Zanzibar Unplugged: Best Time To Visit Zanzibar Zesty Escape

BY  Sibashree Dec 5, 2025

So, how far can a yacht travel? With the wind being your aid and the perfect boat, a yacht can take you hundreds and thousands of nautical miles away. This time, our yacht cruises to the Bahamas, one of the most exclusive destinations for the ultimate yacht experience in the Caribbean.  With over 700 islands and the capital city, Nassau, serving as a prime yacht tour spot, the Bahamas now offers the ultimate yacht experience.  However, planning a yacht charter tour in the Bahamas is not just about adventurous water activities or exploring the pristine islands.  By attracting millions of tourists every year, the yacht charter industry of the Bahamas functions as one of the major drivers of the country’s economy. According to the industry position paper, the yachting sector of the Bahamas contributes around $500m annually to the country’s economy.  But what makes the Bahamas such a powerhouse of yacht tours? In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will decode the reasons, talk about the places to visit, activities to try, and more.  Why Choose The Bahamas For Planning A Yacht Charter Tour?  The Bahamas is often mistaken for part of the USA. However, the one thing that connects these two countries is that both have a growing maritime tourism industry.  While the USA remains the undisputed cruise capital of the world, the Bahamas redefines yacht charter tours with its idyllic locations. Here, you can charter a catamaran, rent a sailboat, or take a small motorboat to cherish the appeal of the turquoise waters.  Here is more on why the Bahamas is the ultimate yacht tour destination.  1. For The Love Of The Sea, Sun, And Sand The turquoise waters of the Bahamas are tempting. Along with sailing in a yacht, you can also do swimming and snorkeling in places like the Rose Island and Andros Barrier Reef.  The Sun always shines the brightest in the Bahamas, making the stretches of soft, pink, sparkling sand on the beaches even more beautiful. The sand has a unique color because it comes from the shells and coral.  2. The Unique Geography  The Bahamas is very close to Florida, adding to its accessibility for global tourists. Furthermore, the calm and shallow water here is ideal for yacht rides.  Also, the subtropical weather conditions make it a great destination for yacht tours, with December to April as the peak season.  3. Swimming With The Exciting Creatures Of The Bahamas Reefs And Bays As you sail in a yacht charter or swim in the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, you can spot bottleneck dolphins, Caribbean reef sharks, green and hawksbill turtles, and the famous “swimming pigs.”  You will find the turtles near the Green Turtle Cay and the pigs on Sandy Toes Rose Island.  4. Knowing The Local Culture While Nassau remains the cultural hub of the Bahamas, you get to know about the layers of the Bahamas' culture even better as you explore from one island to another.  On one hand, you will find how laid back the people are, and on the other hand, you will encounter a livelier side when the party scene is on.  You can plan a yacht tour from the end of April to early May to be a part of the Junkanoo Carnival. Also, you can visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas to learn more about the culture and people here.  5. Amazing Shopping Experience On my yacht tour to the Bahamas, I found souvenirs as original and authentic as the place itself. Also, the shopping process sparked genuine conversations, and I could get to know more about the people here.  I loved the bags and vibrant shirts, exuding the signature Caribbean style. Also, the conch shell jewelry pieces were adorable, and I bought a bag full of them.  Also, don’t forget the rum cakes and the Junkanoo artworks.  What Are The Places To Visit On A Yacht Charter In The Bahamas? Home to more than 700 islands, the Bahamas offers many places to explore on a yacht charter tour. However, don’t miss these major attractions.  1. Exuma Islands The Exuma Islands have some of the most interesting coral reefs in the Caribbean. So, a yacht tour in these islands will allow you to encounter amazing marine life such as turtles, sharks, and dolphins.  The Moriah Harbor Cay and other natural parks in these islands are the best spots for spotting marine and land-based wildlife. Moreover, the Exuma Cay is home to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. It is the first land-and-sea park in the western hemisphere.  You can even go on a short walk on the nature trails and soak in the beauty of the shoreline. Also, the Campass Cay, one of the 365 islands and cays in the Exuma Islands, has Rachel's Bubble Bath.  Here, the waves of the sea crash over the rocks on the shore to create a bubble-like effect.  2. Abaco Islands The Abaco Islands are home to more than 120 islands and cays. The water here is perfect for swimming with dolphins and fishing. You can also explore the beaches in a kayak.  