What Makes The Bahamas Unique?

Travelling Tips For The Bahamas

While the Bahamas are friendly to members of the United States and other nations, they too have their own rules and regulations when entering, staying in, and exiting their country. The following travel trips should help you have a safe and enjoyable vacation.

The first thing every visitor to the Bahamas should do is make sure they have a valid passport or other legal document in order to enter the country. It used to be that American citizens could enter with a simple identification issued in the States, but after 9/11, security around the world tightened and travel papers has become an important part of the international war on terrorism. Some countries require other documentation, so you should check with your travel agent if you are not an American citizen.

When travelling across the islands, from the airport to your hotel and back, look for a decal on the taxicabs and other public conveyances that says ‘Bahamahost’. This is a tourism program that was started by the Ministry of Tourism in 1978 that trains and employs natives in the hospitality fields. This ensures that all of the visitors are given professional treatments, accurate information on everything that has to do with the country, and shows some patriotic pride.

The climate of the islands stays very consistent with the summer being slightly more humid. The best travel time is between September and May, where the temperature is usually right around seventy to seventy-five degrees. It is recommended that you pack casual summer clothing as well as light weight jacket. Going out on a boat or in the evening can be a bit cool. In addition, make sure you pack some form or robe or beach wrap as law requires bathing suites to be covered when away from the pool or beach.

If you prefer to drive while visiting the Bahamas, you will need to remember that this was once a holding of Great Britain and they drive on the left hand side of the road. Tourists can use their own driver’s licenses to rent and drive with up to a maximum of three months on the islands, or they can apply for an international driver’s license, which is especially handy if you know you will be doing more travelling overseas. Pedestrians need to remember to look to the right first before they cross the street instead of the left.

Furry family members can accompany you on your vacation as long as you have all the proper paperwork in place. You will need an import permit which can be obtained after applying for one in writing. Information in the application must include the kind of animal, breed, age, sex, and country of origin. There is $10.00 processing fee unless the animal you are trying to bring in is a service animal, such as a seeing eye dog. The fee is wavered for them.

Other things to remember when leaving the Bahamas include claiming your duty-free items, and making sure you can cover any custom fees for gifts and other possessions. And of course the biggest tip that can be given: have an enjoyable vacation while you are in the Bahamas.

About the Author

Damon Lindner is the author of this article on Cheap Spring Break Trips. Find more information about All Inclusive Spring Break here.