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 tourist areas 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.