Saturday, January 3, 2009

How to Spend Independence Day in the Bahamas

If you go to the Bahamas during the time of the United States' Independence Day, you'll get two holidays for one! The Bahamians celebrate July 4th like in the United States, but they also have their own Independence Day celebration in early July. As of July 10, 1973, the Bahamians became independent from Great Britain as well. If you want to celebrate Bahamian Independence Day, here is how to do it in the Bahamas.
You will want to find out what Independence Day celebrations are taking place on the island you will be visiting. You may already know from performing an internet search to decide on your island. If not, you can wait until you arrive and ask the locals. The Bahamians are incredibly friendly when you ask questions.Your hotel should also have information about upcoming local events and celebrations. Ask the concierge or activities desk about how and where the island will celebrate July 4th and July 10th. Enjoy Fireworks for the Independence Day Celebrations!The hotel itself might be having a celebration of its own. For instance, if you stay at Atlantis on Paradise Island, they will most likely have their own Independence Day celebrations including fireworks displays. If you are staying on Grand Bahama island celebrating July 4th is simple. One major celebration will take place at Port Lucaya Marketplace, by the water. There is an outdoor area surrounded by some of the restaurants and shops with a stage. Generally, you will find live bands playing mostly American music all evening on July 4th. There is also a Junkanoo parade on July 4th, where the Bahamians dress up in costume and have a parade on the main road near the Marketplace.

How to Find a Quiet Beach in the Abacos, Bahamas

he Abacos in the Bahamas are best known for the opportunities they present for sailing, but the islands also have a number of great beaches
Make sure that the beaches that you are looking at are considered “secluded” beaches rather than “activity” beaches. Check out the quiet beach at Sandy Point if you are you on the island of Great Abaco. Plan to spend time at the western end of Ocean Beach at Treasure Cay if you are on the island of Great Abaco. Find a quiet spot at Tahiti Beach on Elbow Cay. Plan to spend your time at Guana Cay Beach if you are looking for a quiet beach.

How to Visit Port Lucaya, Bahamas

The Port Lucaya and Our Lucaya area of the Grand Bahamas Island is considered a premiere vacation destination. Within 100 miles off the Florida coast, Port Lucaya is home to many yachts and sailboats, while Our Lucaya, a Westin and Sheraton Resort, offers the full casino experience as well as a selection of four-star restaurants. Positioned between the resort and the port is the Lucaya Marketplace, an eclectic assortment of jewelry stores, boutiques, and souvenir shops. On certain days, the outer perimeter of the marketplace becomes a local bazaar where Bahamians show their wares.
Fly into Freeport from Miami or Atlanta. Both cities offer direct flights and are the closest American airports to the island. Charlotte and Newark, however, are also direct flight cities. Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, hosts direct flights from several points in Europe. Reserve a room in the Our Lucaya Resort or any resort near the Port Lucaya area. If the purpose is an entire visit at Port Lucaya, hotels in Freeport, though cheaper, are simply too distant, and the taxi charges will surmount. Many who own homes and condos rent them out during the summer season. A legitimate online travel broker may be of help. Check with the concierge at the hotel's front desk for area attractions and activities. Snorkeling and parasailing are quite popular. Gamble at the Out Lucayan Casino, which is generally quieter during the summer months. Purchase expensive jewelry and cigars at the Our Lucayan shops. Step6Dine on upscale fare at any of the resorts restaurants. There are plenty options for beach dining. There are restaurants of a more international fare and less expensive ones available over at the marketplace. Pub grub, seafood, Italian, Chinese, and Mexican are represented, and some offer great views of the yachts in the harbor. Check out the evening entertainment at the bandstand area in the marketplace. International and local bands perform for enthusiastic crowds. Magicians, limbo artists or a disc jockey perform during the band’s break. Prepare to be inundated with the sound of the Bahamas: Junkanoo music, a mix of African, reggae, and marching band that is infectious when performed. Step9Support the local bazaar or flea market that sets up daily around the perimeter of the marketplace. Local ware such as beads and basketry are on display.