Barbados on a budget? Is it possible?? Or should we go All Inclusive??

Question

Hi I'm looking to go to Barbados in mid September 08 for 2 weeks with my boyfriend both in mid 30's. (last minute!) I have read reviews on trip advisor and picked Yellow Bird in St lawerence gap as my number 1 choice so far (from about £650 each inc flights). Can anyone give me any ideas on how much it would cost to eat and drink in the area. (we usually go all inclusive but the all inclusive seemed a lot more expensive and wasnt sure if it was worth it??? Was thinking of Turtle Beach resort in St Lawrence.)

We dont want to spend more than £600 ideally on food drink and going out between the two of us for the 2 week stay is that a realistic amount? My boyfriend likes a beer or two or 3 or 4 (lol) and is not really into clubbing (shocking) I like cocktails and love to dance!

Ive been to Tobago and Trinidad regularly but this would be my first time to Barbados since I was a young child and would really appriciate any tips?

Is it the best central location and is it safe to hire a car and drive in Barbados? This is the first time we have considered a budget self catering holiday in the Caribbean ... Is it worth paying the extra for all inclusive??

Thanks for your help and suggestions. Have a great day!

Answer 1

Barbados is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.  Although the people live simply, they seem happy, kind and are very polite. It is an expensive place to travel though.  Personally, I would not pick St. Lawrence Gap as a place to stay though.  It is definitely the place where the "nightlife" is,  although there wasn't much when I went.  Look around a bit more.  Be sure to go to Crane Beach, heaven on earth.

Answer 2

i always go all inclusive now you never end up over spending its great.

Answer 3

hey! vacations on a budget are all i ever do haha

i usually go all inclusive unless i really know the area.  as a seasoned traveler, i'm sure you know there are ALWAYS things you end up spending money on that you didn't plan out(extra snacks, drinks, etc)..and they always add up.  

i'd go all inclusive and not hire(which i assume is England english for rent) a car.  foreign places always have different rules and regulations that seemed to be designed to take advantage of tourists.

goodnight and goodluck

Answer 4

I have never been to Barbados, but we vacation a lot.  I have always found that all inclusive resorts are a better deal in the long run, especially if you like to drink.  There is usually tons to do on the resort and it is a great way to keep the costs down.  

When I go to a resort that is not all inclusive I always end up spending more than I want.

Answer 5

Hi, we are going over at the same time as you, also went last year, staying at Rostrevor in St,Lawrence Gap, it is where all the night life is.Oistins for Fri and Sat evening fish meals. Plenty of places to eat out, not very expensive, also vendors on the street at about 9pm, food good and cheap. The Ship Inn, opp us, is very good, and Bumbies next to Yellow Bird the entrance of The Gap, does happy hour every evening with great Cocktails, Banks beers are good. Also have Reagae Bands. We hire a car, and driving is as in GB. Main roads o.k., but secondary roads bit 'holey'.  We are there on the 16th Sept, for 2 weeks. You WILL enjoy it. Hope this has been helpful