5 Star Bahamas - Introductory Price

White Caribbean sand of The Bahamas

So, you want a ultra awesome couple's vacation, without paying the Sandals price? Somewhere safe, somewhere beautiful, somewhere with activities and alcohol. Hmmm.

But not Mexico, Cuba or the Dominican. You want beaches that are not full of rocks and seaweed (some Cuba). You want food that is awesome, not awful. You want North American hospitality and facilities. No sketchy planes or bus rides either.  Well, my answer is The Bahamas.

Laugh if you will, at my enthusiasm, but I'm pretty much a walking ambassador for The Bahamas. I've been there a few times. Ok, they pretty much say "welcome home" when they see my passport!  So, at least you know that I know what I'm talking about. And yes, I do really love it that much!

There is an answer to everyone's vacation puzzle. Everyone has a unique blend of wants, needs and ambitions. And yet, we each carry the same bottom line: "I must preserve my own health and safety." So, for me that's always the non-negotiable starting point for choosing a vacation.

As my 8 year old tells me... "I don't want to go anywhere sketchy."

In my experience, you will find bargains when you are on the leading edge of a trend rather than the peak. I think Cabo and the Mayan Riviera are at their peak. You'll pay top dollar and share the resorts with a crowd. And where there are intense crowds, you add a host of other issues.

Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island, in The Bahamas recently scored a deal with Canadian airline Westjet to provide regular air service from Canada. Signature Vacations is also (for the first time) offering charter flights to Freeport, from YWG (Winnipeg) in 2014. This is NEW. New is good. This means there will be fantastic new opportunities for winter weary Manitobans to experience The Bahamas.

Flights to Nassau (the main tourist island) have been a regular route for Air Canada & Westjet for many years. The new Nassau airport (Lyndon Pilling International) was just built and opened in 2012. It is AMAZING! And if you saw the original "Lyndon Pilling" airport, a hut on the tarmac, you would be very impressed.

Anyways... back to Freeport. It has the same amazing scenery, hospitality and diving. The beaches are for certain, some of the nicest in the Caribbean. The only thing Freeport doesn't have is an "Atlantis" or uber-resort. That in itself, is part of the charm. You'll enjoy more of the laid back, authentic Bahamian experience. But if you want 5 star and all-inclusive (something you will not find on Nassau except for $3000/week Sandals) then you will definitely want to try the BRAND NEW Memories Grand Bahamas Resort & Spa. It is opening in January 2014. (So, basically now!)

I expect in a year's time you will be paying $2000 for a week at this resort. Right now you'll be paying Bahamas "european plan prices" (no meals/alcohol included) and instead, enjoying an all inclusive package. PLUS, I can bet they are eager to please and earn good reviews.... maybe one of those reviews will be yours!

Currently this hotel is offered through Signature Vacations, aka SunWing. Westjet is offering other hotels. Signature Vacations has a non-stop charter flight. WJ links through Toronto. Your favourite travel agent can help you with a booking if you are not comfortable booking it on-line yourself.

My last point for you to ponder is this.... if you are spending YOUR hard earned money on a vacation, wouldn't you rather remember it for all the right reasons? So if the difference between a "bargain" vacation that you MIGHT LIKE and the price of the vacation you'll most likely LOVE is $200 then you absolutely NEED to spend that extra $200.  If the base price of any beach vacation is $1000 then it's just about the add ons and the quality after that. Chevy Cavalier, vs Cadillac.  As long as they meet your safety and health needs, the style is all up to you.

Essentially, I'm paraphrasing my travel agent who taught me that lesson years ago. She said, "Cathie, YOU aren't going to be happy with anyone's leftover bargain vacation if all you're going to do is be looking over your shoulder. Spend less on souvenirs and more on making memories."

Memories.... Memories Grand Bahamas. Nice coincidence!

Screenshot from www.itravel2000.com December 27th.