If you think of the Bahamas you immediately picture white sand beaches lapped by cool azure water. Palm trees gently swaying to tropical island rhythms. It is the quite coves, sheltered bays and crowd-free beaches that have made the Bahamas and its Out Islands such a sought after destination.

The Bahamas is made up of an archipelago of 700 palm-fringed isles and thousands of small ‘cays’ that are strung out like jewels in the Atlantic Ocean starting 55 miles (89km) from Miami. Surprisingly the Bahamas is actually twice the size of Spain.

For two hundred years (until independence in 1987) the Bahamas was a British Crown Colony.  As a result a strong British influence can still be seen in the architecture and culture. But the mood of the island is now more Caribbean with a strong American influence, particularly in the capital, Nassau.

When you arrive life slows to a snails pace. You can relax on unspoilt beaches, dive ancient shipwrecks and explore the underwater world of the coral reefs. You can literally get away from it all on empty beaches with just the local flora and fauna for company.

When you are ready for a change of pace the island’s many straw markets are a great place to experience the island way of life and haggle over handicrafts, ceramics and spices. If you are feeling energetic you can enjoy water sports such as wind surfing or parasailing or even take in a round of golf on one of the many courses such as the Lucayan Golf Course on Grand Bahama.

When the sun goes down the islands’ take on the rhythm of the calypso, goombay or junkanoo beat. You can dance until the small hours or watch the age-old tradition of the local customs.

The currency in the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar which has parity with the US Dollar (this is also accepted as legal tender).  American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs can be located on major islands in airport terminals, banks, casinos and other convenient locations.