Pure white sands, sparkling turquoise seas, a gentle breeze in the palm trees overhead – it’s hard not to feel relaxed when imagining a stay in the Caribbean.
There are plenty to choose from, so many in fact, that it can be a little daunting when trying to plan the right trip for you.
Advice from the Ministry of Tourism from one of the area’s most popular countries, the Bahamas, suggests that September may be one of the best times of year to visit.
This archipelago of nearly 700 pristine coral islands is just 60 miles southeast of Florida and is a real hidden paradise next door – Here are 6 reasons why now is a perfect time to check it out:
Multiple New Flight Routes From The U.S.
The Bahamas has always been a well-served destination from the United States, but this Fall it will be getting even more accessible thanks to the launch of new flight services from several airlines.
Delta Air Lines is launching its first-ever direct service from Miami, Florida to the Bahamian capital Nassau, starting on November 5th this year.
From November 15th, Bahamasair is commencing a twice-weekly flight service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (also in Florida) and Exuma International Airport near George Town in the Bahamas.
With a little research, you can easily find an affordable and convenient flight to this Caribbean paradise.
The Season Of Awesome Eats
Food in the Bahamas is one of the nation’s real pulls, and September through to December is a great time to experience it.
Every Friday night in September in Governor’s Harbour on the tiny island of Eleuthera, there is a huge fish fry where travelers can delight in local entertainment and fresh fish dishes straight from the ocean, as well as traditional rice and peas with pork chops.
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Other classic dishes from the Bahamas that you can enjoy, either in an outdoor setting or in one of the country’s many fine dining restaurants, include tuna and grits, baked macaroni, conch, rock lobsters, Bahamian stew fish, and Johnnycakes – a sweet bread similar to cornbread.
Festival Fun For All
Life in the Bahamas is often just killing time before the next party, festival, or celebration.
One worthy of your attention in September is the second annual Bahamas Dragon Boat Festival at Goodman’s Bay Beach in Nassau.
Taking place on 30 September, this exhilarating event will showcase the best of these unique vessels.
Also in Nassau is the Bahamas Heritage Festival, taking place on 7 October.
This event celebrates the best of rum, beer, wine, food, and culture from the Bahamas and is always a party worth stopping for.
If you plan your trip a little later in the year, you can enjoy Junkanoo, a holiday parade that takes place on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and dates back to the Bahamas’ colonial past.
Savings To Be Had For Savvy Travelers
Fall is a great time of year to grab a deal on a trip to the Bahamas.
While the island is largely an all-year-round destination, this time of year is when many of the island’s hoteliers make an extra effort to extend the summer for travelers.
Several well-known accommodations take this time of year to put on some enticing offers, such as Resorts World Bimini offering deals of up to 40% off on any bookings made from now until the end of October.
Fall And Winter Warmth
As you’d expect from a Caribbean nation, the Bahamas has decent weather throughout most of the year.
Average temperatures still sit at about 82F in September, dropping to only around 70F in December and January.
The only thing to remember is that rainfall is relatively high in September, but by November, it usually drops right off.
Make sure you keep a check on the weather, as this destination can be affected by hurricane season in the fall.
Unique Experiences
Besides its pristine beaches, laid-back island life, and impressive luxury resorts, the Bahamas also has unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
One example is the famous group of swimming pigs in Exuma.
Nobody is truly sure how these roughly 20 pigs got on this island, but they are enjoying the slower pace of life here and are very popular with visiting tourists.
If swimming with pigs is too wild for you, then there are plenty of other close encounters you can have with wildlife here, including nurse sharks, stingrays, starfish, and rock iguanas.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com