Private/Personal Driver in Barbados
Jul 24, 2015, 6:31 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 3
Private/Personal Driver in Barbados
A group of eight of us will be visiting Barbados in October for a total of 7 days. We're looking into rental car options, it seems that a van a large enough to accommodate our group will cost about $600 USD for the week.
We're fine with the price, but my mother has visited the island several times and said that she wouldn't be willing to drive there, and that we should be aware that it's a scary place to drive. Anyone have opinions on driving in Barbados?
For this reason, we are considering hiring a driver. Has anyone done this? Know of any good drivers? I'm happy to hear any suggestions or advice.
We're staying at a private house on the east side of the island, not at a hotel, if it matters for any reason.
We're fine with the price, but my mother has visited the island several times and said that she wouldn't be willing to drive there, and that we should be aware that it's a scary place to drive. Anyone have opinions on driving in Barbados?
For this reason, we are considering hiring a driver. Has anyone done this? Know of any good drivers? I'm happy to hear any suggestions or advice.
We're staying at a private house on the east side of the island, not at a hotel, if it matters for any reason.
Jul 27, 2015, 8:44 am
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,833
A group of eight of us will be visiting Barbados in October for a total of 7 days. We're looking into rental car options, it seems that a van a large enough to accommodate our group will cost about $600 USD for the week.
We're fine with the price, but my mother has visited the island several times and said that she wouldn't be willing to drive there, and that we should be aware that it's a scary place to drive. Anyone have opinions on driving in Barbados?
For this reason, we are considering hiring a driver. Has anyone done this? Know of any good drivers? I'm happy to hear any suggestions or advice.
We're staying at a private house on the east side of the island, not at a hotel, if it matters for any reason.
We're fine with the price, but my mother has visited the island several times and said that she wouldn't be willing to drive there, and that we should be aware that it's a scary place to drive. Anyone have opinions on driving in Barbados?
For this reason, we are considering hiring a driver. Has anyone done this? Know of any good drivers? I'm happy to hear any suggestions or advice.
We're staying at a private house on the east side of the island, not at a hotel, if it matters for any reason.
I've driven around the island a number of times and haven't found driving to be any more or less hazardous than anywhere else.
Away from the capital the roads are fairly quiet and whilst Bajans drive in a fairly relaxed manner they never struck me as being any scarier than elsewhere.
I think your mother may be worrying unnecessarily.
Have you also considered the island's extensive bus system ?
www.transportboard.com
Jul 27, 2015, 8:44 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
I too didn't find it scary. We did hire a driver one day to do a tour which was actually great. The "scary" part might be the driving on the left thing if you're not used to such a thing. The roads in general are quite good though can be a little rough in the more remote parts of the island. If you're going out for a fun night of food and drink and one person isn't willing to be the DD all the time you might want to go with a driver for those nights or the whole trip. If you have a map or preferably a gps/phone with maps system that will make things easier.
Aug 1, 2015, 1:41 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Hilton, United, Gold DL
Posts: 993
Aug 28, 2015, 8:43 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA
Posts: 17
Driving in Barbados is fine, nothing to worry about at all. Bajans are generally kind drivers, willing to let you out of side roads etc. even if they have priority. A smile and a wave will get you far.
Things I would recommend are:
1) Sat-nav. Essential, especially if you're going to be on the east coast where signposting is not particularly clear.
2) Get a large car with a decent amount of power. Some of the hills inland are very steep and smaller hatchbacks struggle to get up the steepest ones.
3) Mind the potholes. Some are deceptively deep, especially on some of the remote roads which aren't used very often.
Things I would recommend are:
1) Sat-nav. Essential, especially if you're going to be on the east coast where signposting is not particularly clear.
2) Get a large car with a decent amount of power. Some of the hills inland are very steep and smaller hatchbacks struggle to get up the steepest ones.
3) Mind the potholes. Some are deceptively deep, especially on some of the remote roads which aren't used very often.