Traveling is expensive. But there are ways to save on even the most extravagant vacation, if you want to.
Here are ten free ideas if cash is tight and you have some time to kill in the Bahamas.
- The Beaches — you are in the Bahamas, after all! Enjoy your day on the sand, under the sun, at one of the country’s free beaches. If you’re in Nassau, Junkanoo beach is about a 10 minute walk from the cruise port. Click here is a review of some of the Bahamas other beaches. They may not all be free.
- Shopping — If window shopping is your idea of vacation, and you’re in Freeport, head to Port Lucaya Marketplace. There are more than 80 booths in and around the building. You can find everything from local art to tiny tchotchkes.
- Walking Tours — Ready for a day seeing the sights? Nassau has quite a history. Check out GPSMyCity for free, downloadable, self-guided walking tours — complete with maps! You have one of three tours to chose from.
- Audio Tour — If you’d rather keep your eyes open instead of in a map, download a free audio walking tour here. You will have to install an app on your phone for these options.
- Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle — If you don’t have the time or the money to take an entire tour of Nassau, get to these two landmarks. They are both free to see, and you can walk to them from port. Directions here.
- Versailles Gardens — It’s a short walk from Atlantis on Paradise Island. The gardens will provide the feel of a trip to Europe. You’ll find art, statues and plants — all imported from Europe here. The gardens were made in the 1960s. The gardens are free to tour and is open 24 hours a day.
- John Watling’s Distillery — If a distillery tour is your idea of a fun afternoon, this one’s for you. It’s located in downtown Nassau, and is walking distance from the port. The Distillery gives complementary tours, and a free taste of their rum. Read more here.
- Souvenirs — Wanna remember your trip without leaving behind a bunch of dough? You can do it. Collect shells during your day on the beach. When you get home, add some ribbon and make them into ornaments for your Christmas tree. Or start collecting sand and try something like this.
- Use That Passport — If you’re on a cruise to the Bahamas and didn’t individually go through customs, don’t forget your passport. (You can check it out from the guest services desk.) Ask the police or guards you’ll see when you walk out of the port where you can get it stamped. They will point you in the direction of the customs office where we got a free stamp in our passports.
- It’s A Gem — Finally, if you’re into jewelry, you have an option to pick up this freebie from Diamond’s International. You pay $5 for a bracelet and can then pick up different charms in certain ports. The pictures make the charms look really good, but these are not well-made, and the gold will soon rub off, but they are cute. I’ve had some of mine dipped in silver at a jewelry store when I returned from vacation.