for a right had drive car (steering wheel on the right side), although some rental agencies may have left hand drive cars. But either way, Left is RIGHT and Right is . . . Well hopefully we won’t have to go there. . . The roads in Barbados are well maintained and most of the main roads are picturesque and easy to navigate and drive. But roundabouts can be tricky and the island roads are loaded with them at many major intersections. TO USE A ROUNDABOUT, slow down as you approach the circle, looking right, wait for a break in traffic. Merge with traffic flowing from your right to your left. Remember that all traffic flows clockwise. Leave the circle by indicating (use blinker) and turning to the left onto the same or a new road. Remember to wear your seat belt (especially to avoid fines) and don’t underestimate the local rum punch! If you do not want to rent a car, taxis and busses are readily available. Taxis are not metered so it is advisable to agree on a price with the driver before setting off. The local bus system is very good, covering most of the island at a very reasonable rate.

Safety - Although serious crime is not common, do not leave valuables in rental cars, be sure to lock your hotel or villa doors, and stay in familiar/lit areas after dark. Barbados is very safe and clean but petty theft happens at every popular tourism destination.

Dress - Swimsuits are for the beach and are not considered “appropriate” by local culture for shopping or restaurants without “covering up a bit”. In the evening restaurants are casual but elegant and shorts are acceptable, except in very exclusive restaurants.