Traveling from Miami to the Bahamas is a popular path for many who wish to vacation in this exotic locale. The Bahamas is a popular destination for those looking to escape their day-to-day lives. It offers excellent opportunities for meeting people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives while providing a great deal of adventure while living in an all-inclusive environment.
The following are ten things travelers should know before flying from Miami to the Bahamas by plane.
1 Check The Weather
The Bahamas is a tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean that enjoys a warm climate all year round and is often pitted against the Caribbean as a travel destination. It's known for its azure water and white sandy beaches.
However, the islands are also well known for their wind patterns which can cause significant conditions such as hurricane-force winds, making travel by plane to the Bahamas quite dangerous. It is best to fly from Miami to the Bahamas only during the summer months, generally from June 2 to October 7.
This allows travelers to experience the ideal weather for tubing, sunbathing on the beach, or enjoying all the fun-filled activities that one can do on a tropical island.
2 You Might Not Need A Visa
The Bahamas is a part of the U.S-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), which makes it easier for US citizens to travel between the US and any of the islands in the Caribbean.
Tourists from the United States are not required to get a visa for travel for up to 90 days in the Bahamas.
However, additional documentation is required if they plan to remain in the country for more than 90 days.
3 Make Time For A Stop At Customs
When planning to spend a significant amount of time in the Bahamas and want to save the hassle of spending hours waiting in long lines at customs and immigration, travelers should consider arriving in the morning.
Passports, visas, and travel documents will usually be ready for pickup before 9 a.m., which makes for a significantly faster and easier customs clearance than in the morning when lines tend to get longer. This will also help is because they often keep two separate lines for departing travelers, while there will be only one line heading forward for arriving passengers.
Although this can be a bit unpredictable, travelers should plan beforehand, as customs agents may not always be available to assist.
4 Fly To Grand Bahama Instead Of Nassau
While there are many great things to experience in Nassau, and the major city of Freeport is only about a 20-minute drive from it, there is a beautiful island just off of this major island that can be preferred for the outdoorsy explorer.
The Grand Bahama Island is directly east of Nassau. Because it is indeed an actual island within an island, it provides visitors with opportunities to enjoy its water sports, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
5 Check Your Airline's Baggage Policies
While there is no blanket rule as to what tourists can bring on a flight from Miami to the Bahamas with them, it is essential to be aware of certain rules.
Most airlines will allow travelers to check one bag and a personal item, such as a purse. However, if one often flies on multiple flights during their trip, it may be better for their sanity and comfort to check two bags instead.
This will allow the travelers to keep items in one bag while traveling through security and check the second bag at their final destination.
6 Consider A Day Trip To Nassau, Bahamas
If travelers plan to travel by air from Miami to the Bahamas and plan on arriving back in Miami at night, they should consider taking a day trip to Nassau. This is because there are various options for travelers wishing to stay for the night outside their flight.
This includes many resorts, all-inclusive style accommodations, and several hostels that are well-suited for people who want an affordable but authentic experience in the Bahamas.
7 Wear Comfortable Footwear
When in transit, it can be easy for individuals to wear uncomfortable shoes without realizing how different their daily activities will be on vacation. Since vacationers will likely be doing a lot of walking and exploring on their trip, wearing comfortable shoes that can also hold up to the conditions is essential.
It is advisable for travelers to avoid flip-flops or sandals, as they often won't give their feet the support and comfort they need throughout their travels.
8 Plan Return Trips Carefully
Sometimes, vacation schedules can be unpredictable and conflict with a vacationer's original return flight. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to consider when they are returning and plan accordingly.
Regardless of the ticket type, most airlines that operate in the Bahamas require travelers to check in at least two hours before departure.
Therefore, if an individual purchases an open-ended return ticket, they may need to board an earlier flight for their trip to be considered complete.
9 Fly Out Of A Smaller Miami Airport
Depending on the time of year, there may be different flight prices based on when vacationers depart. This is because some flights may cost more during busy seasons.
Therefore, it is essential for vacationers to check with travel companies frequently and book early to find the best deal.
If travelers decide to fly during a busy time of year, they should be aware that flights will most likely be booked full and often will only have available seats left.
10 Purchase Travel Insurance
Even though lost luggage is not common for flights from Miami heading to the Bahamas, it can still be stressful to experience. Therefore, travelers are advised to purchase travel insurance when planning a flight to the Bahamas and want to avoid the possibility of their luggage being delayed or lost.
This will protect their items in case something happens along the travels. This cost usually ranges from $50 to $100, so it is well worth protecting their belongings.
A trip to the Bahamas is a great way for individuals to rejuvenate and relax while enjoying some of the best beaches in the world. This beautiful island paradise is already full of fun activities, but with proper planning, the trip can be even more enjoyable.