I just got back from a week-long vacation in Nassau, The Bahamas. Now, when I was getting ready for the trip, I started to worry a bit about how much it was going to cost. The Bahamas, and a lot of other islands, tend to be a little more on the expensive side. But I made a goal to see if I could visit The Bahamas on a budget that fit my style of travel and adventure.
And I did.
Let me teach you how I visited Nassau, The Bahamas on a budget for a week of adventures!
Bahamas on a budget: do some research
Look, any type of island adventure has the potential to break the bank. Imported goods, excursions, transportation, and activities add up quickly, and most of us aren’t actively checking our bank account while on the road.
But by the simple act of planning ahead, you can help mitigate some of those extra costs.
What kind of activities do you want to do?
Think about the types of adventures and activities you want to do on your vacation to The Bahamas. Price them out on websites like Trip Advisor and Viator so you have an idea.
I wanted to make sure to go on a snorkeling adventure when I was in The Bahamas. I checked a few options and found average price I could expect to pay. I used this as a baseline to price out any other excursions.
It’s so easy to get swept up in the tropical island vibes and start booking multiple excursions. Before long, you’re in the hole a few grand that you hadn’t planned on. If you take the time to do a little research ahead of time, you can have a budget set in your mind ahead of time and can make more informed decisions.
Book what you can ahead of time…
Sometimes adventures, excursions, and activities can fill up or sell out. Or, an enterprising local might “open up” a spot or two, doubling the original price to accommodate.
Think ahead to what your average day could look like in The Bahamas. If you dream about going out on a boat every morning, make those reservations asap. I want you to live your dream, but if you wait until the last minute for everything, you might be disappointed.
…but leave room for spontaneity
But in the same vein, you don’t want to book out your time fully. Leave time for spontaneity. What if you meet some new friends that want to go on an adventure different from what you planned or counted on, and they invited you to come along? Wouldn’t it be a bummer if you wanted to go, but packed your schedule so tightly, there was no wiggle room?
Bahamas on a budget: Lodging
Another wallet-lightening, bank account-sucking cost that you’ll incur when visiting The Bahamas is your lodging. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be.
Now, I’m not going to tell you where to stay. We all have different preferences. Sure, I managed to stay at a hostel for a week in Nassau for about $250. But not everyone wants to stay with other travelers and share bathrooms with strangers.
So let’s look at a few considerations you should take when picking where you’ll sleep while you’re trying to visit The Bahamas on a budget.
What do you need in your accommodation?
At the end of a long day of adventuring around the island, what is it that you look forward to? A soft, comfy bed? Air conditioning? A good shower? A group of new friends? Some place you don’t have to travel far to get to after being downtown?
If you really just need your own space at the end of a long day, would a simple hotel room really be that much to ask for, rather than a mega-resort room? Do you really need to stay at an all-inclusive resort if you’re not going to take advantage of any amenities it has to offer? Just a few things to think about.
Location is key
The Bahamas doesn’t have Uber or Lyft on the island, so your transportation options are going to be walking, taxis, local busses, or a rental car. If you’re trying to stay on a budget, you’ll more likely be using local busses and walking. If that’s the case, think about choosing a location for your accommodations close to where you will be adventuring the most.
There’s nothing more defeating to the soul than having an epic day out in the sun and water…and then realizing you have a 3km walk back to your hotel because it’s dark and the busses have stopped running.
One other consideration with location to consider – oceanside property will automatically be more expensive. So if you don’t necessarily need to be on the water, save some money and stay at a hotel a few streets from the beach!
Don’t be afraid to switch it up
If you have your heart set on staying at a luxury hotel in Nassau, but are discouraged that the price seems to double on certain nights, why not switch it up? Stay in the luxury hotel for a few nights, then switch over to a more budget-friendly option? Or opt for a private room at a local’s home on AirBnB?
There’s no rule that says you have to stay in the same place during your entire trip. Plus, you’d have the option to explore different areas of the island!
Bahamas on a budget: Transportation
Like I mentioned before, The Bahamas doesn’t have any ride share options like Lyft or Uber. There are 4 options for getting around the island on land: walking, renting a car, hiring a taxi, and local busses.
Nassau is extremely walkable, with only a few small hills. The sidewalks (if there are any) tend to be a little treacherous if you’re not constantly looking down. Many times there isn’t even a sidewalk, and you have to walk on a very narrow shoulder or in the street. If you’re needing a more accessible mode of transportation, avoid walking.
There are plenty of places to rent a car on the island, but the prices will be high, especially if you’re trying to visit The Bahamas on a budget. If you have a large group and share the cost, this can help.
Local busses are super easy to use and cheap. Like, $1.25/ride. But, the busses don’t technically have a schedule, you can’t really map out where you’re going, and they only run when the sun is out.
Taxis are all over the island and eager to get your business. Taking taxis multiple times a day will add up, so just be prepared. You can also save some money by negotiating with the driver before you get into the taxi. Sharing a taxi will also be a great way to share the cost.
Bahamas on a budget: food
Food is a great way to enjoy the local culture and celebrate when traveling, but it will definitely add up if you’re not careful. One of the best ways to save money when traveling to The Bahamas on a budget is to take advantage of local markets, grocery stores, and cooking at your accommodations.
I stayed at a hostel with a kitchen and cooked breakfast and most dinners there, saving hundreds of dollars. Don’t have a kitchen at your accommodation? You can purchase ready-to-eat meals that only require hot water from the local store. Sure, these are a little more expensive than back home (a package of Ramen was over $1!), but it’s sure to save you some money.
Not the type of person to cook for yourself? Get some protein or granola bars to put in your bag. Purchase some pieces of fruit from the vendor or at the market. If your ideal trip to The Bahamas includes eating at restaurants, live your dream! Opt to have water during the meal and a fancy drink after to nurse. Consider splitting an entree with a friend.
I love trying the local cuisine when I travel, so this is where I have to try to save money the hardest. The best advice I was given and practice is this: eat where the locals do. Chances are great that the food is delicious and a fraction of the price!
Bahamas on a budget: activities
Newsflash: not all activities need to cost money or be super expensive. There are plenty of free things to do in The Bahamas, specifically in Nassau. One of my favorite things to do in a new area is a walking tour. This time around, I cultivated my own walking tour and encourage you to use it, without having to spend any money!
Not into walking tours? Did you know that the public beaches in Nassau are free to access? Sure, if you want a beach chair and umbrella, that’ll cost you a bit. But it’s totally worth it.
There are plenty of museums around town that are decently-priced, if not free. Take advantage of these budget-saving activities while getting a respite from the sun. My personal favorite was the rum distillery tour. Although I don’t drink, it was fun to see the process as it’s a big part of the Caribbean culture and economy. Plus it was a nice break to sit at the cafe in the air conditioned saloon!
These are just a few ways that I’ve managed to visit The Bahamas on a budget. Paradise doesn’t have to be painful. Vacations and adventures don’t have to break the bank.
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