If your idea of the perfect vacation includes sun-drenched beaches, electric blue waters, and a mix of vibrant culture and laid-back island vibes, then Nassau, Bahamas should be at the very top of your list. It’s one of those rare destinations that feels both timeless and constantly evolving—a place where pirates once roamed, colonial forts still stand, and modern resorts rub shoulders with bustling local markets.
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is a feast for the senses. Step off the plane or cruise ship, and you’re immediately greeted with the warmth of Caribbean hospitality and a gentle ocean breeze that makes you feel like you’ve exhaled for the first time in weeks. The city’s heartbeat is in its colourful streets—Bay Street’s pastel facades and the famous Straw Market buzz with energy, offering everything from handmade crafts to fresh coconut water hacked open before your eyes. Culture lovers can dive into the city’s rich heritage at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas or take a short walk up the historic Queen’s Staircase, carved by enslaved people in the late 1700s and still standing strong today.
For those who believe a vacation isn’t complete without toes in the sand and a tropical drink in hand, Nassau more than delivers. Paradise Island, just over the bridge from downtown, offers postcard-perfect beaches like Cabbage Beach and Junkanoo Beach, with their powdery white sand and waters that practically beg for snorkels, paddleboards, or a lazy float. Foodies will fall hard for the island’s culinary scene: conch fritters, cracked lobster, and grilled snapper are just the beginning. Try a “sky juice” cocktail—gin, coconut water, and sweetened condensed milk—for something uniquely Bahamian (and surprisingly potent).
And coming in December 2025, Nassau is set to unveil an all-new jewel in its crown: Royal Caribbean’s Paradise Beach Club on Paradise Island. This exclusive beachfront destination will blend the authentic Bahamian spirit with world-class amenities, offering guests a luxurious yet culturally rich escape just minutes from the heart of Nassau. Think private cabanas, stunning pools, local cuisine, and live music, all set against the backdrop of powdery sand and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking to relax in style or dive into local flavors and traditions, Paradise Beach Club promises to be an unforgettable addition to your Bahamian getaway.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Just a short sail away lies a lesser-known jewel of the Caribbean: Coco Cay. While technically part of the Berry Islands, this private island, officially known as Perfect Day at CocoCay, is Royal Caribbean’s exclusive playground. But don’t let that make you think it’s off-limits for everyday fun—Coco Cay is an imaginative, joyful escape, designed not to sell you something, but to give you a day you’ll talk about long after your tan has faded.
Coco Cay is like someone took every beach day fantasy and turned it up to 11. Love adrenaline? Head straight to Thrill Waterpark, home to North America’s tallest waterslide, Daredevil’s Peak, and a whole complex of slides, wave pools, and splash zones. There’s even an obstacle course on the water, just in case lounging in the sun isn’t quite active enough for you. Prefer to take it easy? The Oasis Lagoon—the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean—has a swim-up bar and coves where you can float your stress away to a reggae beat.
For those chasing luxury, Coco Cay doesn’t disappoint. Picture this: your own overwater cabana at Coco Beach Club, complete with a slide into the ocean, a private attendant, and a floating daybed where you can sip a cocktail while the breeze does your hair better than any salon ever could. Families will love the kid-friendly areas like Splashaway Bay, while couples might escape to the quieter Chill Island, where hammocks swing lazily between palms and the only thing on your to-do list is deciding which frozen drink to try next.
And yes, there’s food—plenty of it. The island has a number of complimentary dining spots like Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill, serving up BBQ, tropical salads, burgers, tacos, and of course, those soft-serve cones you’ll end up eating twice (or three times) before the day is over. Everything is designed to be easy and breezy. No stress. No schedule. Just you, the sea, and a whole lot of "wow, this is really happening."
The beauty of pairing Nassau with Coco Cay is how they complement each other so perfectly. Nassau is steeped in real, lived-in Bahamian life—rich history, buzzing streets, and authentic culture. Coco Cay is the dreamscape version—carefully curated, over-the-top fun, but still rooted in the natural beauty of the Caribbean. Together, they offer the best of both worlds: the heart of the Bahamas, and the pure joy of island escape.
