THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS

Islands of the Bahamas

No one knows exactly how many islands there are in this group, but some guess around 700.  They cover over 100,000 square miles.  There are 3 main islands with Nassau on New Providence Island as the main gateway to all the Out Islands. 

Nassau’s main street is at the ship dock on Bay Street.  Filled with wonderful shopping and eateries.  Paradise Island lies across two bridges from the city.  This is the home of the famous Atlantis Resort.   The bridge across the top of the resort is one very large suite renting at over $25,000 and only accommodating 2 people.  It is booked for over 2 years out.  If you want in, you need to call me quickly!!!  This resort has the most magnificient walk-through aquariums and marine-life exhibits.    Next door to the Atlantis is the Cloister which resembles France’s Versailles Gardens.  Stroll through at your leisure.

Freeport is becoming the next hot destination.  Many new resorts, some all inclusives and new golf courses are here.  Undersea reefs are a diver’s dream.  The Lucayan National Park is a 100 acre preserve with amazing birds and the famous blue holes that bubble from from unknown depths.

Andros is the largest of the Islands with vast nearly empty spaces.  Freshwater creeks, dozens of lakes, swamps and miles of beaches beacon visitors.  One beach is 18 miles long with no buildings.  Find your little private space.   Fishing for bonefish is the biggest tourist draw.  Red Bays is legendary for it’s straw work and a batik factory is worth a visit.

Cat Island’s crescents of deserted beaches is a small bit of paradise.  The highest point is Mount Alvernia at 206 feet  with its crumbling stone sancturary.

Boaters and water lovers heat for the islands of  Abacos and Exuma.  Many restaurants have docks for tying up and exploring.

Eel-shaped Eleuthera is 100 miles long and a few yards wide at some points and has wonderful pink sand beaches.

Harbour Island the snorkeling and fishing are tops but it is the friendly islanders who are the draw.    Visit the 3 mile long pink sand beach.

Bimini is filled with Hemingway memorabilia.

Long Island is has miles of golden beaches and long stretches between resorts.  You might go for days without seeing another tourist.

Most major carriers have connections to Nassau where you can get connections by air or ferries to the outer islands.  Also there are cruise lines from Florida that operate service from Ft. Lauderdale.

Antigua & Barbuda – do everything or nothing

Located in the West Indies, Antigua is 108 Sq. Miles of low undulating hills with the highest point 1319 Ft. above sea level.   Barbuda is 28 miles northeast of Antigua with it’s highest peak at 125 Ft. above sea level.  Barbuda boasts of some of the best beaches in the world from the finest white to pink powdery. 

Antigua’s population is 70, 000 and Barbuda is 1500.  This will tell you where the action is and is not.  Getting there is easy with many carriers  connecting from other islands.  Taxis and rental cars are available.  Driving is on the left hand side.  Also, bicycles, mopeds and jeeps can be rented as well as guided tours.   Carib Aviation has 2 daily round trips from Antigua to Barbuda and Barbuda Ferry Service offers daily trips.

Antigua has a rich history starting at Nelson’s Dockyard which is part of a national park and is the only existing Georgian naval dockyard in the world.  Dating back to 1797 when the English Harbour was full of working frigates, sloops, schooners and cutters bring back memories of days gone bye

Today this island is still alive with boating enthusiasts.  April is the annual Sailing Week when over a 5 day period more than 1500 sailors compete in this high speed competition.  It also features the Classic Yacht Regatta and you will see the best in the world showing up. 

St. John’s  is a 21st century shopping area with the old and new from clothing to pendants.  Stop in Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine for a moment of peach as you note the wooden ceilings and gorgeous octagonal pulpit.

Many places to eat are scattered around the island.  Be sure to stop at Shirley Heights for Sunday afternoon barbecue with steel pan and reggae musicians and flowing rum punch will delight you.

All the traditional water activities are found on Antigua including swiming with the dolphins., turtle watching, bone fishing, horseback riding and herbal tours.

All inclusive resorts plus scores of other accommodations fit every need and budget.  If just relaxing by the pool or in an elegant resort is as active you you want to be, there are many to choose from.

For a totally private experience, visit Barbuda.  You may be the only one  on a beach of  this drowsy island.  Totally untouched by progress with the principal inhabitants being the graceful frigate birds.  Doesn’t that sand look tempting?

