By Harper Jones
Vacationing in the Bahamas should be a relaxing, enjoyable time, from the moment you decide to go to the minute you set your luggage down at home, refreshed and tan from your vacation. Stressing about accommodations, fun activities, budgeting and places to eat are all counterproductive to the real reason to take a vacation to the beautiful, sunny vacation island.
Where to Stay
There are many places to stay in the Bahamas. Most tourists stay in Nassau and Paradise Island, which is connected to Nassau by a bridge, where the water in clear and the sand is hot and white. However, the Grand Bahama Island is also a popular destination, with the world's longest underground cave and many outdoor activities available.
Both islands have many tourist activities available. Some hotels even coordinate these activities for you, and most hotels have information on how to get in touch with tourist agencies that provide transportation or even specific activities.
On Nassau and Paradise Island, there are several places to stay. One popular place to stay is the Atlantis on Paradise Island. The Atlantis is a huge resort with its own network of pools and waterslides, called Aquaventure, a rockwall, an outdoor marketplace, 20 restaurants and its own nightclub. Another popular and less expensive accommodation is the Cable beach resorts, which are a string of hotels near downtown Nassau. Many Cable Beach resorts have areas where tourists can book tickets for activities, and beaches and pools where tourists can spend the day tanning and swimming. To find resorts on Cable Beach, visit www.bahamas.com for a list of recommended resorts.
On the Grand Bahama Island, there are many available hotels and resorts. Go to www.bahamas.com for a list of recommended resorts.
What to Do?
Tourist activities abound on the Grand Bahama Island and on Nassau and Paradise Island.
On the Grand Bahama, there are the beaches. Some beaches are busier than others, but all are blessed by clear, blue water and white sand. Popular beaches are Gold Rock Beach, where one can see the Lucayan Caverns, and Xanadu Beach, which is full of activities, from water sports to beach fun (Grand Bahama Beaches). Diving, sailing, snorkeling and fishing are all popular activities on the Grand Bahama that tourist agencies can arrange. The Grand Bahama has several National Parks set aside as well.
On Nassau and Paradise Island, the Long Wharf is a popular beach that's just minutes from downtown Nassau. Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is known for its beauty, as well (Nassau and Paradise Island Beaches). Swimming, snorkeling, water sports, bird watching and gambling at the casinos are also popular pastimes with tourists, and can be set up by tourist agencies. Visiting Fort Charlotte is also an interesting experience, and there is an excellent view of Nassau at the top.
Where to Eat?
While there is fast food available on both the Grand Bahama and Nassau and Paradise Island, eating authentic Bahamian food, or at least non-chain restaurants, is recommended. Try Conk Fritters, hush puppies and other delicious treats.
In Nassau, the Fish Fry, a strip of smaller restaurants near downtown Nassau, are popular and delicious. The Poop Deck, a more upscale and expensive restaurant across from Paradise Island, is also popular and delicious.
On the Grand Bahama, Barracuda's and Junkanoo have great ratings.
(The Bahamas)
Getting Around
Bus systems and taxis in the Bahamas have the island covered. In Nassau, the bus takes tourists from Cable Beach to downtown Nassau. Taxis can be more expensive. On the Grand Bahama, taxi and bus, called jitney, transportation is also available.
Rental cars are available on both islands, and some hotels rent bicycles to guests for a fee. Ferries carry people from one island to another, as well.
Getting In
Be familiar with the entry requirements when planning a vacation to the Bahamas (see Resources).
About the Author:
Harper Jones has been a freelance writer since 2007. Her work has appeared in "Zink! Fashion Magazine," "emPower Magazine" and the "Washington Post." She has also published several health and fitness e-books and a book of short stories. Jones graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and health sciences and currently works as a yoga teacher.
