Jamaica (juh-MAY-kuh)

Jamaica Flag

Why visit Jamaica?

Offers miles of coastline white sand beaches, caves, hiking, horseback riding, mountains, river rafting, scuba diving, reggae and snorkeling. Rich in history, stunning landscapes and influential culture. Well known for all-inclusive resorts, honeymoon and wedding destination.

Emancipation Park, Kingston, Jamaica. Photo Credit: Graka M/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Art, coffee, embroidery goods, fabrics, gemstone jewelry, leather goods, mahogany goods, musical instruments, reggae music, rum, shells, spices, and woven straw baskets.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bammy (flatbread). Bulla Cake (molasses cake). Callaloo (vegetable dish). Escoveitch (fish). Gungo (soup). Janga (soup). Jerk Spiced Meats.
• Local Drink to Try: Pimento dram (liqueur). Tia Maria (liqueur). Real Rock (beer). Red Stripe (beer). Sangster's (rum cream). Tia Maria (liqueur). Ting (soft drink).

Photo Credit: morrisync/Pixabay 

History

• In 1494 Christopher Columbus claimed the island for Spain.
• In 1655, English took control of the island after many battles with Spain (since 1660).
• In 1782, the first mango plants were introduced to Jamaica after being captured on the high seas on their way from India to the West Indies by Lord Rodney's ship H.M.S. Flora.
• In 1807, slavery was abolished.
• In 1871, United Fruit Company was established by Yankee Skipper, Lorenzo Baker.
• In 1946, actor Errol Flynn purchased hundreds of farmland acres.
• In 1962, they won full independence from Great Britain.

Photo Credit: 12510kid/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Tourism is the largest island industry.
• A leader in sugar exporting.
• Highest point, Blue Mountain Peak (7,402 feet).
• The third largest island of the Greater Antilles.
• Many Jamaicans are "Ras Tafari", a religious and political movement known for dreadlocks, reggae music, vegetarianism and belief ganja (marijuana) is sacred.
• Much of the island is capped by limestone.
• Gasoline is expensive.
• Doctor's Cave Beach earned it's name after a physician donated his beach property to form a Swim Club.
• Goldeneye is the former residence of Ian Fleming. While you may not recognize his name, you will know his accomplishment; the creator of James Bond.
• Firely former home to British author and actor, Noel Coward. Famous guests like Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother and Winston Churchill have stayed there.
• Movies which may inspire your visit: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Blue Lagoon, Clara's Heart (featuring Whoopi Goldberg and Neil Patrick Harris) filmed at Trident Villas (1988), Cocktail, Cool Runnings (1993), Dr. No, Island in the Sun, (1990) Live and Let Die, Lord of the Flies in Frenchman's Cove, Mighty Quinn, Return to Treasure Island, The Black Swan (1942), The Harder They Come (1972), The Mighty Quinn (1989) and Wide Sargasso Sea.
• Books to read: Book of Famaica (written by Russell Banks 1996), Captain Blood (written by Rafael Sabatini 1996), How Stella Got Her Groove Back (written by Terry McMillan 1996), Wide Sargasso Sea (written by Jean Rhys 1992).
• Harry Belafonte, singer of Banana Boat Song (Day-O) is said to be inspired by the chants of men and women as they loaded bananas onto boats at Boundbrook Wharf in Port Antonio.
  
• Cinnamon Hill, (North Coast Highway near Greenwood) was the home of country singer, Johnny Cash.
• Listed in Guinness World Records as having more churches per square mile/kilometer than any other country. 
  
• National motto, "Out of Many, One People" reflects the island's rich and diverse heritage.
  

