A GE N T H I GH L I GH T S


NIGEL FURLONG


Personal Travel Agent, part of The Midcounties Co-operative Travel


Where should clients stay for different experiences? For high-end resorts, it has to be the west coast. It’s where places like Sandy Lane, Port St Charles and the Fairmont are. The south coast is my preferred area, with all the nightlife around St Lawrence Gap. This is the best place to mingle with the locals, go nightclubbing, do karaoke or just go out for dinner.


EMMA VIPOND


What was your most memorable moment? One night when we were having dinner, a turtle crawled up the beach not 10 metres away from where we were eating, started digging in the sand and laid her eggs there. It was amazing to see.


Travel Counsellors MY TOP FIVE


BARBADOS TIPS


1. Hire a car to explore the island. It’s easy to get around because


they drive on the left and the signs are in English, but try to


avoid driving during rush hour, especially along the west coast.


2. Visit out of high


season to avoid high prices and crowded


beaches. On our visit in September, it was about 30C, and the occasional rain shower didn’t affect our stay.


clean and many offer water activities, such as snorkelling. The staff are friendly and take the time to get to know you, adding a personal touch to your stay.


JODIE WALMSLEY Tui


How would you sell Barbados to clients? Barbados offers the perfect mix of beaches, rich culture and welcoming people. I’d highly recommend exploring the island, as there’s more to see than people realise. The hotels are high quality, very


What tips would you give to agents for booking a Barbados trip? There’s a wide range of accommodation for all types of travellers, from adult-only resorts to family- friendly hotels and places for adventure-seeking couples. I’d suggest clients consider going half board to enjoy local Caribbean food at nearby restaurants, and local street food.


What else do clients need to know? It’s also good to bring a mix of Barbadian dollars and US dollars – both currencies are accepted. If customers pay with US dollars, they should expect to receive Barbadian dollars back. Tipping isn’t expected, but it is appreciated by locals. The easy-to-use bus system is perfect for getting around – from Bridgetown, the bus to St Lawrence Gap is great for nightlife, and from Worthing, the bus to Bridgetown offers an affordable way to visit different parts of the island.


3. Make a stop at a rum shop where the locals


hang out and try Bajan seafood and mahi mahi fish, which is delicious.


4. Get up early to watch the racehorses going for their morning swim at Pebbles Beach.


5. Grantley Adams


international airport gets very busy


(especially between 2pm and 4pm) so my top tip would be to book the fast-track service to avoid security queues.


GUIDE TO BARBADOS 15


PICTURES: Shutterstock/Simon Dannhauer, nau2018


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