16 Essential Travel Hacks When Visiting The Bahamas

Turquoise waters and pink sands are what await the millions of travelers who journey to the Bahamas each year. Though the road to these miles of tropical coasts is well paved by many tourists who have come before you, there are always ways to improve the travel experience. From packing and shopping to getting around and finding the islands' hidden gems, we have some killer tips and tricks that could simplify your Bahamas vacation and save you a bit of money, too.

The Bahamas is a bucket list destination for many people, but watch out for cookie-cutter itineraries and tourist traps. Instead, ditch the mold and experience everything the islands have to offer. Whether you want to enjoy a more economical experience in paradise, explore like a local, or find the coolest spots off the main tourist drag, these hacks will have you navigating the Bahamas like a pro.

Here's a hack to keep you from spending your island vacation in the hospital: watch what you eat! If you've never had guava before, try a bit before you head to the island. Quite a few people are allergic to the fruit and never know until they go to a tropical destination. If you have asthma, this tip is especially important, as guava contains a large amount of salicylate chemicals. Though salicylates have medicinal benefits, they can also worsen asthma in those who are allergic.

If you know you are allergic or don't want to risk it, ask about the ingredients of items you order if you are unsure. Guava is involved in many Bahamian dishes, like the national dessert Guava Duff. Sometimes, it's not quite so apparent as being in the name, though, as guava can be used as a natural sweetener. If you have an allergic reaction, at least you have the benefit of not being in a foreign country if you first try it at home.

While we recommend hailing a cab at least once to pick the brain of your driver, renting a car in the Bahamas will be much more affordable than relying on cab rides everywhere. Cab fares vary based on several factors, but a single cab ride can cost around $20 for a short and sweet jaunt or upwards of $60 for longer trips. Alternatively, renting a car could cost you as low as $47 daily. This means that a car rental could quickly come out as the more affordable option in just one or two cab rides. If you envision an island adventure exploring the Bahamian culture and everyday life, renting a car opens up that reality.

There are a couple of important notes for travelers considering driving in the Bahamas. You should know that they drive on the left side here. You should also note that beeping your horn does not have the same connotation that it does in America. Instead, some quick beeps are actually seen as a kind acknowledgment. Learning the different driving cultures is vital to traveling around the island like a local.

If you are taking a cruise to the Bahamas, get off the ship at port and keep walking. The port area is going to be hyper-focused on tourists. You may be a tourist, but you don't have to travel like one if you'd rather have a more authentic experience. By all means, scope out the Straw Market and Bay Street, but commonly overlooked places like Potter's Cay (a collection of fishing docks, fruit markets, and conch shacks) and Sunken Meadow State Park should be on your radar, too.

The islands are ripe with possibilities for travelers who arrive in the Bahamas without the aid of a cruise ship. Don't just one-and-done it with Nassau or Atlantis. The Bahamas is more than just the main island; ignoring the more underrated Bahamas islands is a massive missed opportunity. Over 80% of the land that makes up the Bahamas consists of islands that almost two-thirds of visitors do not visit. This means near-empty and gorgeous tropical beaches, perfect for travelers who revel in solitude or photo-centric explorers looking for their next Instagram inspiration.

You don't need to wait until you're on board to start chumming it up with fellow cruisegoers. Go online to sites like Cruise Critic and connect with other passengers with groups called Roll Calls. They are cruise-specific communities that allow you to forge connections before stepping on board. You may also be able to find a Facebook group for people traveling to the Bahamas around the same time; if not, you can always create your own for other hopeful travelers to find.

These social resources are great for helping socially anxious travelers feel more at ease. Not all cruisers are there to make friends, and connecting passengers online ahead of time makes identifying potential travel pals simple. Making these types of connections ahead of time also opens your journey up to more exciting outings, as you can plan with other travelers where you'd like to explore and which excursions you want to do together.

At places like the Straw Market or one of the more low-key food markets, haggling is not only allowed but also widely expected. This is the practice of requesting a lower price for items you're interested in buying until you and the seller reach a mutually beneficial agreement. This can help you spread your money out further and create fond memories of market interactions.

Haggling is a fun part of the Bahamian experience at the local markets, but be prepared to walk away if your price isn't met. This may work out for you, with the vendor calling you back to make the deal, or you may miss out on the item. Do not fret, though, because plenty of vendors are selling the same style of goods, and you will likely move on to make another deal you're pleased about. Remember that many goods there are handmade by people who work hard, so they deserve to be paid a fair price!

The airport is a source of stress for many explorers, especially when traveling internationally. It can be tempting to do anything to alleviate some of that stress, and Nassau Airport has a fast-track program to help travelers get through customs quicker. Passengers who opt for the add-on receive escorts at the airport and an expedited customs and immigration process. It's priced at an extra $200 round trip for one passenger, but you have to wonder if it's worth it. The truth is, you can give yourself a boost for the unbeatable price of free.

The smartest thing you can do to save time is to have all your paperwork filled out before you even land in the Bahamas. You should pack a pen or pencil in your carry-on and make a beeline for immigration once off the plane. Skipping the fast track may save you as much as your actual flight cost in the first place and won't take up much more of your vacation time.

A simple, more affordable alternative to packing a collapsible duffle bag is to save room in your main luggage for souvenirs. On your journey's first leg, you can fill this space with snacks and toiletries. You'll use up much of this before you're ready for your return trip, and buying these things in the Bahamas could cost a pretty penny.

When choosing which snacks you want to pack, consider that they could have a bumpy ride to the Bahamas. Don't bring anything that could break and make a mess of your clothes and necessities, or you'll have a nasty surprise upon unpacking for your tropical getaway. Similarly, more fragile snacks like chips or freeze-dried goods may not make the journey intact. When it comes to toiletries, you may find it worth bringing only what you think you'll need and disposing of it before your return trip home in favor of more luggage space.

Something that probably isn't already on your beach packing checklist is reusable tote bags, but they certainly should be. The bags serve a dual purpose. First, they're great for keeping your clean items separate from your damp and sandy clothes after a day on the beach. Second, you'll need them if you are planning to do any cooking of your own.

You may think you'll eat out for every meal, but taking advantage of grocery stores is a great way to save money and live like a local. You'll find no Walmarts or big-brand grocery stores in the Bahamas, but you will come across plenty of groceries along the coast. Conservation is big in the Bahamas, so plastic bags will not be offered once you check out. Bring reusable tote bags for your shopping; they could also come in handy when you're at the handmade markets.