With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural scenery, the Bahamas makes an incredible vacation destination. Before you take off for this tropical oasis, it’s a good idea to have at least a rough plan of what you want to accomplish on your vacation. Here are five things to keep in mind when planning a Bahamas family vacation.
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Best Bahamas Resorts for Families
Where you stay will make or break your vacation. Though you might prefer large resorts in Nassau that you never have to leave, such as the Royal at Atlantis Resort and Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, I strongly suggest you stay at a boutique property and purchase a day pass to a water park at one of the larger resorts.
If staying at the Rosewood Baha Mar, a luxury boutique property that also has three to six-bedroom villas, you can access the facilities of the Grand Hyatt, although during peak season, the beach can be crowded.
The Island House, a 30-room boutique hotel with a 24-hour gym, a cinema, a lap pool, squash courts, and a wellness spa. It’s a five-minute shuttle ride to a private beach.
If you’re looking to splurge, the Ocean Club – a Four Seasons Resort, provides an exclusive private-island setting a stone’s throw from the Atlantis.
Time of Year
The Bahamas are a popular vacation destination option for Americans, so avoid traveling around major holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Day, and July 4th.
Another consideration is hurricane season, so it’s best to avoid travel to the Bahamas in September and October, the peak months for Atlantic hurricane season.
Activities and Attractions
It is no surprise that the main attractions of the Bahamas are the miles of stunning coastline and the sparkling ocean waters.
Start your tour of the Bahamas in Nassau with its diverse colonial history. Right down the road, you will find the iconic Atlantis resort, offering a massive waterpark, a casino, and more. The islands also feature a bevy of water activities, including snorkeling, swimming, boating, and more.
Places to Eat
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture during a Bahamas family vacation is to dive right into their defining food and drink. The Bahamas are known for a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including conch and grouper.
The Bahamian Cookin’ Kitchen is a popular gathering spot in Nassau, featuring a variety of local favorites. On Grand Bahama Island, be sure to check out the Pier 1 Bahamas Restaurant for its fresh sushi and lively atmosphere. The Madkap Restaurant & Bar is a good choice when visiting Freeport, especially if you are looking for an affordable and festive happy hour.
Getting There
Traveling to the Bahamas is fairly uncomplicated, and going there from the U.S. could not be easier. Many US carriers fly directly to Nassau, and Bahamasair has nonstop daily service to cities in Orlando, West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Indianapolis.
The islands employ British-style driving rules, but the cars are mostly made in America. It is better to simply use public transportation or take a cab.
The Bahamian dollar is equivalent to the U.S. dollar, making it easy to figure out the local currency if you live in or frequent the U.S. Most places will also accept credit cards.
The Bahamas are in the Eastern time zone, so keep that in mind when anticipating any jet lag issues. You will need a passport when traveling to the Bahamas, so be sure to plan ahead.
You will be enchanted by the magic of the Bahamas from the moment you arrive on this island paradise. Pull up a beach lounger and enjoy the tropical breezes with a drink in hand.
Have you taken a Bahamas family vacation? Did you stay in a resort? Tell us your tips.
If you’re planning on traveling to the Bahamas anytime soon, try some of these activities!
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