Before start tour to Caribbean Island Bahamas country first, we know little about it.
The Bahamas is a coral-based archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Its 700-plus islands and cays range from uninhabited to packed with resorts.
The northernmost, Grand Bahama, and Paradise Island, home to many large-scale hotels, are among the best known. Scuba diving and snorkeling sites include the massive Andros Barrier Reef, Thunderball Grotto (used in James Bond films) and the black-coral gardens off Bimini.
The Bahamas known officially as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is a country within the Lucayan Archipelago.
| Capital City: | Nassau |
| Largest city | Nassau |
| Official language | English |
| Currency | Bahamian dollar (BSD), (US dollars widely accepted) |
| Driving side | Left |
Calling code |
+1 242 |
| Area Total |
13,878 km2 (5,358 sq mi) (155th biggest country in world) |
| Independence | 10 July 1973 ( Independence from the United Kingdom ) |
| population | 10.7 million people. (1.7 crores=107 lakhs) |
| Ethnic groups | 92.7% African, 4.7% European, 2.1% Mixed, 1.9% Other |
Interesting Facts:
- The island’s best-known seafood is Conch.
- The Bahamas is right on the edge of the infamous Bermuda Triangle.
- While the country drives on the left, you can surprisingly find some cars with steering on the left side while some with steering on the right side.
- The island was an established site for drug trafficking in the 1980s. Almost 90% of cocaine is reported to be entering the United States via the Bahamas.
- The Bahamas has the world’s third-largest registry of ships.
- There is no income or sales tax for Bahamas residents. Majority of the government revenue comes from tariffs and import fees.
- Tourism makes about 40-45% of the nation’s economy. It has excellent beaches, flora, fauna and many recreational and resorts facilities.
- Gambling is made legal for non-Bahamians visiting the Bahamas.
Weather & when to go
Summers in the Bahamas can be warm and rainy, with daytime temperatures reaching about 95 degrees. Hurricane season lasts from July to October. Although the beaches are most crowded, the best time to go is during the high season, which runs from November to mid-April, making it a great spot for spring break.
Key Festivals & Religious Ceremonies
New Year’s Day (January 1st): Junkanoo parades take place in most islands.
Majority Rule Day (January 10th): Majority Rule Day became a public holiday in 2014. It commemorates The Bahamas gaining majority rule for the first time on January 10, 1967, symbolizing the promise of equality, a level playing field, and fair play for all Bahamians.
Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday): This religious holiday marks the end of the Lenten season and is the first day of a long holiday weekend which includes the following Monday after Easter Sunday. On this holy day, most Bahamians attend church services and serve fish as their main meal of the day.
Easter Monday (Monday after Easter Sunday): This holiday marks the beginning of the beach picnicking season for Bahamians. There are also many cookouts in public parks on the Nassau waterfront; homecomings and regattas are held in some Out Islands.
Whit Monday (Seventh Monday after Easter): This holiday marks the end of the Easter cycle and the beginning of public witness of the Christian church. It is Monday after Whit Sunday, The Feast of Pentecost, which comes 50 days after Easter.
Bahamas Independence Day (July 10th): This holiday commemorates the day when The Bahamas became a fully independent nation in 1973, separating from the United Kingdom. However, we remain a member of The Commonwealth of Nations.
How to plan your journey? Tips for beginners…
Find the best package of travel from a Company / Agency, They deal with everything like flights, hotels, transportation, food. it will be costly, but the secure journey. OR
Do plan yourself – For cheap flight tickets book early 3 months before the journey and return ticket, then book a hotel, then apply for a visa as a Tourist.
Currency exchange: You must have a visiting country currency in hand after you have obtained the visa. In airports, there are currency exchange counters, but large commissions are taken. In your country, it is best to get currency. You first know your bank limitations and your fees for use in foreign countries when planning the use of Credit Debit cards.
Safe to visit?
Violent crime tends to happen most in Nassau’s “Over The Hill” neighborhoods, a place where tourists have no business going. The Freeport section of GrandBahama also attracts its fair share of crime. The outer Family or Out Islands, such as Bimini and Abaco, of the Bahamas, have far less crime than New Providence.
Exercise caution in the area known as “Over the Hill” (south of Shirley Street) and the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay in Nassau, especially at night. Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Places to visit and Things to do in
Bahamas :
How to get a Visa?
All passengers crossing international boundaries are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents and complying with international government travel requirements.
Flights
The least expensive flight season to the Dominican Republic, mid- April to mid- December. The only book from the official aviation sites for good offers.
Below we Listed popular Airlines That Flies To the Dominican Republic.
www.caribbean-airlines.com (Caribbean Airlines), American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Condor Airlines, Continental Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, Northwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines(low cost), United Airlines, US Airways, TimAir Limited.
Extra baggage
These are general information on luggage, there is a difference from one airline to other, pre-plan your luggage requirements and book with your journey tickets. charges charged per bag depending on route and travel class.
Flight or Travel protection / Insurgence:
How Much It Costs:
Travel insurance can be obtained directly from several sources: from the airline or cruise carrier, an independent travel insurance firm, sometimes your credit card. Travel insurance generally costs about 5% of the total trip.
What Travel Insurance Covers: Travel insurances are intended to protect you against unforeseen misfortunes such as the cancelation of your flight due to the severe weather or the loss or robbery of your baggage.
There are 4 types of coverage included in travel insurance:
Cancelation and interruption of journey insurance coverage of luggage and personal good medical emergency coverageDeath or dismemberment insurance by accident.
Budget Travel: Tips For A Cheap Vacation:
Follow these four Tight Budget Planning rules – 1. Early Plan, 2. Off-peak travel, 3. book a flight before 20 days and by searching nearby airports and cities, 4. Remember to buy things for yourself and book hotels away from the beach.
What is the cheapest month to go to the Bahamas? High season is considered to be July and August. The cheapest month to fly to The Bahamas in September.
Bahamas Emergency Numbers:
Bahamas Nightlife, Bars, Clubs, Drinks
When the sun goes down, Bahamas comes alive. With reggae beats, live music and dancing on the beach ‘til dawn, join us in swaying to the rhythm.
Bahamas Casino and Gaming Destinations:
More External links for Bahamas Country Information
| More info of this country in Wikipedia page | Wiki page |
| Pinterest pinned Photos of Bahamas | Pinterest page |
| Twitter hashtag #Bahamas | Twitter hashtag |
| Instagram Photos and videos | Instagram profile |
| Google Images of Bahamas | Google Images |
| Official Websites for Jamaica Tourism info |
