Taking Jacketwatch and Marion's advice and posting something positive and informative about the Bahamas. It's been a few years since we were on Grand Bahama island, but I think the following is still true. The beaches are magnificent. The hotels and resorts are excellent, especially the Westin Our Lucaya is terrific for families. There are some casinos as well for adult entertainment. Some nice duty-free shopping to just waste time. If you want a relaxing, uncomplicated time on the beach, slamming back the Bahamamamas at a very reasonable price, Grand Bahama is an excellent choice. I love that part in the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean" when Miss Elizabeth says derisively (paraphrasing): "...lying around in the sun... drinking rum!" and Captain Jack says: "Welcome to the Caribbean life!" We always found the folks there to be friendly and helpful, which I find admirable because it must be tough to make a living constantly entertaining and accomodating guests. Tourists can be so rude. So many of them expect silk purses when they come in with sow's ears.

I agree that that the Bahamas can be a wonderful destination, especially for those of us on the east coast with short travel times. The soft, white sand found at the Our Lucaya properties rivals the best of the many beach resorts that we have been to. I also appreciate the beautiful, clear blue water with just enough wave activity to make swimming in the ocean fun. Although our last trip didn't work out as well as we would have hoped, there is still much to recommend the Bahamas. Threeheart

My introduction to the Caribbean was Eleuthera, 22 years ago. I time the years by the ages of my daughters, they were 8 and 4 at the time.

We stayed at Club Med, which had a circus camp for the children. My former husband ;-) thought it a grand idea for our daughters to swing on a trapeze. The elder agreed and so she did. The younger was inclined to swim in the ocean and wander the beautiful beach with me.

We had travelled to Hawaii many times, but I still remember the *wow* factor of the water color and the white sand for all of us. We did explore off property and the warmth of the Bahamian people was a joy.

Harbour Island still calls to me ! I know I will get there one of these days.

Wantsomesun often suggests Coral Reef and I think it's a wonderful suggestion, especially for those with families. Christie, you might want to research it for a future family trip ;-)

Howard C is in Anguilla, but he has a wealth of knowledge about the outer islands. He'll chime in when he returns.

So...the Bahamas isn't just about Atlantis and/or casinos, there are still beautiful, authentic places to explore

Marion

OOOHHHHH...I still love the gin-colored waters off most of the 700 Bahamian islands and cays. No rivers and streams that silt and fertile run off leaves semi-clear. Visibility underwater is still over a hundred feet..unmatchable!!! And, looking at the ocean from offshore, one can see the lime-green color of white sand and seagrass beds in shallow water; the light-blue and green of nearshore reefs, and the deep turquoise of deep trenches farther out. I think the most beautiful sea scape was flying down the cliff-lined coast of Eleuthera. Robert

That would be Coral Sands on Harbour Island !

Too much reading here and not enough editing ;-) !

Marion

I remember my first visit to the Bahamas -- it was Eleuthera in 1990. They held the airport open past closing (around 5 p.m.) because our small charter flight was arriving late. The rental car guy didn't have any cars available, so he gave us his personal car, and agreed to switch with us the next day. Since we only had a credit card -- which he preferred not to take because the phone lines were not reliable -- he sent us on our way without payment, agreeing to meet at the bank the next day to get a cash advance. When we arrived at the Rainbow Inn, when I held out my hand for a room key, I was sent to my room empty-handed -- no keys needed. Since dinner wasn't served at the hotel on Sundays, owner Ken took us to dinner with him.

And those were just my experiences on the first day of my first Out Island visit. I've experienced plenty more, on other islands, over the years, and I always leave the Out Islands with a satisfied soul and a plan to return.

Whoever says service in the Bahamas is awful can't possibly have visited the Out Islands!! It may not be as prompt as hurried Yanks might wish; and the luxuries others might seek just aren't available. But for sheer warmth, trust AND trustworthiness, generosity, graciousness, and heart, you just can't beat it. The most beautiful thing about the Bahamas -- at least the Out Islands -- is the people.

I feel fortunate that, while we haven’t traveled extensively, three of those trips have been to the Bahama Out Islands. The first two were to the Abacos and last year to Cat Island. The color of the water is something that any visitor will remember forever. Eleuthera is my most researched next island but I occasionally look at Andros and Rum Cay.

Sometimes the Out Islands are not the easiest destination to travel to but they’re definitely worth the effort.

Roberto: the Out Islands are awesome!
Exumas is also worth looking into. (The Georgetown end, not necessaryly the Four Seasons end)
The water in Eluethera is incredible. Pink Sands Beach in Harbour Island is incredible, and the town in Harbour Island is actually prettier than Hopetown in the Abacos!
Happy searching!

I am not as good a writer as those before me...but the Out Islands are in my heart!

First trip was to Harbour Island...pink sand! I couldn't believe my eyes.

Then it was Eleuthera. Had to go back three times. Absolutely wonderful - same type of experience as Callaloo - I can still remember Arthur Nixon handing us the keys to the rental car (ahem...make that jalopy), nothing changed hands - not a license, nor credit card, just a hand drawn map to our rental villa. He almost forgot to come to the airport to collect the balance for the villa and the $300 for the car! And on Sunday, when we couldn't find a liquor store, Arthur Himself opened up the bar at the airport just to sell us a case of Kalik! Life does NOT get any better.

Last year we tried Abaco - Elbow Cay to be exact. Rented a boat instead of a car - what an adventure lugging our suitcases onto a 18' Albury and once again finding our rental villa by hand-drawn map.

Aaaahhh...adventure! It really IS better in the Bahamas!

Joan,

Never doubt thyself woman ! You write as well as anyone here, and more importantly you give great information, seasoned with your sense of humor ! Who could ask for anything more ?

Marion

Yup Now you're talking !

Marion

The Bahamas will always be specaial to us as it was our first tropical vacation and there is nothing like seeing a lush tropical isle for the 1st time. My first look at the blue-green waters gave me that "aaaaaaaaah" that we all go back for time and time again. Good idea to post this Tux!

All of you people make the next destination even more confusing. We have been thinking about Jamaica but the Bahamas also sounds nice.Joan's post really makes it sound nice.

Marion:
I watched a show about Harbour Island on the Travel Channel..and on it they showed Coral Sands which looks very nice.Thanks for mentioning it.

If we go there...it will be without the kids.I don't think that we will travel with them for a few more years(to a tropical island).Or atleast the 2 year old.

Yes Christie, travelling without the kids is much more enjoyable.

It's usually the dad who suggests that taking them along will expand their horizons, or something along those lines ;-)

Upon arrival, the locale and the view may have changed, but the mom is still on duty

Take the time to travel as a couple and you'll understand what a vacation should be

Marion

Yes Marion..you are definately right about mom still being on duty while on vacation (without husband helping much)

We are going to try to go to Negril in November.If everything works out.Depends on how busy my husband is.

We are definately going back to St John in March without the kids to get a true feel for St John. My mom has already agreed to keep the kids while we go as long as we pay her for the money she will loss missing work.

So I am looking forward to March and maybe November.
Take care,
Christie