Nestled in the far Eastern Caribbean is 166 square miles of unspoiled beauty. With it picturesque beaches and a nearly perfect climate, Barbados is as close to paradise as it gets on Earth. Thousands of visitors descend to spend their vacations here, enjoying the pleasures of the sea, the vibrant nightlife, and first class restaurants.${QuickSuggestions} A few notes, the local currency is the Barbados dollar, which is pegged approximately to a $2 BDS to $1 US dollar. If you’re on a tighter budget, try staying on the Southern shore of the island (Christ Church), it tends to be cheaper than the more upscale Western Shore (St. James). A $25 BDS departure fee is charged at the airport upon leaving. Recently, the government of Barbados has requested that all visitors use a passport to enter the island, so those of you do not travel with one should get one to avoid complications. The Barbados Tourist Board operates a wonderful website chock full of tips and information for potential visitors. ${BestWay} They are four ways visitors can make around the island. Taxis are readily available on the Southern and Western shores of the island where most hotels are located; they will safely deliver you to your destination. Barbados also has a reasonably efficient system of public transportation consisting of private mini buses/route taxis, and the publicly operated bus system. Private tour buses also operate from the major hotels and cruise ship terminals. However, the best way to travel around the island is to rent a car and do it yourself. This allows you to travel off the beaten path and see the entire island. Car rental can be costly $45-$75 a day, plus gasoline and $10 government permit fee, but it well worth it. Driving is on the left side of the road, as Barbados is a former British colony, so it can be a little tricky for those of used to the other side, but a skilled motorist should be able to handle it, relatively easily and the local drivers are generally very courteous and understanding.
From journal Barbados, the Most Beautiful Place on Earth