According to forum posts, Barbados offers a diverse array of beaches. Travelers highly recommend Carlisle Bay for its powdery sand and excellent swimming conditions. Miami Beach is also favored for its beautiful scenery and tree groves that offer shade.

For those interested in activities and easy accessibility, Dover Beach in the Gap area is suggested. It's close to various amenities and offers a lively beach experience. Additionally, Accra Beach is popular for its tiki bar and chair rentals, providing a comfortable beach day.

For visitors seeking quieter spots, Gibbes Beach on the west coast is noted for its wide, peaceful setting with no hotels directly on the beach, just villas. Another tranquil option mentioned is Alleynes Beach, which is great for a more secluded experience with available sun beds and beach bars nearby.

According to forum posts, Barbados offers a range of accommodation options including all-inclusive resorts, budget self-catering apartments, and luxury hotels. Some travelers prefer self-catering for flexibility, especially in areas like Holetown and St. Lawrence Gap, which are recommended for their proximity to local bars and restaurants.

Some users have discussed the presence of all-inclusive resorts in Barbados, notably mentioning Sandals as a large, all-inclusive option with multiple restaurants and bars. However, it's noted that Barbados is not predominantly an all-inclusive destination, with many visitors opting for bed and breakfast or self-catering to explore local eateries.

For budget-conscious travelers, forum members have recommended places like Sunset Crest in Holetown for self-catering accommodations. These are praised for their access to local amenities like beaches, bars, and restaurants, providing a more immersive experience into the local culture.

On the higher end, luxury hotels such as Sandpiper, Coral Reef, and Sandy Lane are mentioned, known for their quiet, upscale ambiance and high-quality service. These are situated primarily on the west coast, offering stunning sea views and tranquil settings.

Travelers have called out specific properties like Palm Beach Condos and Golden View Condominiums in Holetown, praised for their location and facilities. These properties are noted for being close to beaches and local dining options, making them convenient for visitors looking to experience Barbados' vibrant culture and natural beauty.

According to forum posts, travelers can buy duty-free items at Barbados airport in the baggage reclaim area. This allows passengers to purchase spirits while waiting for their luggage.

Some travelers mentioned that it is illegal to bring tobacco products into Barbados. However, passengers can purchase duty-free cigarettes in the departures area to take home. It is advised to carry only an open pack on one's person as additional packs may be subject to duty or confiscation.

Travelers have shared that while rum is cheaper in local stores, other spirits like vodka and gin are better bought at the airport's duty-free due to their high prices in grocery stores. Duty-free shopping at the airport is recommended for these spirits.

For many travelers, taxis are the most common airport transfer option in Barbados. These taxis are available outside the airport, where a taxi coordinator will assist by providing a written cost in Barbados dollars.

Some travelers recommend booking transportation in advance, especially when traveling with larger groups or needing special accommodations like child car seats. Personal recommendations and direct contacts to taxi operators are often shared among users for more personalized service.

The cost of taxis is regulated and typically written down by coordinators at the airport to ensure clarity. However, prices can vary on the return journey or when hiring taxis elsewhere on the island. It's advised to always confirm the price and currency before commencing the journey.

Concerning traveling with children, it is safer to bring your own car seats since not all taxis provide them. Airlines like Virgin Atlantic carry car seats for free, adding convenience for traveling parents.

For COVID-19 related travel, approved transportation must be used to move from the airport to designated quarantine facilities. This transportation is arranged directly at the airport to ensure compliance with local health guidelines.

According to forum posts, several snorkeling tours are recommended in Barbados. For instance, Cool Runnings IV Luxury offers a premium experience departing from Port Ferdinand, and Good Times is another favored operator leaving from the west coast. Both companies are praised for their service and the quality of their snorkeling tours.

For many users, snorkeling directly from the shore is a viable option. Places like Folkestone Marine Park and Holetown allow visitors to snorkel from the beach and see marine life immediately. Travelers have called out Folkestone for its immediate access to fish-rich waters, making it a convenient spot for spontaneous snorkeling activities.

Some travelers expressed a preference for snorkeling tours that focus on specific attractions like shipwrecks and sea turtles. While general fish tours are less advertised, the presence of marine life such as stingrays and tarpon during these specialty tours was highlighted by several users.

Many travelers recommend engaging in water-based activities such as catamaran trips, with companies like Calabaza and Silver Moon offering tours that include swimming with turtles. These trips often come with meals and are highlighted for their scenic coastal views and excellent service.

For animal lovers, the Animal Flower Cave is a notable attraction, offering stunning views and an opportunity to see marine life. Additionally, visitors can enjoy horse racing at the Garrison Savannah, which is a popular activity among locals and tourists alike.

Exploring the lush gardens of Barbados is also a favorite activity. Huntes Gardens, created in a natural sinkhole, is frequently mentioned for its breathtaking beauty and unique setting. It provides a tranquil escape with varied plant life and occasional encounters with the gardens' charismatic owner.

History enthusiasts often visit St. Nicholas Abbey, a plantation house where visitors can learn about the island's history and rum production. Tours often include tastings and insights into the traditional methods of rum production in Barbados.

In Barbados, both Barbados Dollars (BBD) and US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. However, change is usually given in BBD, and using USD might result in a less favorable exchange rate in some places.

Many travelers recommend using credit cards, particularly those without foreign transaction fees, for larger purchases. Cards like Halifax Clarity are mentioned for their fee-free services in restaurants, shops, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.

The best exchange rates are generally obtained by exchanging currency at local banks in Barbados rather than in travelers' home countries. Some users advised against exchanging money at the airport due to poorer rates. Online platforms offering currency exchange are also an option though rates vary.

Digital payment options like Google Pay linked to fee-free accounts are also viable in Barbados, providing a convenient alternative to carrying large amounts of cash.

According to forum posts, travelers seeking affordable dining options on the West Coast of Barbados have several choices. Some travelers mentioned Fisherman's Pub in Speightstown for great Bajan food at reasonable prices. Additionally, the Fish Pot was recommended for its location and ambiance, particularly for lunch.

Travelers have also called out the affordability of meals at beach bars, food shacks, and vans, which can significantly vary in price based on eating preferences. Casual dining places comparable to UK casual dining prices were also suggested as reasonably priced options.