The Essential Guide For Affiliate Future Barbados 2009 Competition Winners

If you're one of the lucky people that have also won a place on the Affiliate Future Barbados 2009 competition and this is your first time (or you can't remember last time) then here's some unofficial essential information.

I'm lucky enough to be going for the fourth time (thanks to the lovely people at Sunshine!) The first - I went with a touring netball party, the second - I went with Laura and the last time I went without the missus. So I've witnessed the country in various situations. I've witnessed the good sides of the island and the bad - nearly dieing of alcohol poisoning. So if you wanted a bit of guidance or just to get your bearings - here's a quick map with details of the places you may end up going and a bit of a FAQ.


View Affiliate Future Barbados 2009 - Essential Information in a larger map

Update: Added one for J Lil - Will Everything Go As Planned?
Before you book anything, before you arrange any connecting flights or hotels, before you tell anyone you're away for those days ... wait for a few days as things never go to plan. ;-) Oh J! :p


How Much Money Will I Need?
£300 should be a good start - but it depends how much you spend on booze. There's a cash machine opposite the hotel so if you run out you can easily get some more. Also all the restaurants obviously take credit cards - except Oistins Fish Night

Will I Be Forced To Do Stuff I Don't Want To?
Well its a group of lads and some ladies. There's obviously the traditional high jinx but you feel free to do your own thing, but its a great laugh doing stuff as a group. Just let everyone know what you're doing if you go off for a day or two (like last year) - definitely let J Lil or Pete know what you're doing just in case you get lost in the outback. The island is bigger than you think and its VERY easy to get lost.

Will We Have Planned Excursions?
Well it looks like J Lil and Pete have got a list of things to do. These include some nice relaxing days, some heavy nights of partying and some nice trips out. You won't have nothing to do - unless you want to.


Do We Go Out Together Every Night?Not always. If you're taking your other half and want some romantic times together then there's some fantastic restaurants on the Gap and along Highway 7 towards Bridgetown. Ask at the hotel for recommendations. On the night we get there its traditional for us all to go out to the Lucky Horseshoe - if you like HUGE steaks - you'll love it here! Also we do trips out to Harbour Lights which is one of the highlights of the holiday. Here you'll meet "The Snake". Don't miss this trip, but expect to stay out VERY late. There's also other organised nights out.

I Want To Drive Around The Island - can I?
Yes. But you'll have to get a Barbados Tourist Driving License. I've got a few days left on mine but remember to take your UK license and passport when you go to hire a car. It's best that we all arrange them together as then if we're all out around the island then we can always help out if people have any problems or get lost - swap mobile numbers before you leave. I can't remember how much it costs, but it is cheap. Make sure you fill up with petrol before you leave the south part of the island as there's chuff all up the top. A tank should last you a couple of days.

Can I Get Free WiFi In The Hotel
On the left-hand-side of the hotel and in the bar you can get it courtesy of the neighbouring hotel. Don't count on it though! There is an internet cafe 2 minutes down the road that is fairly cheap. Just don't sit on the chairs if you've been swimming - the women goes nuts!

What's The Shopping Like?
There's some duty free shops in Bridgetown and a big air-conditioned shop by Rockley Beach. As well as the Quayside Centre where you can get odds and sods. There's loads of supermarkets along Highway 7 as well.

If you want to get duty free, sort it out in the first couple of days so they can arrange it to be delivered to the airport. Unless just spend your money there.

What Getting Grub In The Hotel?
You may get fed up eating breakfast there. I normally get some milk and cereal from the little shop on the right as you walk out the hotel. If you get hungover you may not fancy venturing out.

What Are The Beaches Like?
Further down from the little shop there's Dover Beach which is great for water sports and a swim. There's also Rockley beach which is great to combine sunbathing with shopping. If you want a stunning beach to do some boogie boarding then head over to Cranes Beach - you could get a taxi, but its great to visit on part of your own island tour. There's also Mullins Bay for a gentle swim on the West Coast and for a wild adventure there's Lakes Beach, but I wouldn't go in the sea there - unless you want to be dragged out to West Africa!

This is Lake's Beach:



And Cranes Beach:



Does Everyone Get Dressed Up To Go Out?
If you're going out to Harbour Lights then don't bother - you'll end up with rum punch down ya:



But some people just have too much style:



Or not:




I'm Not In The Best Shape - I Don't Want To Strip Off?
Why? None of us are in shape:



Should I Get A Holiday Hair Cut?
J Lil - please do!



What Should I Drink?
If you like beer then you'll be drinking lots of Banks:



Or Rum & Coke:



Or the odd cocktail:



Should I Take My Camera?
There's stunning views all round:



What's The Food Like?
Well in the Gap there's a range of posh restaurants, street meat, international food and Mexican stuff:



What's The Weather Like?
Generally hot, sunny with the occasional rain shower:



Will I Get Lucky?
If you're single, then you could easily do:






Will I Make A Tit Of Myself?
Definitely:







Will I Need To Be Able To Sing?
No, but it helps. Here's some songs to learn before you go:

Bye Bye American Pie


The Foundations - Build me up Buttercup


Alan Jackson - It's Five O'Clock Somewhere


The Beach Boys - Fun, fun, fun


The Pretenders - Don't Get Me Wrong


Whigfield - Saturday Night


Macarena - Velasquez


Puff The Magic Dragon (For Joe Connor)


Bee Gees - Tragedy


Hey Jude - Paul McCartney


Robbie Williams - Angels


Or you could listen to Keith Bond's Barbados Memories on Spotify.


Will I Have A Good Time?
You can put your life on it!