Negril, Jamaica. Photo Credit: ScalexCZ/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Accompong Maroon Festival, Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Sprint Triathlon, (February) Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Bob Marley Week, Reggae Summerfest, (March) ISSA Boys & Girls Championships, Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival, Kiteboard World Cup, March Spring Break, (April) Carnival, Cycle Jamaica Runaway Bay, Montego Bay Yacht Club's Easter Regatta, Treasure Beach Off Road Triathlon, (May) Calabash International Literary Festival, StyleWeek Jamaica & Fashion Block, (June) Caribbean Fashion Week, Kingston on the Edge Urban Art Festival (KOTE), Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, (July) Little Ochi Seafood Carnival, National Dance Theatre Company's Season of Dance, Reggae Sumfest, (August) Absolute Temptation Isle, National Independence Float Parade & Grand Gala, Red Stripe Dream Weekend, (September) Falmouth Blue Marlin Tournament, (October) Port Antonio International Fishing Tournament, and (December) Motor Sports Championship Series.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Emancipation Day, Jamaican Independence Day, Heroes' Day, Christmas, and Boxing Day.

Black River, Jamaica. Photo Credit: Fitzroy Chedda/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Annual Events: Accompong Maroon Festival, Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival (January), Carnival, Celebrating Bob Marley Festival (February), Oco Rios Jazz Festival (June) and Raggae SumFest (August).
• "Sleeping Policemen" are referred by locals but best known to travelers as speed bumps.
  
• Unless you're a member of the military, do not wear camouflage clothing; it's illegal!
  
• Given their manta "no problem, mon" do be mindful you're on island time.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
• Avoid public buses.
• Strictly forbids importing or possessing firearms.
• Carrying knives, mace, and/or pepper spray without authorization will lead to arrest.
• Homosexuality is forbidden and punishable of up to 10 years in prison. 
• Medical care is limited and does not meet our Western standards.
• EpiPens are not available anywhere on the island.
• Prevalent Diseases: Dengue & AIDS/HIV.
• Seat belts are mandatory.

Hurricane Season is June - November.

• Coolest Season: January
• Humid & Hottest: June
• Peak Season: Mid December – Mid April
  
• Rainy Season: May - June and September - November
• Shoulder Season: Early November - December and Mid April

Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Photo Credit: neufal54/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

Historical Sites: Devon House, Port Charles, Port Royal and Rose Hall Great House.

Museums: Archaeological Museum, Bob Marley Museum, Hanover Museum, National Museum Jamaica, Natural History Museum of Jamaica, People's Museum of Craft & Technology, Peter Rosh Museum, Reggae Walk of Fame & Museum, Trench Town Culture Yard Museum and Turtle Museum. 

Popular Attractions: Blue Mountains, Doctor's Cave Bathing Club, Dolphin Cove Ochos Rios, Dunn's River Falls, Green Grotto Caves, Hope Botanical Gardens, Jamaica House, Martha Brae River, Montego Bay, King's House, Mayfield Falls, Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Rick's Cafe, Rose Hall Plantation, Royal Navy Hospital, Seven Mile Beach, Shaw Park Gardens, Treasure Beach, Treasure Hunt Gaming and YS Falls.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Photo Credit:  Ivan Zalazar/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Turks & Caico Islands (KAY-kos)

Turks & Caico Islands Flag

Why visit Turks & Caicos?

For their bird sanctuaries, conch, coral reefs, crystal blue waters, deep-sea fishing, golf, scuba diving, sea kayaking, relaxation, shopping, snorkeling, solitude, whale watching, and white-sand beaches.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Camera, conch pearls, electronics, fine porcelain, grass goods, jewelry, local handicrafts, native straw goods, sculptures, shells, and silk paintings.

History

• In 1492, sighted by Christopher Columbus but not recorded until 1512 by Ponce de Leon.
• In 1962, astronaut John Glenn's Friendship 7 Mercury spacecraft landed along the shorelines of Grand Turk.
• In 1673, Balfour Town was established as a salt trade.
• In 1964, the Salt Production industry ceased.
• In 1992, the government set aside protected areas, land and sea areas for: turtle breeding, seabird sanctuaries and wetlands.

