Well hey hey Tuesday!
Today’s TRAVEL TUESDAY post is the first part of our recent trip to the Bahamas 🙂 .
Over the last few years, Andrew and I have found a little pocket of time at the beginning of May to head somewhere warm for a few days before the summer break begins.
We’ve done MEXICO, TURKS, BALI, and now THE BAHAMAS!
After many years of visiting the Bahamas as a port of call on cruises…
2016
2018
2019
2024…we decided it was time to just head there and stay there 🙂 .
Spoiler alert: whether you’d like to visit on a cruise or by land, YOU SHOULD GO! I have been blessed to visit a lot of beautiful places in this world, but geez, the Bahamas are extra extra gorgeous. The people are so friendly, the water so blue, the beaches white sand…it’s really such a gem.
Okay, on Tuesday morning last week…
…we boarded our flight from DFW to Nassau.
There was a problem though…
…as soon as we boarded, it started storming, so we sat on the plane for almost four hours (no worries, I read a great book!). We finally left the rainy skies of Texas and only 2½ short hours later…
…arrived in Nassau 🙂 .
We stayed at The Ocean Club on this trip…
…and it was GORGEOUS!
I’m instantly a huge fan of any place that hands me a rum punch at check in.
Since our flight was delayed, we showed up right in time for sunset.
The view from our room wasn’t too shabby…
Our room was gorgeous on the inside too.
It was already about 8:30, so we freshened up really fast and headed straight to one of their ocean front restaurants…
…for a delicious dinner.
Lobster over plantains? Yes, please!
The next morning, we slept in a bit…
…and you know me, I was immediately outside. That photo looks fake! I didn’t edit it one bit. The Bahamas are THAT gorgeous.
Our balcony was the perfect place…
…for coffee and my quiet time.
I think watching people parasail is beautiful. Please don’t ever make me do it…but please let me watch.
I snapped a few pics walking to the gym…
…the pool was gorgeous too.
After working out and a shower…
…we headed down to the beach…
…and did this…
…the rest of the day.
Lunch beachside was DELICIOUS! I love, love, LOVE me a fresh poke bowl.
Just go pretty.
I love traveling with this guy! When we were engaged, Andrew had never been on a commercial flight. He had only flown to and from playing football games on the Kansas State plane. I told him to buckle up because this girl loved to travel. Fast forward 21 years, and he’s now been to more countries than me (over 40!). I clearly picked the right travel partner 🙂 .
That evening, we cleaned up…
…how pretty is the front of the resort?! We headed into town…
…for a very delicious dinner.
And that’s PART ONE on this TRAVEL TUESDAY!
Now, a few things to note before you go…
#1: OF COURSE, I want to help you get on a cruise that stops in the Bahamas and/or a land vacation there too. You guys, next month marks 13 years owning my travel agency, and I love it even more now than I did then. My passion for travel extends well beyond myself. I am passionate about everyone traveling (as so many of YOU who are clients of mine can attest!). We would love to connect with you, give you a quote, and help you book that next vacation. No extra service fees, only very personal service from people who LOVE to travel. You can contact us HERE!
#2: I have a SECOND POST today! If you’re looking for graduation gifts for him or her, I have you covered HERE! I don’t know about you, but I could use all the easy gift ideas in my life.
#3: Don’t forget, this month, we have A SECOND MAY GIVEAWAY…
…Yesterday, I announced our new giveaway for the month. Check out all the details HERE!
Happy Tuesday, friends! I hope you have a great day! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
What a beautiful destination! So glad you got to get away!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Carrie Martens says
Such nice pictures! Looks like a great time!
Bev says
The Bahamas look beautiful but that 4 hour delay IN the plane freaks this claustrophobia person right out! Why wouldn’t they let you out since it was that long???
Mix and Match Mama says
They said we could get off but not back on…and I wanted to go to the Bahamas, so I did not want to get off.
Bev says
Wow! That’s not much of a choice!
Jami Romano says
Beautiful pics! So smart getting away ◡̈
Caitlin Davies says
Oh man that water is gorgeous!!!
Allison says
Beautiful pictures. I was wondering as a travel agency owner what type of discount do you get on hotel accommodations. You always stay at the most expensive hotels ie ritz, four seasons. I know my local travel agent we use for our vacations told me she gets huge discounts on hotels plus other perks for family members. Are there airline discounts as well? Does your family get perks too?