So whether you’re exploring historic forts in Nassau or floating in a cabana at Coco Cay, one thing’s certain: you’ll leave with sandy feet, sun-kissed cheeks, and stories you’ll be telling for years. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll start planning your next Bahamian adventure before your first one even ends.
And when we’re flying across continents, checking into hotels, or finding the best place for late-night noodles in Tokyo, we rely on a few essential apps to keep everything running smoothly.
These are the apps our travel advisors personally use and recommend to clients who want a smarter, less stressful travel experience.
“I forward all my booking confirmations to TripIt, and it creates a full, beautifully organized itinerary—even with maps and contact details. Total lifesaver. TripIt is perfect for busy travelers with multiple flights, hotels, transfers, or activities. It even syncs to your calendar and offers gate alerts (with the Pro version). No more digging through your inbox mid-trip."
Pro Tip: Add passport or travel doc reminders, share your trip with family, and use the “Neighborhood Safety Scores” feature when exploring new cities.
“It notifies me of delays before the airline app does. I even use it to track flights for my clients.
Flighty stands out with incredibly detailed, real-time updates—down to gate changes, aircraft info, and FAA delay trends. It pulls from aviation data sources even pilots use."
Pro Tip: Premium version offers calendar sync, delay forecasts, and connection monitoring—a must for tight layovers.
“I save my must-see places, offline maps, and use public transit directions everywhere from Paris to Bangkok.
Not just for directions—Google Maps is brilliant for planning. Use “Lists” to save restaurants, shops, and sights. Explore mode reveals top-rated spots locals love."
Pro Tip: Download your destination’s offline map, and switch to satellite view to preview neighborhoods before arrival.
“I use it to read menus, ask for directions, and even translate train station announcements.
This app does much more than text translation. Speak into it, and it speaks back. Or aim your camera at foreign signs and menus—it overlays the English version in real time."
Pro Tip: Download language packs before your trip to use offline. The app also offers handwriting and conversation modes for more natural interaction.
“It saves me from mental math every time I shop or tip in another country.
This lightweight app converts currencies quickly—even offline. Great for budget-conscious travelers or anyone who doesn’t want surprises when the credit card bill comes."
Pro Tip: Add a “custom exchange rate” to include foreign transaction fees for extra accuracy.
“I plug in my destination, activities, and trip length—and it builds a packing list, adjusting for weather.
PackPoint helps eliminate overpacking or forgetting essentials. It even differentiates between business, casual, and adventure trips."
Pro Tip: Share your list with travel companions so everyone packs efficiently.
“It saved me more than once while traveling with kids in Europe!
This ultra-simple app shows the nearest clean, public restrooms based on your location. Especially helpful in walkable cities or unfamiliar areas."
“It’s my go-to for messaging hotel staff, tour guides, or staying in touch with clients abroad.
WhatsApp uses Wi-Fi or data to send messages, calls, photos, and even your live location—ideal for international travel where SMS charges can rack up."
Pro Tip: Ask local contacts if they prefer WhatsApp—it’s the standard in many countries for customer service and reservations.
“I never use hotel or airport Wi-Fi without it—especially when accessing sensitive apps like banking or email.
ExpressVPN keeps your data secure and protects your privacy when using public networks. Great peace of mind when logging in from cafés, airports, or hotels.
Download apps before your trip, especially if you’re going somewhere with limited internet.
Use offline modes wherever possible to save data.
Test drive the apps at home so you're confident using them on the go.
Plan Smart. Travel Confidently.
At Northstar Travel, our professional travel advisors do more than book trips—we help you travel smarter with tools, insights, and personalized support every step of the way.
Whether you're planning your first international adventure or a multi-country itinerary, we’ll make sure you’re prepped with the right tech and the right plan.
Connect with a Northstar Travel Advisor today.