Photo Credit: Derek Oyen/Pixabay

Fun Facts

• The name derives from early Settlers who thought the islands' flowering cactus resembled the red fez worn by Turkish men and string of islands, cayos in Spanish.
• Consist of 40 islands, islets and cays. Although, only eight of the islands are inhabitable: Grand Turk, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Parrot Cay, Pine Cay, Providenciales (aka: Provo), Salt Cay and South Caicos.
  
• Caicos is the larger and Turks smaller island.
• Geographically, contiguous of The Bahamas however politically separated.
• Hosts the world's third largest coral reef.
• Evaporated of seawater Salt Cay is known for their natural salt resource.
• The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) has ranked the islands among the Top 5 Most Popular Scuba Destinations.
• Features the world's only conch farm.
• Locals refer to themselves as "Belongers".
  
• Their music is often referred as "Rake 'n' Scrape" (aka: Ripsaw). Which requires a metal scraper or nail being raked over a handsaw's teeth as the blade is bent. 
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Valentine’s Day Cup, (March) Wine Cellar Golf & Fishing Tournament, (April) Kite Flying Competition, (May) Big South Regatta, Caicos Classic Annual Release Tournament, Conch Festival, (July) Caribbean House Evolution Music Festival, (November) Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, Conch Festival, and (December) Maskanoo.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Commonwealth Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, National Heroes' Day, Monarchs Official Birthday, Emancipation Day, National Youth Day, National Heritage Day, National Day of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Boxing Day.

Good to Know

• Salt Cay between January - March is ideal for diving and whale watching.
• Parrot Cay & Pine Cay, features an 800 acre private resort.
• You may enjoy reading, The Turks & Caicos Guide: A Cruising Guide to the Islands by Stephen Pavlidis, World Atlas of Coral Reefs or Reef Fish Identification written by Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach.
• You could be inspired after watching, Extraordinary People (Documentary) or Bahama Passage (1941).
• The climate is hot and dry.
  
• "Blue Holes" are briny pools and pocked by sinkholes on the island.
  
• Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas.
• Avoid evening exploration.
• Does not always have a Pathologist available for autopsies, which tends to cause delays. 
• Traffic drives on the left.
• Seatbelts are mandatory.
• Has no public transportation.
• Do not purchase black coral or sea turtle goods.

  Hurricane Season is  from June - November, their encounter usually occurs towards the end of August - September.

• Coolest Season: December - February
• Hottest: July - September 
• Peak Season: Mid December - April
  
• Shoulder Season: April - May

Your Must-See & Do

• Museums: Turks & Caicos National Museum (Grand Turk) and National Environmental Centre (Providenciales).
• Popular Attractions: Caicos Conch Farm ((Providenciales), Cheshire Hall Plantation (Providenciales), Cockburn Town (Grand Turk), Conch Bar Cave System (Middle Caicos), Governor's House (Grand Turk), Grace Bay Beach (Providenciales), St Thomas Church (Grand Turk) and Wades Green (North Caicos). 

Photo Credit: kbmars/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.  

Bermuda (Ber-MYOO-duh)

Bermuda Flag

Why visit Bermuda?

For their rosy beaches, cricket, deep-sea fishing, golf, nature preserves, sailing, snorkeling, tennis, scuba diving, relaxation, shopping and snorkeling.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Bermuda Gold (liqueur), fish chowder, Gosling's Bermuda (rum), rum cakes, sherry pepper sauce, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Codfish Breakfast, Codfish Cake, Fish Chowder, Fish Sandwich, Glasseye Snapper, Spiny Lobster, Rockfish, and Yellowfin Tuna.
• Local Drink to Try: Dark 'n' Stormy (cocktail). Royal Yacht Club (cocktail). Rum Swizzle (national).

