I had the good fortune during my college years of being friends with students who were from the Bahamas. The good fortune part was that they invited me on various occasions to visit them during trips home to visit with family.  So I got not only the tourist’s experience of these islands but I got to see how Bahamians really live as well.

I have to say it’s one well run Caribbean nation.  Even better there is so much to visit beyond the usual Nassau and Freeport destinations travel agents often push.  There are instead the wonderful out islands which are a real treat and still on my list of places to visit.

These “out islands” are small, un-crowded pieces of paradise. You’ll want to ask your agent about Exuma, Eleuthra and Abacos to start. Oh yes there’s also Bimini which was a really popular name to drop during those heady days when prime time TV was graced with the pastel suited men of Miami Vice (dating myself).

So get your hubby or best friends together and start planning your island shopping/hopping trip today!