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Aug 2009 -Thiru's family trip to the Island of Bahamas

A trip from August 04, 2009 to August 08, 2009, travelling to Paradise Island, Nassau, Buffalo, New …

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Tue 08/04/09 (day 1)

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pre-trip notes :

Welcome to the Out Islands of The Bahamas

There's a collection of islands in The Bahamas with over 55 world-class resorts and boutique hotels that appeal to true connoisseurs of Caribbean island life and unique vacation destinations. These are quiet islands ideal for relaxing and reconnecting, for fantasy weddings and honeymoons, for the ultimate in fishing, diving and eco-travel vacations. These are The Bahamas Out Islands – and there’s one that’s perfect for you.

An Out Islands Bahamas vacation is about the beautiful beaches. It’s about the warm crystal-clear water. It’s about unspoiled nature and real encounters with wildlife. It’s about lively music, friendly locals and amazing sunsets. But mainly it’s about you.

The Out Islands of The Bahamas provide an opportunity to disengage from the daily slog and then to reconnect with what’s important: Your relationship with loved ones, with the natural environment and most of all with yourself.

The Out Islands of The Bahamas offer absolute relaxation, with endless pristine beaches and blue vistas perfect for immersing yourself into the sea and sun scenery. Once your batteries are recharged though, the Out Islands are ready to bring you back to life, to engage you in the natural environment by putting some of the world’s finest snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, nature hiking, flying, golfing, bird-watching, boating and sailing at your fingertips.

Getting Around

Flights:

Air Ambulance Services Ltd.

Charter Operators...

Bam's Air Co.

Charter Operators...

Dove Air

Charter Operators...

Executive Flight Support

Coral Harbour Road P.O. Box N-8174
Phone: 242-377-3355 Fax: 242-377-3470 Email: efsnassau@aol.com Website: www.efsnassau.com

General Aviation

c/o Nassau Airport Development Company Lynden Pindling International Airport Windsor Road, P. O. Box AP 59229 Nassau
Phone: 242-377-0209 Fax: 242-377-0385 Email: feedback@nas.bs Website: www.nas.bs

Odyssey Aviation

Coral Harbour Road P.O. Box AP-59248
Phone: 242-702-0200 Fax: 242-362-0006 Email: nassauservice@odysseyfsp.com Website: www.odysseyfsp.com

By Car and Scooter

When taking to the roads in The Islands Of The Bahamas, there’s one important thing to remember: We drive on the left-hand side of the road.

By Car

Rental cars, equipped for left-hand driving, are available on every island. Rental car facilities are often located at hotels and at airports. Renting a car is a convenient way for you to explore more of the island on your own time. There are local rental car companies and international rental agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, National, Almo are also represented on the island. Prices can range from approximately $75 per day for a compact vehicle to approximately $115 per day for a minivan. Insurance and gas are extra.

By Scooter

Motor scooters are also available for rent. Renting a motor scooter gives you and a passenger the freedom to buzz around town and the countryside looking for that perfect, quiet beach spot. Motor scooters are approximately $50.00-$60.00 per day between the hours of 8am-5pm. Insurance and a deposit is required. Hourly rentals can be requested. The law requires that motor scooter riders wear crash helmets, which are available from the scooter rental companies.

By Bus and Taxi

Jitney Bus

Public transportation service (referred to as jitneys) is available on several of the major islands, such as Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. Service is generally from early morning (about 6:30 a.m.) until about 7:00 p.m. Fares vary, depending on the route, and exact change is required. Bus stops are marked. The basic fare is $1.25 per person. Out of town zones in New Providence could cost up to $2.25.

Taxi

You can call a taxi or flag one down on the street in the major islands. Taxi stands are also conveniently placed at most hotels and at airports. Although metered rates vary by island, they are reasonable and are fixed by law.

Nassau/Paradise Island Taxi Rates

Nassau International Airport to:

- Cable Beach...........................$18.00

- Downtown.............................$27.00

- Paradise Island.......................$32.00 (add $1 bridge toll)

Cable Beach to:

- Downtown.............................$15.00

- Paradise Island.......................$22.00 (add $1 bridge toll)

Downtown to:

- Paradise Island.......................$11.00 ($4.00 per person group rate for 4 or more passengers)

Please note:

- Surcharges often apply for more than two persons and extra luggage.