History

• Found in 1511 by Juan de Bermudez the island was referred as "Isles of Devils" because of their rocks, reefs, and shoals surrounding them. 
• The island was used by Spanish and Portuguese ships as a stop for supplies. Not until 1609, did the first refuge take place onboard, "Sea Venture".
• Bermudians prospered as shipbuilders, merchants, and privateers during the American Civil War.
• In 1937, Imperial Airways and Pan American World Airways began scheduling flying-boat services from New York and Baltimore.
• During World War 11, the US Military was located in Bermuda further igniting their travel and tourism in the 1960-1970s.

Photo Credit: Larry White/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Land consists of 181 small islands, the largest of which are connected by bridges and causeways, 20 which are inhabited. Located in the Atlantic, not the Caribbean.
• "Bermuda Triangle", a region of sea according to legends a number of planes and ships disappeared in unexplained or mysterious circumstances.
• There are no rivers or springs.
• Regardless of their small size, they have more than 125 churches.
• Police, Mail Carriers and Business Local wear Bermuda shorts. Ideally, inches above the knee and with long socks turned just below the knee.
• The Princess Hotel in Hamilton opening was inspired following the winter of 1883 upon Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria flee of frigid Canada to a warmer climate governed by her husband.
• Elbow Beach, south shore has been a popular location for over 100 years; said to have a gentle curve similar to a human elbow.
• Popular Island sports: cricket, rugby football and tennis.
• Associated with the biennial event, The Newport to Bermuda Sailing Race which begins in Newport, Rhode Island and finishes at St David's Head, Bermuda with a large party at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
• Calendar of Events: Bermuda Day (May) boasts parades, Queen's Birthday (June), Cup Match (July), Somers Day (August) and The PGA Grand Slam of Golf (October), Boxing Day (December).
• FKC franchise in Hamilton is the only fast-food franchise on the island.
• The title of John Lennon's Double Fantasy album was inspired by the name of a flower he saw in the Bermuda Botanical Gardens. Other gestures include: Bermuda's Story by Island Historian, Terry Tucker; Verdmont: The Story of a House by Diana Chudleigh; Mark Twain in Paradise-His Voyages to Bermuda by Donald Hoffman and 1977 underwater thriller The Deep based on Peter Benchley's novel.
  
• Serves as the global base of operation for Jardine Matheson and the headquarters for Bacardi.
  
• Popular rosy beaches contain two key ingredients; the pink from tiny Foraminifera, which cling to the reefs while alive and color the sands after death and secondly from crystalline quartz, the nonnative mineral transported in the guts of migrating birds.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge Weekend Festival of the Performing Arts, Restaurant Week, Marathon Weekend, Spa Month, (March) Bermuda International Rugby 7s, International Film Festival, Triple Challenge, (April) Agricultural Exhibition, Black Golfers Week, Dive Month, Find Your Flippers, International Race Week, Kite Flying, Peppercorn Ceremony, (May) Antigua Bermuda Race, Convex End to End, Harbour Nights,  USATF Bermuda Grand Prix, (June) Carnival, Heroes Weekend, Marion-to-Bermuda Race, Newport–Bermuda Race, (July) Triple Crown Billfish Championship, (August) Bermuda Pride, Cup Match, (September) Sand Sculpture Competition, St George's Seafood Festival, Swizzle Festival, (October) City Food Festival, Round the Sound, International Gombey Festival, Taste of Bermuda, (November) Butterfield Bermuda Championship,  World Rugby Classic, (December) Christmas Boat Parade, Goodwill Tournament, and National Trust Christmas Walkabout.
• Holidays: New Years Day, Good Friday, Bermuda Day, National Heroes' Day,  Emancipation Day, Labour Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas & Boxing Day.

Good to Know

• Seasons are reversed from the typical Caribbean Islands.
• Visitors are not permitted to rent cars, only motor scooters. Small cars are only permitted by Residents, one per household. Therefore, their public transportation and taxis are extensive. Ferries are also a bus system supplement.
• The Bermuda Railway Trail runs the length of the Island and is perfect for pedal bikes.
  