Furthermore, the Hope Town Lighthouse and colonial-style towns make it a favorite for history lovers. The water in the Sea of Abaco is calm, and the cays are small, making it ideal for a yacht ride. Also, the Abaco Islands have natural attractions such as the Great Guana Cay Barrier, Abaco National Park, and Treasure Cay Beach. 3. Nassau Nassau is the quintessential port city you can think of in the Bahamas. Cable Beach, Junkanoo Beach, and other beautiful beaches in and around Nassau are popular destinations for sailing, swimming, and snorkeling.  For a more authentic experience, you can take a banana boat ride. Nassau changes dramatically after sundown, with the beach clubs, bars, casinos, and nightclubs getting ready for the party.  Also, exploring the historical places such as The Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation and Parliament Square is one of the best things to do in Nassau.  4. Bimini Islands The Bimini Islands are ideal for a high-end yacht charter experience. You will find many posh resorts and beach clubs here.  Furthermore, you will see the wreck of the historic cargo steamer, SS Sapona, which is associated with the history of the Second World War.  Also, don’t forget to take a dip in the sulfur and lithium-rich water of the Healing Hole. It is the ultimate relaxing experience.  Moreover, for me, the main attraction of the Bimini Islands was the Stones of Atlantis. The underwater rock formations are said to be from the mythical city of Atlantis.  Planning A Yacht Charter Tour In The Bahamas? Know The Exciting Activities To Try  A yacht tour in the Bahamas offers a thrilling experience for adventure lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. A history lover will also love this tour, with many historical attractions scattered across Nassau and all over the Bahamas.  1. Exploring The Nature Parks The natural parks in the Bahamas have unique geological features, and they function as the protection hubs for the diverse wildlife of the islands. Check out the table below to know more about these parks.  Nature Parks in the BahamasLocationWhy Visit?Exuma Cays Land and Sea ParkThe Exuma Islands• To spot a thriving marine ecosystem• The first national park in the BahamasLucayan National ParkGrand Bahama Island• Extensive underwater cave system• Pine and mangrove forestsAbaco National ParkThe Abaco Islands• Originally established to protect the Abaco Parrot• Pine forest habitatsBlue Holes National ParkThe Andros Island• Deep blue underwater seaholes• Surrounding lagoons and oasesInagua National ParkGreat Inagua, the southernmost island of the Bahamas• The largest national park in the Bahamas• Flamingo population 2. Taking Part In The Water Sports A yacht charter tour will allow you to explore the land and marine wildlife by taking part in the following adventure activities and watersports.  Watersports in the BahamasBest PlacesSnorkeling• Exuma Cays• Andros Island• Bimini IslandsDiving• James Bond Wrecks**• Blue Hole• Tiger Beach Kayaking• Exuma Cays• Lucayan National Park• Junkanoo BeachPaddle Boarding• Goodman Bay• Staniel Cay• Paradise Island The James Bond Wreck, off the coast of New Providence Island, Bahamas, features in two James Bond movies, Thunderball and Never Say Never Again.  3. Visiting The Zoos Visit the Ardastra Gardens Zoo & Conservation Center, which houses many reptiles, mammals, and tropical birds.  In the heart of Nassau, this zoo runs the Flamingo Project to protect the national bird of the country. Here, you will come across animals such as Bahamian hutias and frican servals.  4. Visiting The Historic Sites  Nassau itself has many historical sites. You can visit Fort Fincastle. It is one of the city's ancient landmarks, and from the top of the fort you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city.  The Queen’s Staircase is another important historical landmark. The slaves carved its 65 steps in the late 18th century.  What Is The Best Time For Planning A Yacht Charter Tour In The Bahamas?  The Bahamas is a year-round destination for planning yacht charter tours. Here is a seasonal comparison of the best times to charter a yacht in the Bahamas. SeasonsAdvantagesLimitations/ChallengesWhat to Expect December to April (Peak Season)Pleasant WeatherThe Temperature Is around 25 degrees Celsius.Season of Festivals and Events • Crowded Places• High Charges• A Vibrant Water Sports • ScenarioIdeal for Wildlife SpottingMay to November (Off-Season)Fewer CrowdsLower Prices• Wet Season• September to October is the Hurricane Season. • Preferred by Budget-Conscious Travelers.• Yacht Tours Are Risky and Can Be Cancelled at Any Time Due to Changing Weather Conditions.  Planning A Yacht Charter Tour In The Bahamas: Check Out The 7-Day Itinerary  If you want the ultimate Bahamian experience on a yacht tour, you can follow this 7-day itinerary. It covers the pristine waters, cultural hotspots, wildlife encounters, and those signature postcard-perfect beaches. DaysActivities Day 1• Boarding the yacht from the Marina• A relaxed sail around Cable Beach and Junkanoo Beach• Visiting the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas• Evening stroll through Downtown Nassau.