The Magical Caribbean

 

What do you think of when you want that perfect place to recharge? Warm, sunny, beautiful beaches, clear water, lots of activities, nightlife, quiet, active, and don’t forget romantic? There is something for everyone in the beautiful Caribbean.

Although the term “Caribbean” has come to mean all the way north to the Bahamas and all the way south to Aruba and from the East Coast of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea isn’t that spread out.

Come along as we talk about this region in general. In future posts we will talk about each island or island group separately.

Once a hang out for pirates, today it is home to some of the most beautiful all inclusive resorts in the world. In addition, there are a multitude of cottages, resorts, home rentals all the way from a hammock in a hut to a 5* resort.

First of all, how does one get there? Many major airlines provide easy connections through San Juan, Puerto Rico. Air Jamaica offers connections through Atlanta, BWI, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, LAX, Miami, Newark, JFK, Orlando and Philadelphia. Some of the major islands are easily reached from the Southern hubs of the US. The farther North in the US you are, the longer it may take. So, relax, you are on your way to Paradise.

Beaches: The softest, fluffiest white sand. Like powdered sugar. If white isn’t your color, maybe black sand or pink sand would fit you better. Some are so private you may be all alone. Others are busy with lots of water sports.

Each locale is very distinct that will appeal to a different set of travelers. With more than 36 full-fledged destinations to choose from, there is clearly one for you and your family. How about a hammock between 2 palm trees? How about that romantic remote beach where sunbathing is divine? How about lots of nightlife and culture? Bringing the family – there are places just for them? Activities such as golf, tennis, spas, hiking, sightseeing tours, scenic drives, great diving and snorkeling? It is all there, but not at all locations. You pick the activity, I’ll pick the island/resort.

Gourmet Food – it is everywhere. Fresh, innovative, fits every budget, and served in every imaginable location.

Do you have a yacht? How about renting a sail boat or yacht? Then you can go at your own pace and check out every nook and cranny. Be a pirate for a week or two and look for hidden treasure. Some has yet to be found.

Mainly you need to talk to a travel professional who can fit your wants to the right place. Call me and I will help you take that vacation of your dreams.

I’m Dreaming Part II

I HAVE A DREAM VACATION.  HOW DO I MAKE IT HAPPEN?  Part 2

 

 

WHERE??

 

Get a nice big map of the world.  Try to visualize the distances you are considering.  If this is a new destination for you, make a plan to take small bites, thinking you may not come back again.  Then do a thorough tour of the area.  Or do you just want “notches in your belt” for having stopped in a city or destination and the sites are not important, in which case you can go as far as your time and money permits.

 

v     Family trip?  Consider the ages and how much information they can handle.  A vacation at a beach is easier on younger people than a tour of a country.

v     Group trip?  Church, organization or club trip needing a tour bus and guide.

v     Couple trip?  Sun, sand and surf or skiing.

v     Heritage research?  Where are your ancestors from and how did they come to your country?

 

HOW??

 

Whether you think so or not, you DO need some professional assistance.  Even the simplest of trips need someone who knows and understands the travel process.  Without a travel professional, you are on your own and that can be very expensive and uncomfortable.  When you reach a destination, how do you plan to tour it?  Have you read up on the history and know what you will be looking at?  Going to a foreign place gives you a chance to learn about this history of the people and places.  A tour guide for a day or for the whole trip is worth every penny.  You can find them at Information Offices all over the world.  Some cities/countries require special documentation for visiting. 

 

v     Are you backpacking?  You probably need an airline ticket and perhaps a hotel for the first and last night.  Maybe you need a train ticket and some tips on the countries or cities you want to visit. 

v     Group tour?  This is so comfortable and a great way to learn a lot.  No worries about what hotel or what restaurant.  Someone to hold your hand from start to finish

v     On Your Own?  You may need a car rental, train ticket, a tour guide for 1 hour or 1 day.  Maybe knowledge about driving in certain areas and what kind of license or insurance is needed.

 

Your own research is part of the adventure.  A travel professional may have been there, done that, but that person doesn’t have the very same likes and dislikes you do.  Give us some ideas and we can fill in the blanks.