What to Pack for a Vacation in the Bahamas

Golf courses in the Bahamas are some of the most beautiful and challenging in the world. Yet nearly all of the public courses are casual. Bring comfortable clothing with you on your trip. In fact, no special attire is required, so your regular street clothes are perfect. Do bring your own golf shoes and gloves, as they will fit you better than newly purchased ones.

Shorts, T-shirts, a bathing suit, flip-flops, sunglasses and a baseball cap or straw hat are essential items to stuff in your bag. Bring sunscreen only if you require a certain brand, otherwise you can pick some up on any of the islands. You may want a pair of sandals to dress up a bit for dinner, and a pair of walking shoes for hikes and shopping. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt just in case you encounter a cool night or two. However, this is highly unlikely. At dusk and dawn, there can be some bothersome flying bugs, but no other time of the day. Be sure to purchase some bug spray before heading out for the evening, just in case you need it. Pack your own beach towels. Many of the hotels do not loan these out.

You'll need your passport and driver's license. If you have prescription medications, do not move them from their original bottles. Customs may check these and will need clear identification of any drugs and their origin.

Unless you are staying at an upscale resort or hotel that requires evening wear for dinner, there is no need to wear anything different from your daywear. The island life is very casual for residents and visitors, alike. You can take along nicer polo shirts, for men, and cool sundresses, for women, to wear to evening events, if you like.

Don't forget your digital camera. You'll want plenty of pictures for showing off when you get home. If you go snorkeling, you easily can rent equipment and underwater cameras, unless you have your own flippers and mask. If you do, pack them.