• Dinner onboard Day 2• Morning walk up the Queen’s Staircase. • Visiting Fort Fincastle• Sailing toward Paradise Island in the afternoon• Sunset sailing around the island and anchoring near sheltered baysDay 3Sailing to Rose IslandVisiting Sandy Toes Rose Island to meet the famous swimming pigsSpotting the Caribbean reef sharks, green and hawksbill turtles, and playful dolphinsEvening cruise toward the ExumasDay 4• Starting at the world-famous Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park • Afternoon stop at Compass Cay• Relaxing on the deck in the evening. Day 5• Morning paddleboarding or kayaking around Staniel Cay.• Exploring the Moriah Harbor Cay and its wildlifeShallow-water sightseeing in small motorboats• Sailing north toward the Abacos by evening.Day 6• Arriving in the peaceful Abaco Islands• Swimming with dolphins in the calm Sea of Abaco• Visiting Hope Town Lighthouse• Afternoon nature excursion to the Abaco National Park • Evening relaxation at Treasure Cay BeachDay 7• Sailing to the Bimini Islands• Exploring the SS Sapona shipwreck • Taking a rejuvenating dip in the natural Healing Hole • Underwater exploration of the legendary Stones of Atlantis• Afternoon beach club relaxation• Return sail toward Nassau for the final night onboard. If you want to explore more and you have more days to spare, you can visit the Lucayan National Park and Andros Blue Holes. You can even plan a farewell dinner in Nassau.  What Is The Cost Of A Yacht Charter Tour In The Bahamas?  The budget of your yacht tour in the Bahamas will depend on many factors. Bareboat charters cost less than crewed charters. Furthermore, you may need to pay the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) for food, fuel, beverages, and other operational expenses.  Furthermore, you will have to pay the Value Added Tax (VAT) and crew gratuity. Also, tipping is mandatory, in addition to the base rate.  Nevertheless, here is a budget estimation based on the type of yacht you choose.  Type of CharterEstimated Cost (For a Week)Motor Yachts• $45000 onward Sailing Yachts• $35000-40000 (Crewed)Catamarans• $15000 (Crewed) So, catamarans are the most budget-friendly yacht options in the Bahamas. Also, while preparing the budget, include the costs of shopping, entry fees to the places you visit, and charges for adventure activities.  That brings me to the end of the discussion about planning a yacht charter tour in the Bahamas. I wish you a happy journey!

BY  Ankita Feb 2, 2024

Traveling is one of the most thrilling and exciting things. Many people wait for a long time to plan and go on a trip. But as much as it is exciting to explore another location, taking your comfort along with it is a real challenge. We all imagine ourselves in the best outfits when on a trip. But when it comes to planning –the job seems daunting to many people. If you are one of them, worry not. In this blog, you will explore smart and effective tips for packing right in 2024. Let’s dig into the blog Packing Tips If You Want To Travel Smartly In 2024 As much as traveling is loved by all, packing is not liked by many. 2024 is the year of smart packing. This doesn’t mean removing your desired items from the suitcase. In fact, it is about packing everything in an organized, functional, and tidy way. In the next section of the article, I have listed down a few tips to smartly pack for a seamless journey: 1. Start With Light Items.  To start packing, the first and foremost thing you need to get is lighter items. You can start packing by folding your shirts, shorts, and undergarments. It is true that traveling is an exciting event, and you want to carry your wardrobe around. But that’s technically not possible, right?  So, carry only a handful of clothes and essentials to keep the bag as light as possible. Once you decide the shirts you want to take, you can pair your pants with them and make an outfit for occasions. This way, you will understand how to organize and save more space in your luggage for other things. 2. Plan Your Outfits  To save space in the bag and prevent carrying an extra burden on the trip, it is advised to plan your outfit. This is one of the time-consuming factors. You might want to shop to achieve your imaginative look. So, start planning early and lay down all your shirts and pants to pair and create an outfit on the trip.  Don’t pack a thing that needs an additional shirt and pair of shoes to achieve a look. Instead, travel smartly! A true stylist knows how to mix and match outfits and create style statements every single day. Be confident with your outfits and pack them in the most functional way. 3. Choose Right Luggage When you are traveling, you are carrying your comfort along with you. If the main support to the comfort is weak, it can create a mess with your belongings.  That is why traveling experts recommend packing things in the right size and quality luggage. So, choosing the right luggage is our very next tip.  