We talk a lot about the US as both the lifeline and the villian, that it makes me wonder how often Bahamians travel to South Florida (or the US as a whole) to restock our supplies, visit a doctor, visit family, or attend a meeting.

Below are a number of travel modes to consider - some reasonable, some not. Take a look and give me your thoughts on the questions at the bottom. It will be interesting to see what the results are!

Car: :driving:
Unless you're building a Cuban style car that floats, this isn't an option for you

Air: :angel:
BahamasAir
Spirit / Jet Blue Discount Airlines
American Eagle
Continental Gulfstream
Chalk's Airline
Delta Airlines
Western Air <-- Do they go to the US?
Private / Charter Planes

Sea: :sailing:
Discovery Cruise Line - GB only
Imperial Majesty / Regal Empress - Nassau Only
Bo Hengy / SeaLink / SeaWind - Inter-island Only
Mailboats - Inter-island usually
Private / Charter Boats

Of all the ways to travel, how do you travel to the US?
How much does it usually cost you to travel to the US?
How many times do you go to the US in a typical year?
How much money do you spend shopping in the US?
How do you get your stuff back home?
What is good about your chosen method of travel?
What is bad about your chosen method of travel?

Of all the ways to travel, how do you travel to the US?
Plane

How much does it usually cost you to travel to the US?
$30. I travel on a flight pass. I have a friend who is a pilot. He is allowed a few passes each year for friends and family.

How many times do you go to the US in a typical year?
Once, twice but I have not been there for a while.

How much money do you spend shopping in the US?
Too much $1,000.00 or more

How do you get your stuff back home?
If it is small enough, on the plane. If not I ship it.

What is good about your chosen method of travel?
Convenient. Another good thing is that often I am bumped up to first class not that, that matters on a short flght.

What is bad about your chosen method of travel?
Flying! I don't care for it! Also, when one flys on a pass it is kind of like "standby" but at least one gets to the front of the standby line. I have only missed a flight once.

Discover, Discovery today! the best way to get from Grand Bahama!

If you are not sea sick then Discovery is the mode of transport. Sail for the weekend have a vacation and ship back a shopload of merchandice with you. You are your own shipping company! And of course...there is a casino! If you want to fly you end up paying twice as much.

Discover, Discovery today! the best way to get from Grand Bahama!

If you are not sea sick then Discovery is the mode of transport. Sail for the weekend have a vacation and ship back a shopload of merchandice with you. You are your own shipping company! And of course...there is a casino! If you want to fly you end up paying twice as much.


How long does it take though? Last time I was in Freeport it took me like 30 min to get to Florida via plane. How long is the boat ride and how much does it cost?

How long does it take though? Last time I was in Freeport it took me like 30 min to get to Florida via plane. How long is the boat ride and how much does it cost?


It's 5½ hours from Freeport to Fort Lauderdale. Bahamians pay the most of all their passengers, so its $160 during the week and $180 on the weekends. They take 10 dollars CASH from you in Fort Lauderdale for security fees when you return to Freeport, so add that to the totals above.

Plane

$30. I travel on a flight pass. I have a friend who is a pilot. He is allowed a few passes each year for friends and family.


Once, twice but I have not been there for a while.


Too much $1,000.00 or more

Does that include hotel, or do you stay with family/friends?


If it is small enough, on the plane. If not I ship it.


Which shipping company?


Convenient. Another good thing is that often I am bumped up to first class not that, that matters on a short flght.

Flying! I don't care for it! Also, when one flys on a pass it is kind of like "standby" but at least one gets to the front of the standby line. I have only missed a flight once.


First class, huh?! Not too many offer that service now.

Does that include hotel, or do you stay with family/friends?
No does not include hotel or car. Sometimes we stay with friends by not often.


Which shipping company?
Betty K, Tropical, Pioneer. I have used them all but only when I really have to - which is not often.

I guess no one else goes to Miami!?

I guess no one else goes to Miami!?


darn, who wants to, yah need a translator! :D