Barbados has many options for direct flights from major hubs like JFK, Fort Lauderdale, London Gatwick and even Miami. It’s a relatively short flight from most locations which means it makes the perfect escape for weekends trips or even longer trips. The high season runs from November to April, this is usually when many celebrities come and visit the island, especially over the Christmas period. This celebrity hype makes Barbados quite an expensive place to come and visit, even harder on a budget.

This beautiful island has many beaches dotted with hidden away budget hotels and Airbnbs that offer a wide range of budget options.

If you are looking for things to do in Barbados then check out our ultimate Barbados guide here. If you are looking for in-depth details about accommodation options in Barbados then have a look at our Barbados accommodation guide here.

How To Travel Barbados on the Cheap

Before you even leave home you should remember our budget travel tips, we also pack pretty light so we travel carry on only, you can use our Barbados packing list for what you need for your trip to Barbados.

Accommodation

Budget Hotels

When looking at budget hotels in Barbados, the best time to visit is from May to June and September to October which is considered low season here in Barbados. Hotels like the Rostrevor Hotel, All Season Resort and Salt Ash offer decent rates during the low season.

Air BnB

Barbados on a budget during high season it may be a little more difficult to find  places to stay. Your best option would be to browse AirBnb where you may be able to find a few hidden gems. The only downside is they may be a little further away from the beaches. Some sweet spots are apartments in Holetown such as Golden View, Pura Vida and some of the other sunset crest villas. These are all within walking distance to the beach and have pool access at The Beach House. You would definitely need to book in advance, especially for longer stays.

Couchsurf

Another option would be couchsurfing. There are a few people on the island doing this but again you may not be too close to the beach. During low season the prices of hotels drop and you can find some nice spots for under $100 US. It is also not as busy and you can make your booking closer to your travel dates.

Transportation

Renting a car can be expensive here, so renting a scooter is probably a better option if you want some freedom to explore Barbados on a budget. It would be a better option to rent the scooter for the weekend which is when you can do an island tour of Barbados and explore and then use public transport for the majority of your trip. Buses here costs about $1US and you can get around the island pretty well.

Just remember that we drive on the left hand side of the road in Barbados!

Food

Everyone knows eating out is expensive. There are a few spots where you can get reasonably priced food such as Just Grillin’ and Lemongrass. If you don’t want to eat out the whole time then head to the grocery and cook in your AirBnB. Cooking for yourself will always be cheaper and healthier. Alcohol can take a toll on the budget but you can’t come to the Caribbean and drink water on the beach. Lucky for you the beer is cheap and so is the rum. You can buy Banks Beer and Deputy for about $1US in the gas station and rum shops always have 4 for $10bds ($5US) specials.

Barbados on a Budget

A Bajan Rum Shop in St. Lucy

Activities

As I mentioned before you can rent a scooter and explore the island. This is a free and fun way to spend a day. You can also go swim with the sea turtles instead of booking a tour! One of the most obvious ones is to just go to the beach. Go to a different beach everyday, that’s why you are here. Pack a cooler if you want some drinks. It will always be cheaper to buy from the gas station or rum shops. There’s no better Barbados on a budget activity than sitting on the beach with a cooler full of beers. Another way to experience the island is to visit Oistin’s Fish Market, this is a great cheap night out. This place is rocking Friday and Saturday nights. You can get some good local food from one of the many shops around the area and of course some 4 for $10 beers!

We hope this has given you an idea of how to travel Barbados on the cheap! If you are looking for more Barbados posts to plan your trip then have a look at some of these:

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