I've been to both Aruba & Barbados (have been a few times to Barbados), from what I can gather from your fellow Americans who post here, Aruba would be more to your liking since it is home from home and better value for money. Barbados is more upmarket and expensive, it has a British feel and is not for the budget conscious or for those who choose their vacation as if it going to be the last one.

If all you want is a beach and nothing to do, choose Aruba. If you are comparing amenities and prices, choose Aruba. If you want an island with a Caribbean feel, choose Barbados. If you choose Barbados, go to St James. If you can't afford Barbados, go to Aruba. Where ever you go, it will be busy since it's peak time right after Christmas.

Having lived in Barbados for a couple of years, I think it a bit unfair to say that Barbados doesn't have budget options. Indeed, there are a number of budget options in Barbados, just as there are in most Caribbean islands. The difference is, that certain islands get more of a *reputation* as upmarket or budget destinations.

http://www.shoestringbarbados.com is a good starting point for looking for budget destinations in barbados. You may also want to try homeaway.com

You can definitely do Barbados on a budge - I stayed at Divi - $115 a night I think, but I saw several options for under $100 a night - yes, you get what you paid for, but a simple hotels.com will should you several options.

A def must in the friday fish fry at Oistins, best time I had there

I agree with you DTAntigua.

Thanks, All for you invaluable help.

Hi, you can find budget accommodations in Barbados, I noticed quite a few while checking a while back.
Go here: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rentals/barbados/r18

Agree with Sunfish2017, home away.com is a great resource for finding reasonable priced accommodation on Barbados, however in January ( winter season), rates tend to be higher than other times of the year. The nights are usually quite cool during December and January. If you have a choice taxi fare notwithstanding. I recommend staying in Fitts Village not only would you be on the west coast and have easy access to great beaches but also other restaurants and amenities in Holetown and Bridgetown. Since the beach is the priority, I think you may just be able to do this trip on a budget even if with the taxi fare for your airport transport included.


All the best

Fitts Village will place you close to the west coast beaches, and you can walk to things, EZ bus to Bridgetown, Holetown. Usually no need for A/C in winter, particularly if you have ceiling fans.

You can definitely do Barbados on a budget. We are going in March and are paying less than $600.00 each and that includes the flight and vacation rental.

I am not sure what your budget is but you may want to look at this property.
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3001668

We were considering it but it could not accommodate us. It’s walking distance to Oistins and Miami/Enterprise Beach and does have air conditioning.

Also check out all the other properties at www.homeaway.com and also at www.vrbo.com