If you don’t have a luggage bag or backpack that can carry airline personal item, you can check online and explore the store to get a quality and affordable price. This way, you will have peace of mind that your bags are in good condition to support the weight of things. 4. Wear Heavy Items  There are many travel experts who are following this hack. When you carry heavy things in the luggage, it will simply add more weight. But what if you carry them on yourself? You can wear your bulky jacket or boots that you want to wear on the trip. This way, you will not have to leave our most liked and precious outfits at home. Additionally, you are saving all that shipping money that you might have to pay for extra luggage. Exclude all the other heavy items that are not much of a necessity. But hey, don’t forget to pack your camera! 5. Don’t Forget Medical Kit  Next, don’t forget to carry a medical kit on the trip for your safety and health. When there is a change in the climate, food, and water, you cannot predict your health for it. So, consider creating a small pouch and include Band-Aids, painkillers, stomach relief, and other medicines that you take on a regular basis to travel with. This way, you will not have to run to the healthcare center in case of any health emergency. 6. Carry A Route Map Wherever You Go Visit a city 10 times, and you are still likely to forget its shortcut routes. This is why carrying a map is important, no matter where you go. This is a must-have in your bag because it removes all the unnecessary stress of traveling alone. Although technology is doing much of the job itself.  Nowadays, carrying your mobile devices certainly helps a lot. From discovering the best brewery around you to looking for a healthcare facility, there’s nothing that you cannot do with the help of your phone, tablet, or laptop. In whichever form, make sure to have proper access to navigation.  7. Don’t Forget To Capture Your Memories Last but not least, don’t forget to capture your special memories. Pack your handy cams, DSLRs, and other essential things. A true fact is you never know when you will be able to visit this mesmerizing destination again. Traveling, in itself, is a unique experience, and don’t forget to cherish it. Live every moment and enjoy them to the fullest. This counts as the true essence of a trip. Check out some amazing hand gadgets and cameras on the Internet that do not weigh too much. Make sure not to overload your luggage, even though all you want is to take some astounding pictures.  Parting Thoughts These were some of the smart packing tips that end up helping you travel smartly. A seamless journey experience is priceless, so make the most of it with these tips. Your traveling days are near!  Save this article and implement the aforementioned practices on your next trip in 2024. Also, comment below on your packing strategies. Thank you for reading! Read Also: Top 10 Best Travel Apps To Use In 2019 6 Expert Packing Tips That Will Make Your Trips More Fun Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade

BY  sagnika Jun 26, 2023

Have you recently traveled via airplane? Do you want to know can you bring cologne on a plane? This article will list the rules the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) established regarding carrying perfume or cologne. You can read the rules and regulations of the TSA related to carrying Cologne on airplanes and the reasons for the specific restrictions. Staying aware of the information is important because cologne comes in different forms, such as aerosols, gels, and liquids. The facts related to carrying cologne are important because it is not just about bringing it for your personal use. At times, if you are holidaying or on a work trip, you can buy new cologne for yourself, family, and friends for gift purposes. It is because some cologne is specifically available in specific countries. Following these rules and regulations ensures that you will not face any issues while boarding or in the screening process. It also provides that there are no risks inside the aircraft due to carrying cologne. Can You Bring Cologne On A Plane? Let's Discuss The reason due carrying cologne is identified as a risk is because cologne is inflammable. It can be of any form, such as liquid, gel, lotion, or aerosol; however, if it leaks and comes into contact with any flammable substance, it poses a significant risk for all passengers and crew members. When there is a question, can you bring perfume on a plane? yes, but with restrictions. It is due to the alcohol content in cologne that there is a high probability of risking catching fire in the aircraft. Considering the plane is an enclosed space, there are high probabilities of risks. It is, therefore, important for all passengers and crew members to be careful, aware, and vigilant. You must be careful as a traveler to use containers protected by caps or other means to prevent any accidental leakage. It applies to nasal sprays, sanitizers, massaging liquor, aerosol and fluid