Whoo hoo! It’s finally time to pack for our Short & Sweet Bahamas Cruise. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream currents and balmy tradewinds, the Islands Of The Bahamas are blessed with a semi-tropical climate. Typical temperatures range from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While we can give no guarantees regarding rain, rainfall is most unlikely from November through April. Water temperatures range from the low-80s in the summer to the mid-70s in winter.
We are doing a city tour followed by a visit to Ranfurly Homes for Children in Nassau. Click for details on our community service project. Please consider bringing donations from the wish list even if you don’t want to join us.
Here’s a list of things you don’t want to forget:
• Toiletries: Razor, lotion, make up (or not), hair ties, toothbrush, toothpaste, topsy tail, hair brush, mousse, gel, Advil, Extenze, tampons / pads, Q-Tips, etc.
• Hairdryer: If you have long or thick hair, you’ll want to bring your own dryer.
• Shorts: Cargo shorts — check! Camo shorts — check! Bermuda shorts — check! Board shorts — check! If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then you don’t need my help packing.
• Tank tops / T-shirts: Like you’d ever forget those.
• Sun dresses: These are optional. If you’re a sundress person, you’ll want to pack some.
• Formal attire for the optional fancy pants night.
• Sweater / light jacket: We’re looking at warm weather for the week, but the air conditioning in the hotel can get a bit chilly.
• Hat: Bring one, bring two, bring one for every outfit. You’ll want a hat. There’s going to be sun.
• Sunglasses: Combine these with the hat and we’re talking hot, hot, hot. Bring a case for them, too. You do not need to be squinting into scratched up glasses.
• Watch: Take your Sweet time (and keep track of it, too).
• Flip flops: Essential footwear for the woman on the go. Formal flip flops for the evening, casual flip flops for the day and don’t forget your gag flip flops for starting conversations with strangers.
• Swimsuits, swimmie fins and water shoes
• Snorklers, bring your own gear.
• White party attire.
• Daypack: You’ll want something to carry around on our excursions.
• Passport: Pack it, check it, double check it, then check it again. You need it. Make sure you see your girlfriend’s too. You know how she’s always forgetting something.
• Moola, money, greenbacks: The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar, which is equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar. U.S. currency is accepted throughout Nassau Paradise Island as are most major credit cards and traveler’s checks.
• Notify your credit card companies and bank that you’ll be traveling in the Bahamas.
• Sunscreen: Until we fix global warming, pack at least SPF 15 and make it biodegradable.
• Battery disposal: Bring a baggie to carry home your batteries and recycle them properly.
• Workout gear: Don’t forget your sneakers, shorts, sports bras and tank tops. The gym is top notch. You’ll want to check it out. Plus we’re going to be leading some fun runs and walks.
• Camera / video camera with extra batteries or charger: Don’t miss a thing.
• Business cards / notepad: You’re going to make loads of new friends. You’ll want their contact information.
• A water bottle: You’ll want to refill this early and often.
• Just in case, bring photo copies of your passport, insurance card and all credit cards you’re bringing. Better to be safe than sorry.
• We are donating supplies to the local orphanage. Click for details on our community service project at the Ranfurly Homes for Children.
Share your favorite packing tips and anything I missed in the comments section below.
