Year after year, as key players in the travel industry put out their top ten lists of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, there’s one country that always makes an appearance: The Bahamas. What’s not to love? White sand beaches, brilliant sunshine and rolling white-capped waves. But it’s so much more than just a tropical getaway. Whether you’ve got your trip to The Bahamas already lined up, or you’re just curious about all it has to offer, we’ve got everything you need to know.
Traveling to The Bahamas from the US
If you’re traveling to The Bahamas from the United States, there are a few key things to keep in mind. If you need more information to prepare for your getaway, we’ve got you covered.
Do you need a passport to travel to The Bahamas?
Yes, you’ll need a valid passport to enter the country. As a general rule, make sure that the expiration date of your passport is further than six months away from your scheduled return date. Some countries will not admit you if your passport has an expiration date too close to your return date.
Do you need a visa for The Bahamas?
Visa requirements will vary depending on your home country. It’s advised to research your country’s requirements for additional information on whether or not a visa is required for your travels to The Bahamas.
Do you need travel insurance for The Bahamas?
Travel insurance is no longer a mandatory requirement for visitors to The Bahamas. However, it is always recommended to secure a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan when traveling abroad to ensure that you’ll be protected in the event of an unexpected illness or injury during your trip.
Does US health insurance work in The Bahamas?
Typically, most US health insurance plans only cover for treatment received domestically and do not cover care received while overseas. A travel insurance plan can help fill this gap and provide coverage where your US health insurance plan doesn’t.
Does my health insurance cover me when I travel internationally?
Whether or not you’ll be covered by your health insurance plan while traveling internationally will depend on the health insurance plan that you have in your home country. Some may offer limited coverage for international treatment. However, most domestic health insurance plans do not offer coverage internationally.
Finding Flights to The Bahamas
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of flights to The Bahamas. Here are a few tips to help you find the best deals and the best flights.
- Start your research early and be thorough. When you’re looking for flights anywhere, you’ll want to make sure you do your research thoroughly and well in advance. This is even more crucial to do for a tourist hot spot like The Bahamas. Look at flight comparison sites and don’t just go for the cheapest deal right away.
- Look for bundles and all-inclusive trips to The Bahamas. Since The Bahamas is such a popular destination, it’s highly likely that you can find a great deal that includes airfare and resort stay in one package. These usually are great ways to save money.
- Book early morning flights. This will greatly reduce the chances of a delayed or canceled flight.
- Schedule your trip to The Bahamas during the off season. Between spring and late fall, The Bahamas generally experiences a drop in tourism, as most of the region is fairly warm during this time frame. But that may just make it the perfect time to score the most affordable flights.
- Book nonstop flights if you can. Depending on where you live, you might be able to get a nonstop flight to The Bahamas. This is your best bet. You don’t want to have to deal with the stress of making connecting flights unless you absolutely have to.
Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Can Help
Trip Insurance Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage can help protect you if you book your travels to The Bahamas but ultimately can no longer go. Travel insurance with Cancel for Any Reason coverage will allow you to be able to recoup some of your eligible, prepaid nonrefundable travel expenses and rebook your trip to The Bahamas at a later date.
What to Know About All-Inclusive Hotels in The Bahamas
So, you’ve just booked an all-inclusive trip to The Bahamas! You’ve got your passport, bought some new beachwear and are on your way. While your hotel may have been part of that all-inclusive bundle, here are a few things to keep in mind when booking your stay at one of the many hotels in the country.
- Know what ‘all-inclusive’ really means. While there are many ‘all-inclusive’ resorts throughout the islands it might mean something different depending on where you stay. In general, a truly all-inclusive resort will include the room, unlimited snacks, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks which is usually paid for when booking your room. Remember, that’s just a general expectation. Before you book, call your desired resort to confirm what ‘all-inclusive’ means to them.
- Not all hotels in The Bahamas are in ideal locales. Your hotel may promise ocean views but it may only deliver a parking lot, apartment buildings and a tiny swatch of blue off in the horizon. Think about whether you want to be steps away from a blanket of pink sand and beach vibes or if you want to have a more live-like-a-local experience.
- Yes, you should tip, even at an all-inclusive resort. You’ll want to tip everyone from the cabbie that drives you from the airport to the hotel, to the porter that carries your bags to the maid who cleans your room. Check out Foders for more specific tipping guidelines for The Bahamas.
- If you require accessibility accommodations, call ahead. Make sure that your hotel has everything you need. If you use a wheelchair, make sure the halls and doorways are wide enough and that ramps and elevators are available where you need them. Many hotel online reviews will include information on how accessible the reviewers found their hotels to be.
Activities to Do in The Bahamas
There are many reasons why The Bahamas routinely makes the annual top ten lists. Most tourists tend to just focus on one: The Bahamas has some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see in your life. But what if sunbathing and scuba diving aren’t your things? You’re in luck. The Bahamas has a lot to offer beyond its beaches. Here’s just some of the other cool things to do in The Bahamas.
- Take a walking tour. Although the country only achieved independence in the early 1970s, it was first inhabited hundreds of years ago. A walking tour of Nassau or Freemont, for instance, can give you a sense of history and culture that shaped the country you’re privileged to be vacationing in today.
- Take a food tour. These islands have some of the best food you’ll ever have. From fire engine (a corned beef breakfast dish served with vegetables and rice) in the morning to conch (snail meat and The Bahamas national dish) in the evening, The Bahama’s isn’t just paradise, it’s a food-lovers paradise.
- Explore Clifton Heritage National Park. If you’re feeling like a good hike, this is the perfect place for it. From diverse trails to amazing views there’s something for hikers of every ability.
- Take in the sights and scents at the Versailles Gardens. Though it’s not quite as grand as its French namesake, this garden has some of the most unbelievably beautiful flowers on earth. Treat yourself to a visual and olfactory spectacle you won’t soon forget.
- Enjoy the view from the Glass Window Bridge. The Bahamian island of Eleuthera is popularly known as the narrowest place on Earth. Before a hurricane destroyed it in 2014, the Glass Window Bridge was a narrow stretch of rock, where you could view the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in one panoramic sweep. After its destruction, this natural wonder was rebuilt and still provides visitors the same awe-inspiring view.
Get Trip Insurance for Your Tropical Vacation
Whether you plan on scuba diving through The Bahamas’ vast network of underwater caves, lounging on of the country’s 700 islands and cays, or feel like exploring Nassau, trip insurance from VisitorsCoverage can help get you there.
Not only can trip insurance protect American travelers against the financial fallout associated with things like canceled or delayed flights, missed connections or baggage loss but also its Sickness & Accident benefit may cover you for urgent medical care up to $500,000 needed while you’re abroad.
Try out our trip insurance quote generator. Have questions? Our Customer Success Team of licensed travel insurance agents are ready to help.
