Year-round sunny weather makes a trip to Bahamas fun anytime. Located a short flight from Miami just under 200 miles away, the 700-island archipelago enjoys a similar climate to South Florida, albeit with cooling Trade Winds for much of the year. Keep in mind these few simple tips when packing to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Your passport, airline information and cruise documents are the most important documents you'll need on your trip. Take at least two copies of your passport identification page and leave one copy with someone at home. In addition, print extra copies of your e-ticket confirmation and cruise documents. If you plan on renting a car, bring your driver's license and auto insurance card. For emergency medical situations, have your medical insurance card, vaccination certificate and copies of prescriptions with you.
Pack lightweight clothing, including short-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, cotton slacks and shorts for men, and light dresses, shorts and t-shirts for women. Men should pack a suit or tuxedo and women a formal or semi-formal dress for formal dinner evenings. Some of the more upscale hotels require jackets for men and dresses for women for dinner. Casinos in Bahamas, however, do not have dress codes. Evenings can get a little cool between December and April, so pack a sweater. Don't forget your swimwear and beach wear.
Bring your address book to send postcards to friends and family. In case of an emergency, travel with phone numbers to report stolen or lost credit cards and traveler's checks. In addition, keep family contact information in your wallet. Pack glasses, contact lenses or prescription drugs. It is also a good idea to pack a guide book and a foreign language phrase book or a small dictionary to avoid language problems. Don't forget to bring the charger for your digital camera, video camera and cell phone. If you take lot of pictures, bring extra memory cards.