medication, and nail polish. Rules By Transportation Security Administration (TSA) For Cologne The rule of 100 ml bottles in carry-on bags applies to most countries, such as the USA, Europe, China, Canada, India, The United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. If you want to carry a lot of perfume or cologne, especially as a gift, you must split it into different containers. The original packaging of the cologne must also be carried so that the officers do not raise any issues during the security screening. At times, carrying a lot of liquid, gel, lotion, or aerosol can raise suspicion; hence, limiting the amount of cologne you have is important. Can you bring perfume on a plane? Is there another question you must have? Perfume and cologne both come under the same category. All types of colognes are allowed on the plane. However, there are limits to how they must be carried. The TSA officers should be confident regarding the quantity of perfume you carry. Can You Bring Cologne On A Plane? According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the rule for carrying any liquid, including cologne, in a carry-on bag or handbag is that the liquid must be 3.4 ounces. 3.4 ounces means 100 ml, which applies to all liquids, aerosols, lotions, and gels. The rule is called 3-1-1, where the 3.4 ounces of liquid should be carried in 1 transparent quart-sized bag, which applies only to one passenger. There are no specific requirements regarding carrying the cologne in the checked baggage. However, cologne in liquid, aerosol, gel, or lotion form can be risky; therefore, it must be within the limit of 17 ounces or 500 ml in one container if it is in liquid form. If the form is in gel or lotion, the quantity must not exceed 18 ounces or 0.5 kg. According to the TSA, you cannot carry more than 2 kg of gel or lotion or 2 L of liquid of the aggregate quantity of cologne in the checked baggage. Can The Cologne Be Used During The Flight? The rules for flying internationally and domestically are the same except if you travel domestically to New Zealand or Australia. New CT scanners in New Zealand and Australia make it easier for passengers to follow one rule of carrying 500 ml containers. The smaller container of 100 ml is only sometimes implemented in these countries overall, helping the passengers to follow the TSA rules. It also does not matter in which type of container you carry the perfume, be it glass, plastic, or metal. It is important to declare if you are returning to your home country while buying a lot of cologne or perfume from a foreign country for security and screening purposes. During the flight, perfume or cologne can be used. It is, however, necessary to remember not to spray on other passengers. So, It is better to apply the perfume in the bathroom. It is better to wait a bit in the bathroom so that the airplane can cycle out. You can also wipe your skin with a paper towel and water so it is not overpowering. It also saves you from the risk of catching fire in a crisis! Packaging Tips For Cologne In Plane Avoid any cologne-related issues, especially such as spillage leading to severe risks. As a traveler, you should be cautious and follow the rules and regulations established by the TSA. When packing a cologne or perfume bottle, you must put a lid on the bottle's nozzle. You can also put the fragrance bottle in a zip-lock bag and try to remove all air from the zip-lock bag. Put the cologne inside the zip-lock. In soft clothing, you must also cover or wrap the zip-lock bag with the fragrance bottle. Sealing the bottle or the cologne container in the checked baggage is important. Please carry a cologne bottle that is travel size and be observant with regards to putting the cologne bottle near a hard object. There are refillable containers available on Amazon that can be used to carry cologne. Even the small test samples for cologne are also applicable when carrying perfume on a trip via airplane. Read More: Can You Bring Deodorant On A Plane? – Read This Blog To Know! Bringing Duty-free Cologne On A Plane There are no restrictions on duty-free cologne on a plane; hence, it can be carried effectively. It is also important to remember that it might not apply to the handbag rule but to the rule of checked baggage. Can I take Cologne on a plane? Yes, you can. Duty-Free products can be carried in shopping bags allowed by the airlines; hence, you would not face any issues regarding that as long as you follow the rule of the quantity of the checked baggage for liquids, aerosols, gels, and lotions. Conclusion In the article, you have been made aware of the rules maintained by the TSA regarding cologne carrying on the plane. It also has information about the risks and how to be mindful. Let us know in the comments regarding your experience of carrying cologne on a plane. Read Also: Can You Bring A Razor On A Plane? Find The Answer Here! Can You Bring A Lighter On A Plane? Know It All Here! Avelo Airlines Reviews You Were Looking For!   Is Spirit Airlines Safe? Get Your Answer Here!