How to Find Cheap Hotels in the Bahamas

The Bahamas offer more than sun, fantastic weather and white sandy beaches. There's also world-famous fishing, duty-free shopping and a non-stop nightlife. Although they have British roots, the islands have become highly Americanized due to their close proximity to Florida. With 700 islands and 2,500 cays, however, it's easy to get away from the tourists and rediscover paradise.

Things You'll Need

• A computer with Internet access

Instructions

Know Your Destination

1. Pack your scuba gear and head to Bimini Road known for its strange formations that resemble paved roads.

2. Wear casual summer wear and keep the beach clothes for the beach. The weather tends to be warm and comfortable year round.

3. Get good walking shoes to explore Lucayan and Inagua National Parks.

4. Call in advance to book a tour of the Lee Stocking Island's Perry Oceanographic Institute to see the Sargasso fish.

5. Stop and listen to locals play the junkaroo, a rhythmic form of music native to the Bahamas.

6. Catch a game of cricket, soccer or rugby.

7. Bring plenty of sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect yourself from heat stroke as the Bahamas can get extremely hot.

Select Your Accommodations

1. Plan to spend between between $70 and $120 per night for cheap accommodations when traveling in the Bahamas.

2. Spend a little more for a moderate room. Prices for these three-star accommodations range from $120 to $180 per night.

3. Splurge on truly fantastic accommodations. Rooms at luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts can top $300 per night.

4. Book your cheap hotel early if you plan to go during Caribbean Muzik Fest in late May or early June, or you want to attend the Junkaroo Festival during Christmas time.

5. Select Nassau for its selection of all-inclusive resorts with Old World charm.

6. Go to Paradise Island for the ritzy resorts with all the amenities and luxuries. They're not cheap, but last-minute deals can prove more affordable.

Organize Your Transportation

1. Take a plane from Florida. Almost every major airport handles transfers from Florida to the Bahamas. There are six international airports on the islands.

2. Rent a car to travel around the Bahamas.

3. Jump onto a water taxi from Paradise Island over to Nassau for $6 round trip plus a $2 tip to the driver for the guided tour.

Tips & Warnings

• Both the U.S. and Bahamian dollars are the accepted currencies.

• Bring dinner jackets and formal wear for the casinos, restaurants and hotels.

• Many hotels include a 15 percent gratuity in the bill.

• Remember to drive on the left hand side of the road and watch out for the roundabouts.

• As a pedestrian, look right before crossing the street, which is opposite to what you do in the United States.

• The Bahamas is one of the most popular stops for cruise ships. Be prepared to share the island with a lot of people during the daytime hours.

• Buses are extremely expensive on the Bahamas.

• New travel document requirements went into effect in January 2007, tightening re-entry into the U.S.

• Watch out for dehydration and heat exhaustion as well as prickly heat, which is an itchy rash from excessive perspiration. Bathe often and spend the few extra dollars on a hotel that has air conditioning.

• The Bahamas have been struck by many hurricanes, which hit between June and November.