Driving in Barbados
Most tourists arrive in Barbados after enjoying either a Caribbean cruise or a fairly lengthy flight that will set them down at the Sir Grantley Adams International Airport, which lies just east of the Bajan capital, Bridgetown. From there on out, they have several choices as to how to get around the island including using buses or taxis and - in order to get that extra bit of independence - renting a car.
The most important things to remember about driving in Barbados are that, firstly, driving takes place on the left-hand side of the road, and, secondly, most of the roads are extremely narrow and should thus be approached with caution. All major tourist centres - and a good many minor ones - are connected by the web of roads that covers the entire island, but the country's main artery is the ABC Highway, and this easy-to-navigate dual-carriage freeway runs the entire length of the island.
http://mappery.com/Barbados-Road-Map
Although Bajan roads can sometimes be quite treacherous - with no sidewalks, large pot-holes and strange overtaking habits often being the order of the day - foreign drivers need not worry excessively as rental cars usually come with comprehensive insurance policies.
At last count, there were over 25 separate car rental companies in Barbados, and visitors can choose to either book a vehicle online before they embark on their holiday or pick up a car in person after they arrive on the island's sunny shores.
Typical services offered by the car hire companies in Barbados would include things like unlimited mileage, 24-hour roadside service and free vehicle collection and delivery. The premier rental services will also be members of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association, and doing a little pre-holiday online research should ensure that the traveler is matched up with the perfect car rental company.
Other options for getting around Barbados include hiring a personal driver - although this move could prove somewhat costly - renting a motor scooter and, when aiming for those out of the way attractions, hiring a mountain bike. Bajan roads can, with their over enthusiastic bus drivers and unwary cyclists, be rather perilous, however, and the best option would possibly be renting a fully insured, current model, luxury motor vehicle.
Most visitors conquer Barbados armed with a bottle of sunscreen, an English-Creole dictionary, a taste for fiery rum, a good car and, above all, a comprehensive map.
