Currency:

Bahamian dollar (BSD)

When to go:

Late spring travel offers fewer tourists and no hurricanes

Known for:

Close proximity to the United States, palm frond handicrafts, Cuban cigars

Languages:

English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)

A chain of islands off the coast of Florida and northeast of Cuba, the Bahamas cover an area slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut. Due to its proximity to the United States, the islands are popular stopping points for cruise ships, yachts and warm-weather seeking East Coasters.

Independent of the United Kingdom since 1973, the Bahamas retain many English influences, as evidenced in the national language and the national sport, cricket.

Although the capital of the nation is Nassau, tourists also frequently stay in Freeport on Grand Bahama. No matter where you visit, make sure to look for the national dish, raw or fried conch, and wash it down with the national beer, Kalik. For harder stuff, don't overlook Bacardi rum, produced in a factory south of Nassau and open for tours.

Read more about the Bahamas at www.bahamas.com.