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Things To Know Before And During Your Stay In Barbados
1. The popular camouflage clothing and other camouflage material found readily in other parts of the world are illegal in Barbados. You will be fined and the items confiscated.
2. Barbados is tropical because of its proximity to the equator, so you need to protect yourself from the UV rays. Our tips follow: - children under 3 should be kept out of the sun. - use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 or higher. , Liberally rub on your exposed skin about half an hour before going out and reapply every 2 hours. When swimming, reapply sunscreen every 20 minutes. Water reflects the sun's rays. - it would be helpful to wear loose-fitting and tightly woven clothing, such as cotton. Wear Sun-protective clothing now available at retail stores - the sun's rays are strongest between 10a.m. and 4p.m. Don't exposure or over expose yourself to the sun during these hours. Seek shade periodically. -wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your upper body, or use an umbrella. Drink liquids (non-alcoholic) throughout the day. - wear sunglasses to block at least 99% of UVA and UVB radiation. Exposure can lead to cataracts and other eye damage. Always check the label when buying sunglasses. - check with your doctor to ensure that your medications will not cause sensitivity to sunlight. - ask your doctor about treatment for sunburn, in the event it does happen.
3. Pack the bug spray, as you'll need it at night.
4. Barbados is a friendly isle, however crime does occur, therefore take the same precautions here as you would in your own home town. - don't walk alone on a deserted beach at night. Try to travel in groups. If you are returning home after dark, take a taxi (not the mini-bus) that is clearly marked as such. Look for the blue license plate with the number preceded by the letter Z. - do not leave valuables in full view for someone to steal, keep them in the hotel safe - Before going to bed, lock your door and secure the sliding door as well, if there is one.
5. Once you begin to explore the island, BEWARE of the poisonous manchineel tree, which is marked either by a written sign or with a red ring around the trunk. This large shade tree is usually found on beaches, as it stops erosion of the sand. It bears fruit similar to an apple and is yellowish green in colour. DO NOT touch any part of the tree or the fruit as these cause blistering. When it begins to rain, DO NOT shelter under the tree as water dripping from the leaves will also cause blisters. The botanical name of the mancineel tree is Hippomane Mancinella and can be found in other tropical regions as well.
6. If you go snorkeling, mark your location with a brightly coloured float or marker in order for boat traffic and others on the water to avoid you. 7. Beware of undercurrents on the South coast and on the Atlantic side or East coast. Swim only when a life guard is present or if you are an accomplished swimmer, swim when a yellow flag is flying at the beach. A red flag means DO NOT swim.
8. Watch out for sea urchins under foot. Wear suitable beach shoes, never go barefoot on the beach.
9. Look up! Coconuts and coconut branches may fall on your head. |