Mix and Match Mama says
Other than receiving my own commission, our agency does not utilize discounts on our own cruises/resorts/hotels/excursions/etc. We always want to be able to tell the customer that we travel with our families only to places where we want to actually spend our own money. We are big fans of air miles and our clients use them too, so yes, we love using our personal American Airlines miles when we can, but no, we don’t use any perks or discounts. That’s important to me as a business owner.
Kim says
We booked through your travel agency this year and the hotel in Athens was so amazing! We loved it! The cruise was great too 🤍
Mix and Match Mama says
We are SO blessed to have worked with you. Thank you, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your travels. xx
CHARLES says
Really! No Discounts at all on the hotel! What did that Oceanview room cost per night?
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, contact me for a quote, and I’d be happy to get you one for all of the pricing information. I provide quotes all day long 🙂 .
Kathy says
Ah love these pics! I was in the Bahamas in 1984 for Spring break – maybe it’s time to head back??!!
Cyrielle S says
Looks beautiful! I see you wear your rings to the beach, do you do anything special to keep them clean and shiny even when they get in sand, water, etc ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Dish soap works like a charm (and they’re probably dirtier in person than you might think if I’m just being real about it, ha!)
Emma says
So fun you were able to get away! We love the Bahamas. How were you able to pull off a getaway during end of year craziness for FOUR kiddos?! Teach us your secrets!!
Mix and Match Mama says
For us the key is shorter trips that are easy to get to/from. We were able to leave on a Tuesday after school drop off and be back before school pick up on Friday.
Susan Jeffries says
I have been looking forward to your Bahamas posts! We have been there a few times as a port of call stop and always loved it, but we have never stayed for more than a day. I think we may make this a week destination soon! Thanks!
Dana P says
The Bahamas look absolutely gorgeous!! Question for you after a rough overnight flight the other day-are you able to sleep in economy seats? I was so frustrated trying to get some sleep the other night and never really did. I would love any tips you have!
Mix and Match Mama says
You were heading home!! I hope you had a wonderful time back over here. I wish I would have seen you 🙂 . Okay, I don’t sleep on planes unless it’s an overnight flight, and whether I’ve been in business or economy, I can pretty much make myself sleep anywhere if I have my mask, earplugs and a blanket…but I’m not very tall, so I think that helps a lot.
Dana P says
Ha! We are the same height, so I guess it’s just me. 😅 I just wrestle with my seat the whole time.
I’d love to see you-hopefully next time!
Kristin says
I think I might need to head to the Bahamas just for the food!
Joan says
The Bahamas’s look gorgeous!
Nikki says
I love this! We went to the Bahamas for our honeymoon (6 years ago) and this is making me want to go back with just me and my honey again or even with the little kiddos in tow too 😉
Karleigh Johnson says
Absolutely beautiful! My husband and I traveled a lot before kids (and we still do now that we have kids), but we always did the mountains and pretty adventurous trips. Now that we have kids we totally appreciate and love a good chill beach trip! Bahamas is on my list now!
Grace says
The water looks amazing, and I will say the lobster over plantains did it for me! That looks amazing. I cannot even imagine how wonderful the rest of the menu was during your stay. It has been very rainy where I live for the past week, so seeing all those beautiful photos of the island just looks amazing!
Suzanne says
I am totally with you on the parasailing–love to watch but have a fear of being left sitting in the water!
Alyssa Norman says
I always used to insist a vacation isn’t a vacation if it’s less than 7 days, but now that I’ve had kids I’m totally game for a 2-3 day trip. I may someday have to move somewhere closer to tropical places, because the closest thing to us for a “weekend” type trip is California which isn’t very tropical 🤪 it looks amazing trough and I’m adding the Bahamas to my wish list for sure!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!! One night can be a vacation…I 100% agree!
Jessica S says
I love your travel posts, Shay! I woke up this morning so I wonderful email from Brooke and Whitney! Our MMT planned Alaskan Cruise is 6 weeks away and this lovely, detailed email ensures I know exactly what to do and when to do it before we board. What a wonderful agency to work with!
Mix and Match Mama says
YAY!!! Aren’t they the best?! THEY ARE!! We are so so so grateful that you’re letting us be a part of your Alaskan cruise. You will LOVE it!
