If you live in Florida and have been craving an international trip—but don’t want the stress of long flights, complicated planning, or major travel expenses—let me put you onto one of the easiest and most underrated options…
The Bahamas.
This is hands down one of the best “first passport trips” you can take, especially if you’ve never left the country before. It feels like a true international getaway—with the bright blue water, island culture, and tropical atmosphere—but it’s incredibly easy to get to and plan.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend escape, a relaxing beach trip, or just a way to finally use your passport for the first time, the Bahamas checks all the boxes.
And the best part? You can literally get there in under an hour from Florida.
Why the Bahamas Is Perfect for Florida Residents
One of the biggest reasons I always recommend the Bahamas is how close and accessible it is.
It’s one of the only places where you truly feel like you’ve left the country… without dealing with the stress that usually comes with international travel.
- Flights from South Florida can take about 1 hour
- You can take a ferry from Miami
- No major time difference
- English is widely spoken
- U.S. dollars are commonly accepted
If you’re someone who feels nervous about traveling internationally for the first time, this is such a comfortable way to ease into it.
Even though I’ve traveled internationally quite a bit, I still think this is one of the best beginner-friendly trips—especially if you live in Florida.
Ferry vs. Flight: My Honest Experience
I’ve personally done both—flying and taking the ferry—and I have to say… I actually prefer the ferry.
We took the ferry from Miami, and it honestly felt like part of the vacation itself.
Instead of being stuck in a plane seat, you can:
- Walk around
- Sit and relax
- Look out at the ocean the entire time
I usually travel with my family, including my nephew, and he loved being able to move around instead of being confined to a seat. It just made the whole experience feel less stressful and more enjoyable.
If you go this route, I highly recommend doing what we did:
Spend one night in Miami, explore the city a bit, and then take an early morning ferry.
Miami is such a fun place to walk around—there are so many cute breakfast cafés, shops, and just a really good energy overall. It almost feels like you’re getting two mini trips in one.
That said, flying is still a great option if you’re short on time. It’s quick, easy, and gets you there fast.
Where to Stay in the Bahamas (My Honest Take)
I’ve stayed in all three types of accommodations in the Bahamas:
- All-inclusive resorts
- Hotels
- Airbnbs
And after trying everything… all-inclusive resorts are 100% my favorite.
Why I Prefer All-Inclusive Resorts
I truly feel like I get the most value for my money this way.
One of my favorite parts is the private beach setup. There are always chairs and umbrellas already set up, so you don’t have to stress about finding a spot or bringing anything with you.
Another huge plus is the food.
At the resort I stayed at:
- There were multiple restaurants with different cuisines
- An all-day buffet
- Unlimited drinks
And something I personally loved—since I don’t drink alcohol—was being able to order fun frozen drinks like a Miami Vice (non-alcoholic) without paying the same price as a cocktail. It just made the experience feel more inclusive and fun.
Why Airbnbs Can Actually Cost More
I know Airbnbs seem like the cheaper option at first—I thought the same thing.
But every time I’ve stayed in one in the Bahamas, I’ve ended up spending more overall.
Once you factor in:
- Grocery shopping
- Eating out
- Transportation from the airport
- Car services
- Activities
…it really adds up fast.
With an all-inclusive, everything is already taken care of, which makes it so much easier—especially for a short weekend trip.
What to Do in the Bahamas
One of my favorite things about the Bahamas is that you can do as much—or as little—as you want.
Relaxation Is the Main Event
Honestly, my favorite part of every trip has just been relaxing.
Sitting on the beach, listening to the water, and slowing down a bit—it’s such a nice reset.
Exploring Nassau
When visiting Nassau, there are actually a lot of historical spots you can explore.
- Old forts
- Colonial architecture
- Local markets
It adds a really nice balance to the trip if you want something beyond just the beach.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is another must-do.
A lot of hotels have designated snorkeling areas, and you can either bring your own gear or rent it.
The water is so clear, and there are tons of beautiful fish—it’s one of those simple experiences that ends up being one of your favorites.
My Honest Take on Pig Island Excursions
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I want to be completely honest since I’ve done it twice.
The swimming pigs experience is one of the most famous things to do in the Bahamas, but personally… it wasn’t my favorite.
Both times, I left feeling a little uncomfortable.
- Some of the pigs didn’t look well cared for
- I saw one that was injured
- Many of them were extremely overweight
- They can be aggressive (one stepped on my foot and left it bruised the entire trip)
I also noticed that they were handled a bit roughly at times, which just didn’t sit right with me.
I know it’s a bucket list item for a lot of people, but I personally wouldn’t do it again.
Real Cost Breakdown (From My Experience)
The Bahamas can definitely get expensive—especially if you’re not planning ahead.
One thing that really surprised me was how expensive food can be at local restaurants.
Every time we went out to eat, the food was amazing—but I noticed that a lot of menus were very similar, with a lot of fried options.
I loved the fried conch… but I definitely didn’t want to eat that every single day.
This is another reason why I lean toward all-inclusive resorts—it gives you way more variety without constantly spending money.
Perfect 3-Day Bahamas Weekend Itinerary
If you’re planning a short trip, here’s a simple way to structure it:
Day 1: Travel + Settle In
- Arrive in the Bahamas
- Check into your hotel or resort
- Spend the afternoon at the beach
- Dinner and drinks
Day 2: Explore + Relax
- Morning snorkeling or excursion
- Beach or pool time
- Try different restaurants
- Enjoy the evening
Day 3: Slow Morning + Head Home
- Breakfast with a view
- Walk along the beach
- Travel back home
Travel Tips You NEED to Know
If you’re planning your first trip, here are a few things I highly recommend:
- Bring your own sunscreen – it is SO expensive there
- Book excursions through your hotel when possible
- Don’t overpack your schedule
- Plan ahead for transportation if not staying at a resort
Why This Is the Perfect First Passport Trip
Even though I’ve traveled internationally quite a bit, I still recommend the Bahamas as a first passport trip—especially for Florida residents.
It’s:
- Close to home
- Easy to navigate
- Lower stress than long-haul travel
- A great way to get used to customs and international travel
If you’re nervous about leaving the U.S. for the first time, this is such a good starting point.
Final Thoughts
If you live in Florida and want a quick, easy, and beautiful international getaway, the Bahamas is one of the best options out there.
Between the short travel time, the stunning beaches, and how simple it is to plan, it’s one of those trips that just makes sense.
And whether you choose to fly or take the ferry (which I personally love), stay at an all-inclusive resort, or explore on your own…
It’s the kind of trip that makes you fall in love with traveling.
