http://www.bahamas-travel.org/grand-bahamas-population/
The Grand Bahamas Island, Know Before You Go
With weather conditions, language barriers, airport security, immigration regulations, driving rules, and local customs traveling out of the of the country can be challenging and a bit stressful for many travelers. However with a few pointers and some travel tips, traveling abroad can be fun and relaxing way to see the world.
Travelers can control many things, like ensuring you have all the proper travel documents, the appropriate clothes for the climate and making sure you have sun screen for the Caribbean sun. But some things are a bit harder to control; here are a few things you should know before you travel to the Grand Bahamas Island.
During the winter months the weather on the Grand Bahamas Island is spring like; with temperatures ranging in the 60s to 70s, although early morning and evening can get pretty cool. During the summer months, temperatures can get a bit warmer from the high 70s up to the low 80s. During the day, if you are not used to the hot Caribbean sun, travelers should consider working up to spending a full day at the beach or pool and be sure to wear plenty of sun screen. Getting too much sun is a very common problem for visitors and one that marks you a guest on the island. On a side note the hotels, restaurants and resorts tend to keep their air conditioning fairly cool, so when you come inside you may want to keep a sweater handy.
The primary language in the Bahamas is English, although you will come across Islanders with very unique dialects and very strong accents. The dialects range from Spanish to British because in the mid-twentieth century the Spanish landed in the Bahamas and lived among the islanders for many years. Then in the early 1700s, the British colonized the Islands in hopes of ridding the Island of piracy. Under British rule and after the American Revolution, slave ships brought African slaves to the Island to support the ever growing plantations. After slavery was abolished, the slaves and their descendants remained on the Island and now make up the majority of the population. The descendants learned English thus making it the Primary tongue of the Islands. So it’s not uncommon to hear many dialects of English, heavy Spanish influence and heavy British influence on the Island.
Traveling to the Bahamas isn’t much different than traveling to any US airport as there are restrictions on liquids, removing belts and shoes as travelers move through security. Whether traveling by air or by the Celebration Cruise Line each traveler will be given an immigration form to fill out on the trip to the Island (one for the entire family); keep this form in a secure place as it is necessary to have it upon departure from the Island. However, know that when leaving Grand Bahamas Island, travelers should be prepared to arrive at least 2 hours prior to the flight. On the return flight, be prepared to go through customs and immigration at the Grand Bahamas Airport, although this process is time consuming it does make it easier when you arrive in the US. If your Bahamas vacation is during high season, which is February through April, you might need to give some extra time for check-in, although there are 20 gates at the airport, it is not guarantee all will be open.
If you feel adventurous and want to rent a car, you will find Hertz, Brad’s, Celebrity and Island Jeep and Car Rentals, all have counters at the airport. You may want to confirm that the vehicle you are renting has the steering wheel on the left side of the car; unless you want an added driving challenge. Remember British driving rules do apply, so you must drive on the left side of the road. A valid US drivers license is permitted to use on the Island. As a pedestrian, be sure to look to the right before crossing the street. As in the US, all passengers must wear a seat belt, and children must be in child seat in the back until the age of 8.
Other handy things to know, the Grand Bahamas Island is in the Eastern Time Zone. You will find ATMs; and stores do accept US currency. Check with your cell phone provider if you plan on using your cell phone while on the Island as International rates may apply, this goes for you Internet connection as well. The legal drinking age is 18. Policies and restriction for travel do change, these trip tips were valid at the time this article was written. The Grand Bahamas Island is a wonderful travel destination and locals are generally welcoming to all who visit their island and appreciate their local culture. Know that the beaches on the island are open to all, be sure that whatever you bring onto the beach you take with you, the beaches are spectacular. Please leave the beach like you found it for all to enjoy.
About the Author
Emma Adams provides advice and recommendations on vacation packages, cheap Bahamas vacations, all-inclusive vacation packages to all the Bahamas Islands, and travels extensively to the Bahamas learning about the resorts and things to do. Gobahama.com offers the best travel deals to the Bahamas has a unique service of a personal travel consultant to help determine the best resort package available.
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