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The Bahamas: The Perfect Island Getaway

History

We all know the story of Christopher Columbus landing in the New World in 1492, but did you know that Columbus actually landed on what would be known today as the Bahamas? The Bahamas was originally inhabited by the Lucayan people, until English settlers took control of the area. In the 1600s and early 1700s, many pirates came to the islands, one of the most famous being Blackbeard. About a century later, the Bahamas became a place where American colonists who were loyal to Britain could seek refuge. The Bahamas gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1973 and joined the United Nations shortly afterward.

Islands and Beaches

The Bahamas has over 2,000 islands and cays. If you want to relax in the warm sand and be refreshed by the clear, blue water, the Bahamas is the perfect vacation destination. The Bahamas can be broken down into about 16 different regions: Bimini, Grand Bahama, Berry Islands, New Providence, Abaco Islands, Eleuthera, Andros, the Exumas, Cat Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Long Island, Ragged Island, Inagua, Acklins and Crooked Islands, and Mayaguana. New Providence is the most popular and inhabited island of the Bahamas. It contains about 80 percent of the entire population. Nassau, the capital and largest city, is also located in New Providence.

The Bahamas are generally very flat and sit only a few meters above sea level, except for one small hill called Mount Alvernia. It is located on Cat Island and is only 207 feet tall. Since the islands are at sea level and surrounded by water, the Bahamas is the perfect destination if you are hoping to relax on the beach. Although you may think that the beaches are no different from beaches in the United States, the Bahamas also has some unique beaches as well. For instance, Harbor Bay on the island of Eleuthera is one of the few places in the world that has pink sand. Pink seashells that are crushed by the waves mix with the sand and causes the pink hue. Additionally, the Exumas are famous for sand bars that are so shallow that you can almost walk from one island to the other. The Exumas are also famous for the pigs that swim up to boats and beg for food.

Weather

The Bahamas are in the Caribbean, which means the weather is normally hot and sunny all year long. In the summer, the temperature is usually between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and in the winter, the temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no reason to bring your winter jackets on this warm, relaxing vacation. Since the Bahamas has a warm and tropical climate, it does rain throughout the entire year. However, rain is most common in May and June, and the rain is responsible for the beautiful, lush vegetation on the islands. Thunderstorms pass through quickly, so you can quickly return to the beach and continue bathing in the sun. The Bahamas are also susceptible to hurricanes, but you should not be afraid to plan your trip during hurricane season. Hurricanes tend to change paths out of nowhere and turn in a completely different direction. If you do happen to book a hotel and a hurricane comes, most hotels in the Bahamas offer a hurricane cancellation policy that allows you to get a full refund on the hotel you booked.

Vacation

Bahamas vacations are perfect for couples, families, and anyone seeking some relaxation. A vacation to the Bahamas during the summer is a great way to spend quality time with the kids during summer break, and a vacation during the winter is a great way to escape freezing cold temperatures and icy roads. The Bahamas are also a great place to spend anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays. With many different options for transportation, like planes and cruise ships, you will be able to plan your perfect, dream vacation.

Are you the kind of person who prefers excursions to relaxing days on the beach? Then the Bahamas is the perfect vacation destination for you. There are plenty of excursions and interesting places to visit while visiting the Bahamas. If you enjoy the water, you could go kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, or even swimming with the dolphins. If you prefer to stay on land and visit local areas, you could visit local shops, restaurants, and historical sites like The Queen’s staircase. There are even churches from many denominations to visit on the islands if you are interested in worshipping with some locals. There are countless excursions and fun activities to partake in while visiting the Bahamas. The only issue is finding a way to do everything you want to do in one trip.

Bahamas Air

If your preferred transportation is by airplane, Bahamas Air is the airline to use. Bahamas Air was the 2017 Cacique award winner and was voted airline of the year. You are allowed one personal item and one carry-on bag, and you also get your first piece of luggage free. If you are interested in bringing sporting equipment like surfboards, bicycles, and fishing gear, Bahamas Air allows it as long as it does not exceed the length and weight requirements and it is properly packaged. This is a great feature considering you may want to bring some equipment to use at the beach or on excursions to avoid renting fees. The tickets are affordable, and this airline offers some of the best baggage rates in the industry.

Cruise

If you do not like to fly, a cruise ship may be the perfect way to travel to the Bahamas. The Bahamas may be your main vacation destination, but the vacation starts the second you get on the boat. There are many options when it comes to cruise lines. Many of the well-known cruise lines, like Carnival, offer short and long cruises to the Bahamas. One of the best cruise lines to take if you prefer a shorter cruise is the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. Most of the cruise are only two to three days long, and it is known as “Florida’s Best and Most Flexible” cruise line. Although the length of the cruise may be shorter, the boat is not lacking in size or activities. The boat can hold up to 1,800 people and has 11 restaurants, bars, and lounges. It also has a casino, a spa and fitness area, and three levels of Kids Clubs. This cruise is perfect for you if you want a quick island getaway without taking a whole week off from work.

All-Inclusive Resorts

There are many amazing, all-inclusive resorts for you to choose from, but Atlantis Resort has to be one of the best. Atlantis Resort is located on Paradise Island, which is right off the coast of Nassau. This 1200-room resort has the Caribbean’s largest casino, a waterslide, and the world’s largest open-air 11 million gallon marine environment. The resort recently expanded and opened two new resorts, the Aquaventure waterpark, and the 30,000 square foot Mandara Spa. It also opened a nightclub and a dolphin education and excursion facility. Atlantis Resort offers a couple of different housing options depending on what you are looking for. If you are looking to have a luxurious vacation, The Cove is one of the best places to stay. One of the best features at Atlantis Resort is the dining experience. Atlantis Resort has 21 restaurants and 19 bars, so you and your family are sure to be well fed during your vacation. Finding something every member of your family will enjoy eating will not be an issue with so many different options. 77 Degrees West, a new restaurant located in The Cove, opened recently and this is the perfect restaurant to visit for a South American style dinner with a Caribbean touch.

What are you waiting for? Plan your vacation to the Bahamas today. You deserve it.