April 2021
THE CHARTROOM
Twice a month travel news from Charting Memories Travel
It seems like 2021 is flying by. We are already a week into April and are enjoying the early days of spring weather. It has been beautiful here in north Florida.
Since the last edition of the ChartRoom I attend a virtual Travel Conference. It is a little strange to attend virtual conferences when in this profession but with the necessary planning time, uncertainty, and inconsistent government regulations around the country it is understandable that the organizers went virtual this year. Happily, the world of travel has come a long way in the last few months. More and more countries are welcoming international guests, about 400,000 people have taken cruises since the original shut down and the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter.
Today I continue with my journey through the alphabet of travel destinations with the Bahamas. I think most people are familiar with the area but the Bahamas are much more diverse than I suspect most people realize.
Most people think of places such as Nassau, Freeport, or Bimini, but the country is made up of 16 major islands and about 700 islands, cays, and islets. This is the place if you don’t like the cold and want consistently warm weather. There is no record of a frost or freeze and for most of the islands, there is only a 13-degree difference between the warmest and coldest month. This makes the Bahamas a great place to go nearly any time of the year.
There is a lot more to the Bahamas than the typical cruise passenger gets to see. A cruise gives you a small taste of what is available but may leave you wanting more. If you have visited Nassau or Freeport on one of the major cruise lines you may want to consider something different for your next visit. Enjoy the quiet laid back island vibe in a small resort on Bimini or stay in the world-class Atlantis resort on Paradise Island right next to Nassau.
You will find some of the clearest ocean water anywhere in the world in the Bahamas. Take advantage of the Wonderful snorkel and Scuba opportunities. One of my favorite spots to dive was the Road to Atlantis sometimes called the Bimini Road. This is a cool non-technical dive. It is only about 20 feet deep and is in clear water. The large flat mostly square stones in this formation make it feel like you are diving on a long-lost road to an unknown destination. The guide on the boat that I was on shared a captivating story of how it was believed by some that this was a path that at one time lead to the now lost city of Atlantis. I don’t know the origins of the formation, but I loved the story and idea.
Andros is a fly fisherman’s dream come true. Mangrove cays, endless miles of sandy flats, and winding creeks and channels traverse the largest island in The Bahamas. Tarpon, permit, and bonefish swim are plentiful in these waters.
Want to try something a little different? How about visiting Pig Beach on Big Major Cay in the Exumas! No one is completely sure how the pigs arrived on the island but they probably swam ashore after a shipwreck or were brought to the island by some sailors.
If you are in Nassau and up for some adult beverages after a nice walk then head up the hill to John Watling’s distillery. From the cruise terminals, the distillery is only about a mile walk or an inexpensive taxi ride away. Enjoy the free tour and then purchase some wonderful rum to take home. If you are a James Bond fan then this could be an extra special stop for you. The grounds were featured in “Casino Royale”. On the way back down the hill, you can enjoy the sights of some bright festive shopping areas and pick up a few items to tack back home.
For some people, “it is just the Bahamas”. For others, “It is the Bahamas!”. There is a lot to see and do on this beautiful string of islands. There is a lot more to the country than meets the eye. Let me help make sure that your next visit to the Bahamas makes you excited and ready to go explore again
If you are ready, a Bahamian vacation could be just around the corner or you can start planning for something further in the future.
Contact me today to learn more about this great destination and to start planning your next big adventure.
Keep Charting Memories.
Drew