• Beaches are found in bays, coves and small strips, rather than stretching for miles along the shore. Waves can be rough except where beaches are sheltered by reefs and coves.
• While Shipwrecks are plentiful, only Certified Divers can explore them via organized and guided dives.
• The Moongate, a decorative circle symbolizes unity, peace, happiness and brings "Good Luck" to couples passing through it.
• Retains British Customs: English Pubs, Afternoon Tea, and Conservative Dress.
• There are no nude beaches or semi-nude beaches. Bare feet is not acceptable.
• Local specialty: fish chowder, shark hash and sweet potato pudding.
• A culture of Native American, African, and European descent.

Photo Credit: Larry White/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 12 months.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

                                                                       

                                                                     Hurricane Season is from June to November.

• Coolest Season: December - March
• Humid & Hottest: June - August
• Peak Season: May - October
  
• Shoulder Season: October - mid-November

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Birdcage, Bridge House, Cabinet Building, City Hall, Crystal & Fantasy Caves, Fort Hamilton, Fort Scaur, Fort St Catherine, Gibb's Hill Lighthouse, Old State House, Perot Post Office, Royal Naval Dockyard, Sessions House, St David's Battery, St David's Lighthouse, Town Hall and Tucker House.
• Museums: Bermuda Historical Society Museum, Bermuda National Gallery, Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Carter House Museum, Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, National Museum of Bermuda, St. George's Historical Society Museum Printery and Garden and Verdmont Museum.
• Popular Attractions: Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo, Bermuda Botanical Gardens, Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Dolphin Quest Bermuda, Queen Elizabeth Park, Somers Garden, St Peter's Church and Walsingham Nature Reserve.  

Photo Credit: Arvid Olson/Pixabay

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                       All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.  

The Bahamas (buh-HAH-muhz)

Bahamas Flag

Why visit The Bahamas?

Beautiful blue and turquoise ocean waters, casino gambling, diving, golf, fishing tournaments, island seclusion, kayaking, luxury, nightlife, rustling palms, sailing, sandy beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling and tropical sun.

Most travelers visit Freeport, Grand Bahama Island and Nassau/Paradise Island, New Providence. Needless to mention, each island offer it's own unique charm.

Photo Credit: richardrohl2/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Jewelry, leather goods, linens, liquor, perfume, and woven goods. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Johnnycake (corn bread). Mollusk (sea snail).
• Local Drink to Try: Goombay Punch (soft drink). Kalik (beer). Nassau Royale (liqueur). Planter's Punch (cocktail). Sky Juice (cocktail). Switcha (lemonade).

Nassau, Bahamas. Photo Credit: neverzola/Pixabay 

History

• An estimated 30,000 Lucayans lived on the islands at the time of Christopher Columbus' arrival on October 12, 1492.
• George Washington called The Bahamas "Isles of Perpetual June", today known as "Isles of June".
• In 1648, Eleutherian Adventurers migrated from Bermuda. The English Puritans sought freedom and survived on "Eleuthera" salvaging goods from shipwrecks.
• During the 18th Century, Nassau was a Pirate Refuge.
• In 1718, Britain made the Bahamas a crown colony under the governorship of former privateer Woodes Rogers.
• In 1807, the British abolished slavery. Before then, approximately 40 cotton plantations existed to employ 1,200 slaves.
• In 1920, the island was a hub for Rumrunners Smugglers.

Photo Credit: Forest Simon

Fun Facts

• Consists of around 700 islands and more than 2000 Atlantic Ocean islets.
• The name Bahamas derives from Spanish "baja mar", which means "shallow sea".
  
