It’s All In The Planning
Research with Intentionality
The first time that I visited the UK I thought that I had it all mapped out. I researched the weather, the food, the locals, even potential crime spots to avoid. I was prepared….or so I thought. I realized much later that while the things I prepared for were indeed valuable I did not tailor my trip to serve the essence of who I was i.e. things that made my soul happy. When I learnt this, I began to plan my experience with the intentionality of serving my soul to have a more meaningful experience. I only wish that I did it sooner. An example of this is my love for bodies of water. The beach makes my soul smile! Visiting a beach was not on my radar in Scotland, because my initial thoughts were “who leaves an island embodied by water to go and see more water”? But after researching with the intentionality of serving my soul I opted to visit a Scottish Loch called Loch Lomond. This experience permanently seared the beautiful, serene, picturesque view of Loch Lomond in my memory bank! Cha-Ching! I can still feel the clear air and hear the gentle waters as I stood on the banks in awe of such beauty! Why not do that with your trip to the Bahamas. Yes, the Bahamas has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world but it also has magnificent museums. Does hiking tickle your fancy…..try the climb to Mount Alvernia on Cat Island. Or do you absolutely love Jazz Bands try the Jazz Band and Baha Mar in New Providence.
Don’t fall for The Trap of Popularity
Let’s admit it…we are all guilty of falling into the trap of popularity sometime by default. And who can blame us! Social media and paid advertisements that show up in our searches wield their ropes and lasso us in like unsuspecting cattle. So, we readily go to the most popular hotel and eat at the popular restaurant and visit the popular sites. While those beautiful experiences with fewer advertising dollars float right under our radar. I’ll prove my point….name 16 inhabited islands in The Bahamas.
Most initial reactions would be….there are 16 islands in The Bahamas???
(Smile) The Bahamas actually has over 700 islands and cays with about 30 of them being inhabited. However, most people visit the more popular Islands; New Providence (namely Nassau-The Capital), Paradise Island, Grand Bahama (Freeport-The 2nd City), Abaco, Eleuthera and Exuma. My husband and I have a goal to visit all the islands of The Bahamas. Most recently we visited San Salvador, one of the smallest inhabited islands. It only has a population of about 1,200 people and stretches a mere 12 miles long by 5 miles wide. You can literally circle the island on an afternoon drive. Only recently popularity for this island has grown due to the acclaimed European Landing some years ago. However, most people still opt for the more popular locations. Let me be the first to tell you, that there was not may popular high outs on the island during our stay but there was a local independent beach bar (referred to us by a local) that was an absolute dream. It sits right at the edge of a resort and had some of the best seafood we have EVER tasted. This tiny modest bar has no advertising, no fancy name and no indoor seating but we spent almost every night there. And the people that came and hung out there were some of the best personalities that you can ever meet! We rarely repeat a location in our island hoping escapades before moving onto another one, but we are definitely going back to San Salvador!
Lean On The Locals
When in a foreign country or even if you’re staycationing right at home there is nothing like the advice from the locals of that area to provide you with insight. It can save you valuable time, help you avoid pitfalls and give you the hidden gems that aren’t usually advertised but speaks to you soul! And locals in The Bahamas love to lend a hand where they can. During a staycation, we got to experience some of the amazing Blue Holes on Andros Island. And with the guided assistance of an local Androsian we explored some of the unbeaten paths that weren’t even familiar to the masses. The areas seemed untouched by humans, so natural, so beautiful, so serene and totally worth the time it took to get there.
If travelling to the Bahamas there are lots of companies that give guided tours but fewer that provide you a concierge experience tailored to you. These are a few companies that do just that. No strings, no paid advertising and no affiliate compensation involved. Just our recommendation of some of the good ones!
https://stanielcayvacations.com/
We hope that this helps you as you plan your next trip to the Bahamas and when you arrive if you would like to purchase a Bahamian Gift Box inclusive of a Bahamas Visitor’s guide use our complimentary code (BIAB-BLOG) for 10% off your purchase.
Until next time!
Delissa Dawkins
Bahamas In A Box
Your Guide To All Things Bahamian
Bahamas In a Box is a unique balance of “everything Bahamian”. It's the experience of being immersed in Bahamian food, culture, history, people and products through beautifully curated gift packages. Whether you're a local, a frequent visitor or hoping to tick The Bahamas off of your bucket list, The Bahamas In A Box gift box is a must have! We love and support Bahamian business and provide retail and wholesale options. Our mission is to expand the global reach of The Bahamas by helping Bahamian small business owners take their gifts to the world through the BIAB platform!
I love it! Bahamas In A Box captures the Bahamas in a beautifully curated package that allows you to share it with anyone!
Delissa B. Dawkins
Owner
After spending several months living in the UK in 2016, I experienced first hand that The Bahamas was both famous and unfamiliar! When I was asked "Where are you from?" I would often get the reply "Wow I would love to visit The Bahamas”.
When I returned home I found myself sending gift packages to the wonderful friends I made thousands of miles away. Gift packages that allowed them to visit The Bahamas through the beautiful products that this wonderful country has to offer. And they all loved them!
Who would imagine that this financial services expert of over 18 years had a secret gifting superpower!