Paula Hobbs says
Looks like an amazing get a way for you and your man! So sweet to have that one on one time before summer.
Michalina V Peterson says
Beautiful pics! I love the Bahamas, I’ve only been once, but now I think I need to go back!
Shannon in PA says
Shay, our family loves to travel just as much as you, but I absolutely HATE flying. I force myself to do it because I’ll never go anywhere or see anything new otherwise, but it is really hard for me and causes a lot of anxiety. Any tips or tricks?
Mix and Match Mama says
So many struggle with flight anxiety. I am positive some very sweet blog readers are about to share their ideas and tips with you. I personally love the time just to read or watch a show with nowhere to go. I look forward to that time because it’s not something we get often. Good for YOU for flying and visiting new places even when it’s not your favorite. xx
Katie Stewart says
Love the Bahamas so much! Truly the most beautiful sand and water, in my opinion!
Lori says
I’m putting the Bahamas on my bucket list! Beautiful pictures!
Laura says
Wow,it’s beautiful there. I can see why it’s one of your favorite places.
Heather G says
I have a cruise in October and one of our ports is Nassau. What would you recommend us doing- is going to Atlantis worth it for the price? Family of four who loves adventure but also chilling at a beach too! Thanks
Kathy says
We love the Bahamas too! The hotel you stayed in looks fabulous!
Erin says
Wow, that 4 hour sitting on the plane thing is like a personal hell. Great job!!
Mary Kay Cohen says
Looks absolutely beautiful!!!! My husband and I love to travel too!
Jenny N says
The water in the Bahamas is unreal!! We have been on cruises a couple of times, but I’m ready to fly and stay for a few days!
Erika Slaughter says
I’m still in AWE you managed to squeeze any vacay time out of May! Looks AMAZING!
Lauren Gingerich says
Looks amazing!! Do you have a favorite (or maybe a top 3) tropical island? I’ve been to several and my faves are the Bahamas and Grand Cayman. Hoping to visit St John soon!
Mix and Match Mama says
And St. Thomas is gorgeous too! We also love Bermuda (outside of the Caribbean and GORGEOUS!). There are just so many beautiful places to visit 🙂 .
Heather says
We absolutely LOVE the Bahamas too! (But sorry you got stuck on a plane for 4 hours, that’s never fun!)
Debbie says
Oh my….SOOO beautiful!
Nikki says
Check out Firefly Resort when you’re ready to go back with kids!
Robyn says
Wow! Gorgeous. Looks like the perfect spot for a getaway.
Keisha Dawson says
What a gorgeous place to visit! I love the way you guys prioritze your time together!
Holly says
P.A.R.A.D.I.S.E!! Looks fabulous… thanks for sharing!
Joanna says
Wow, what a stunning view!
Julie L says
Love to see the bahamas information. We were looking there but settled on punta cana instead. Can I ask what sunscreen/tanning lotion you use? I’m always looking for protection but with a glow!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well I certainly love Punta Cana too! It’s GORGEOUS! I use Coola. It’s been a favorite for many years.
Julie says
Wow! This looks amazing! When did you start doing these kinds of trips? Were your kids little at all? Mine are all under 8, and I’m just not sure I could leave them yet…
Mix and Match Mama says
I *think* Kensington was right at a year. Andrew and I both grew up with parents that traveled, and we had that opportunity to stay with our grandparents which made excellent memories for all. I know not everyone has amazing grandparents that are available to stay with kiddos, but that certainly is the main reason why these trips are easy. Everyone is excited for us to leave…the kids, the grandparents, even the dogs 😉 .
Meggie says
I’ve been once to the Bahamas on a cruise but this makes me want to go for land vacay! Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge with us!
Amy Azza says
Clare just planned an amazing upcoming vacation for me in December, to celebrate my 50th birthday, in Bahamas at the Rosewood Baha Mar. I am sooo excited!
Mix and Match Mama says
And we are SO GRATEFUL for you!!!
Jodi Guntle says
Been parasailing twice and both times the ones who stayed behind to watch regretted it. It is so fun. You should try it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Would it bother someone who gets motion sick? I’m also not someone who loves heights. How long were you up there?
Kelly Westbrook says
Omg that looks amazing and that poke bowl 😋