- A 5-mile taxi ride is approximately $12.00.

- Taxi rates quoted are for up to two (2) passengers.

- Each additional passenger is $3.00 per person.

To experience knowledgeable, professional Bahamian hospitality as you travel in The Islands Of The Bahamas, look for this Bahamahost decal on taxicabs and buses. Managed by the National Bahamahost Association, the program promotes professionalism, pride and education in hospitality fields to ensure a proper welcome to visitors.

The training familiarizes all participants with correct and accurate information on the country’s history, geography, civics, economics, culture, flora, fauna and places of interest. Additional emphasis is placed on attitudinal training, teamwork and cooperation. Graduates of the program are issued a Bahamahost identification badge and vehicle owners are issued a Bahamahost decal. All graduates are encouraged to display their badge or decal with pride.

Banking

Banking hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In Nassau/Paradise Island there are ATMs at both Paradise Island and Cable Beach casinos and, commercial banks. In Grand Bahama, they can be found at major banks, the casino and Port Lucaya and on The Out Islands ATMs are at banks on all of the major islands. Most are equipped with +PLUS and Cirrus ATM systems.

Royal Bank of Canada

P.O. Box El-27677, Spanish Wells

Royal Bank of Canada

P.O. Box El 25152, Governor's Harbour
Phone: 242-332-2856 Fax: 242-332-2526

Royal Bank of Canada

Phone: 242-356-8796 Fax: 242-328-7145 Email: jan.knowles@rbc.com

Scotia Bank

King Street, Rock Sound
Phone: 242-334-2620

Scotial Bank

P. O. Box El27841, Lower Bogue
Phone: 242-335-1400 Fax: 242-335-1399

Communication

The U.S. and Canada are a direct-dial call away and most hotels provide direct-dialing service from your room or conference center.

Both visitors and business travelers will find that telecommunication services on The Islands Of The Bahamas are comparable with the service found in most developed nations. A 100% digital switching system allows direct-distance dialing to more than 100 countries. The U.S. and Canada are a direct-dial away and most hotels provide direct-dialing service from guest rooms and/or the conference centre.The Bahamas Telephone Company (BTC) provides a variety of services beyond telephony. Also provided are fax, telex, Internet, cellular, private line service, satellite and radio leasing and an improved VHF-FM radio telephone service that allows you to contact ships at sea. You can save money on

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Currency

The Bahamian dollar is held on par with the U.S. dollar and both are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands. Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted at most locations on Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. +PLUS and Cirrus ATMs can be found at banks on Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and on most of the major

Driving Laws

British rules apply, so please drive on the left and be extra careful on roundabouts. Visitors may use their home licenses for up to three months and may also apply for an international driver's license. Pedestrians should remember to look right before crossing streets.

It is the law that all drivers and their passengers wear seat belts while riding in a vehicle in The Bahamas.

A child weighing less than twenty pounds shall face the rear of the vehicle secured in an infant seat fitted to the rear seat.

Tourist offices

Andros Tourist Office: Contact: Mr. Benjamin Pratt, Sr. Manager Andros Town General Delivery Andros Town Andros
The Bahamas
Phone: (242) 368-2286 Phone: (242) 368-2891 Fax: (242) 368-2285 Email: bpratt@bahamas.com Website: www.andros.bahamas.com
Eleuthera Tourist Office: Contact: Ms. Jacqueline Gibson Acting General Manager Queen's Highway General Delivery Governor's Harbour Eleuthera
The Bahamas
Phone: (242) 332-2142 Fax: (242) 332-2480 Email: jjhgibson@bahamas.com Website: www.eleuthera.bahamas.com
Exuma Tourist Office: Contact: Nyoka Deveaux Sam Gray Building P.O. Box EX-29041
Phone: 242-336-2430 Phone: 242-336-2456 Fax: 242-336-2431 Email: ndeveaux@bahamas.com
Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board: Hotel Center S.G. Hambros Building West Bay Street Nassau
The Bahamas
Phone: 242-322-8381 Phone: 242-322-8383 Fax: 242-326-5346 Email: rknowles@bahamashotels.org
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism: P.O. Box N-3701 Nassau, Bahamas
Phone: 242-302-2000 Fax: 242-302-2098 Email: tourism@bahamas.com Website: http://www.bahamas.com