Daniel Williams

Hi! <BR> <BR>I live in Baltimore, Maryland and was considering going to Nassau, the Bahamas for a vacation. One reason I'm considering going there is because it seems a cheaper option than Caribbean destinations/Bermuda (airfare + accommodations I think I could financially handle) and money IS a factor. Another reason I was thinking about the Bahamas versus say, Florida, is that I was hoping for a culturally enriching experience in another country. <BR> <BR>My question is: does New Providence have a different feel from, say, an east coast USA beach community? If it does, I think I'd very much like to go. However, certain acquaintances have told me they felt that Nassau didn't feel very different from Virginia Beach or Ocean City. I also read in a previous posting "most disappointing vacation" that one person didn't like the Bahamas because they felt like it was about as "cultural" as the Jersey Shore. However, this person didn't specify if they were talking about Nassau, Freeport or another locale. And my acquaintances, when drilled further, admitted that they only did activities at the resort they were staying at OR that they stuck to the touristy areas in their day in Nassau (while on a cruise). <BR> <BR>If New Providence is just another Jersey Shore, I feel that I may as well just drive to the Florida Keys/southern Florida to get sun & beach in wintertime (for possibly even cheaper than Nassau). <BR> <BR>Anyhow, I look forward to feedback from people. <BR> <BR>Dan.

tweedy

Dan, the Bahamas is absolutely not like the Jersey shore, there is a different feel and a different cadence to the island. Everything is slower there and the island is very pretty, most of the buildings in downtown Nassau date back to the early to mid 1700, lots of old churches too. <BR> <BR>You can get package deals hotel and airfare from Liberty Travel, they always have good deals, or I am sure a local travel agent can get you some good prices as well. You should be able to fly almost directly to Nassau, or if you want a very different and laid back vacation, try one of the out islands or "family islands" like Harbour Island and you can get a very good rate at say Tingum Village, which is steps to one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world as per me (only kidding, as per Islands Magazine, a couple of years ago.) Beautiful 3 miles of pink sand. <BR> <BR>Hope that helps, let me know if you have any more specific questions. <BR> <BR>tweedy

Brad

Daniel--My wife, daughter, and i were in Nassau in July, and were a bit dis-appointed at first, but looking back on the vacation it was very nice. Forwarned is forarmed, as the saying goes. This was our first time out of the country. We were a bit surprised at the prices of the restaurants and some of the attractions. There is always an open palm, too, but there is definitely no pushiness involved, and if you appears to need some assistance or information, it is readily available. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Junkanoo, and were about 4 blocks from a McDonalds restaurant, which was just about 1/2 way to downtown. Prices ran around $130 a nite, with all taxes, etc, thrown in. The nice thing was you could put on your swimming suit, walk across the street, and you were on a beach. Most of the time there was no one else there. Transportation was readily available. The buses, or jitneys, ran constantly during business hours, approx 06:00 a.m. until 06:00 p.m. Ride as far as you want for 0.75 per person. Water was clear and beautiful, just like the pictures. Apple vacations have been running some specials right now, with $99.00 air fare round trip out of Chicago. Not sure about your part of the country, but maybe something close. I do believe that you will enjoy the vacation, and you might be able to pick up some reasonable accomodations with Apple vacations, as well. <BR>Good luck and let us know what you decide. <BR>

Daniel Williams

Dear Tweedy and Brad, <BR> <BR>Thanks again for all the advice. I am now leaning strongly toward going to Nassau next year. I think it does sound like the vacation I am looking for! <BR> <BR>By the way: Do you recommend visiting Over-the-Hill for a glimpse of "true-true" African-Bahamian culture? (During the day of course...as guidebooks seem to indicate is wise.) <BR> <BR>All the best & happy holidays! <BR> <BR>Daniel

Sheila Schofield

If staying in Nassau,take the Fast Ferry to Harbour Island for the day or even stay over if possible. Day trip, lunch included, to a magic part of the world. Enjoy!