The winter months can be dreary and dull for someone who dislikes being cold or craves lots of sunshine. If you’ve decided to break up your winter by taking a break from the cold and taking off on a vacation to the beautiful Bahamas, you won’t be disappointed. The winter temperatures in the Bahamas usually average around 75 degrees, and you’re much more likely to get rain in the fall and summer months, so your winter getaway is liable to provide you with lovely mild weather and beautiful clear skies. As you prepare for your trip to the Bahamas, you may be wondering what to pack. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare and get on your way.
- Clothing. This is probably the easiest part of the packing chore. You’re escaping the winter to relax in a tropical paradise, so of course, you’ll want beach-wear. Apart from that obvious inclusion, you’ll probably want to bring mostly casual clothing. Sundresses, shorts, and tank tops are all fine. Pack one or two dressier outfits, but as long as you’re planning to spend most of your time relaxing and enjoying the weather and laid-back atmosphere, you’ll want to dress accordingly: casual and laid-back. Do bring a light sweater or jacket. While the temperatures are mild, it can get a bit chilly at night. More likely, what you’ll find is that many restaurants and other businesses keep their air conditioning set very low, and it’s for this reason that you’ll probably want a sweater or jacket.
- Accessories. Sunscreen is the first thing that comes to mind. You’ll definitely want to be prepared with enough sunscreen for the time that you plan to spend there. You will probably want sunglasses, as well, and a wide brimmed hat is also a good idea. Mosquitoes and other bugs can be a pesky problem in this area, so you should bring some bug spray, or a natural bug deterrent like lemongrass lotion. Obviously, you’ll need to pack a camera and any entertainment devices you may need, like an iPod or a tablet. If you plan on an activity like snorkeling, equipment is easily obtainable on the island, but if you’re more comfortable with your own, be sure to pack it.
- Essentials. To enter the Bahamas you’ll need a passport or birth certificate. You’ll also need a round-trip plane ticket; without one, you won’t be allowed in. The Bahamian currency is equivalent to the American dollar, and both are accepted there, so you really don’t have to exchange your currency, but you may want to exchange a small amount for incidentals, or just to keep as a souvenir – Bahamian 0.15 cent pieces and $3 bills make for popular souvenirs. You don’t need a lot of any kind of cash at all – credit and debit cards are fine for most things – but you’ll want some for things like water-taxi fare and tips.
Experienced travelers recommend packing light. Apart from lightening your load, packing light leaves more room in your suitcase for the souvenirs you’ll purchase while you’re there. Enjoy your trip to the Bahamas!
