The good news is that Barbados is a very safe tourist destination, so you can happily take public transport around the island, and wander around at night. That said, the usual precautions apply in Barbados as anywhere else – don’t wander round poorer neighbourhoods, or the centre of town, dripping with expensive jewellry

Health hazards & precautions

The most common health hazards you may face as a tourist to Barbados are likely to be due to: spending too much time in the sun; and/or getting dehydrated – possibly from knocking back too much rum punch; or getting bitten by mosquitoes or sandflies.

To avoid the above:

• Keep out of the midday sun, wear a hat and use plenty of sun cream and sun block.
• Be aware of the sun’s rays being reflected off the water or sand.
• Drink plenty of water (tap water is fine, so refilling a bottle from the tap is better than adding to plastic waste).
• Cover yourself with long, loose clothing and repellent at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes and sandflies are at their most active.