• On 7/10/73 they gained their Independence from Great Britain but remained a Member of the British Commonwealth. 
• The country's highest point (207 feet) is Mount Alvernia on Cat Island.
• The Bahamas is one of three countries to officially use the word "The".
• In 1907, "Cable Beach" was born after the transatlantic cable was laid under the sea connecting Nassau to Jupiter, Florida.
• "Lyford Cay", is a private gated community northwest of New Providence known to be home to celebrities and the wealthiest people.
• In 1998, the popular mega-resort Atlantis opened.
• More than 1,000 wrecks are thought to lie on the ocean floor from the great era of gold-transporting sailing ships.
• The Abacos is known to have more boat mooring points than hotel rooms.
• Eleuthera boasts some of the world's sweetest pineapples.
• Andros Barrier Reef is the world's sixth longest.
• According to local lore, there are two mythical creatures on Andros. Lucas, half-octopus, half shark a gigantic who swallows vessels in their entirety, and Chickcharney, a feathered three feet tall with one eye and three-toed claws.
• You may enjoy reading, The Old Man and the Sea and Islands in the Stream, written by Ernest Hemingway.
  
• You may be inspired by movie scenes such as James Bond in For Your Eyes Only, The Spy Who Loved Me, Thunderball, and Never Say Never Again, or the diamond thieves After the Sunset (2004).
• The famous "swimming pigs" reside on Big Major Cay. They were rumored to have been left by Sailors who never returned for them after their shipwreck.

Exuma, Bahamas. Photo Credit: Yolanda Rolle/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Junkanoo, New Year's Day Sailing Regatta, (February) Mid-Winter Wahoo, Farmer's Cay Festival, (March) Bacardi Billfish Tournament, Sea Level Music & Arts Festival, (April) Bahamas Family Island Regatta, Bahamas Billfish Championship, Bahamas White Marlin Open, Tortuga Music Festival, (May) Long Island Regatta, (June) Bahamas Summer Boating Fling, Eleuthera Pineapple Festival, (July) Annual Racing Time, Independence Week, (August) Cat Island Regatta, (September) All Abaco Sailing Regatta, (October) Great Bahamas Seafood & Heritage Festival, North Eleuthera Sailing Regatta, (November) Annual One Bahamas Music & Heritage Festival, and Bimini Big Game Fishing Club All Wahoo Tournament.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Majority Rule Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Labour Day, Independence Day of Bahamas, Emancipation Day, National Heroes Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Photo Credit: Ralph Häusler/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• ​On some islands, a car rental may actually be a golf cart.​
  
• Freeport is the island's city and free trade zone.
• Southern Islands are less frequently visited, drier and more desert-like.
• Junkanoo, is an annual street festival with lots of music, dance, art held on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Other popular festivities include: Pineapple Festival (Eleuthera), Crab Festival (Andros), Fishing Tournaments & Regatta (Abacos), National Out Island & Cruising Regattas (Examus) and Fishing Tournaments (Biminis).
• ​Swimming with dolphins is popular in Nassau, Grand Bahama or Bimini​.
  
• Beyond the major tourist islands bank services may be limited.
• It's illegal to sunbathe nude on beaches. Only a few select resorts permit topless. 
  

Eleuthera, Bahamas. Photo Credit: Lisa Codella/Pixabay 

Hurricane Season is June - November.

• Coolest Season: November - April
• Humid & Hottest: August 
• Peak Season: Late November - Mid April
  
• Rainy Season: May - October
• Shoulder Season: September

Photo Credit: Robin Smith/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Attractions: Abaco National Park (Abaco), Ardastra Gardens Zoo (New Providence), Botanical Gardens (Nassau), Inagua National Park (Great Inagua), Lucayan National Park (Grand Bahama Island), Mount Alvernia (Cat Island), Port Lucaya Marketplace (Grand Bahama Island), Queen's Staircase (Nassau), Royal Victoria Garden (Nassau), Straw Market (Nassau)
• Beaches: Harbour Island (Eleuthera), Taino Beach (Grand Bahama Island), Treasure Cay (Great Abaco Island)

Photo Credit: cgordon8527/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Atlantis Bahamas, Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas. Photo Credit: schliff/Pixabay

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.