It’s just five days to our Atlantis Bahamas vacation! Actually, we have just two days until we hit the road so to speak. We will be driving to Atlanta Saturday and spending Sunday there with my parents. Monday we will be driving to Fort Lauderdale. We’ll spend the night and then get up early on Tuesday to fly to Nassau for our Atlantis Bahama vacation. We hadn’t really considered going somewhere quite so exotic for our family vacation, however, our little boy saw a commercial for an Atlantis Bahamas vacation package. It was their summer vacation package for $399 for three nights and get one night free. Now they are running a couple of new Atlantis Bahamas vacation packages. They are offering three nights for $299 or Atlantis 7 nights for $699. The rates are per person and children stay free.
I’ve spent some time the last few day browsing the Atlantis web site researching the resort and activities we might want to do. One thing I discovered is there is a 48″ height requirement for children to go on the water slides in Aquaventure. I was relieved to find our little guy is 51″. That would have been disappointing on so many levels if he was not tall enough. He seems interested in snorkeling, but we’ll have to see as he is just a beginning swimmer. The dolphin excursion sounds awesome, but quite expensive. Right now they are charging $140 per person. If you book online, the dolphin interactions start at $105. It looks like it would be worth it. The photos on the site are fabulous. They offere two dolphin encounters – one is in shallow water which would be perfect for children. The other is out at sea. Of course, we are excited about seeing all of the marine life Atlantis offers.
We still plan on foregoing the dining plan. We’ll pack Pop-Tarts for breakfast and some snacks for the evenings in the room. I’ve googled a bit and feel confident that we’ll be able to pick up some drinks in the airport when we arrive or on the way to Atlantis from the airport. Speaking of getting the Atlantis from the airport. We do plan to take advantage of their shuttle service.
What To Pack For Atlantis Bahamas Vacation
Now I’m trying to figure out how to pack for Atlantis Bahamas. I was pleased to find out that Atlantis provides beach towels. I also picked up some snorkel gear. Our little guy will get his as part of his birthday presents before we go. He is getting the mask and the snorkel. To save a few bucks, I opted to just buy the snorkel for my husband and myself. If we take a snorkel trip, gear is provided. However, I feel better using my own mouth piece considering the global health scares we’ve had lately. I also picked up underwater cameras for my husband and son for Father’s Day and birthday, respectively. I bought myself a straw hat, but am wondering how to keep the sun off my face while enjoying all of the water activities. I guess maybe I’ll have to get that total sun block…is it called zinc oxide?
I’m trying to fit everything into one large suitcase being careful not to pass the weight limit. We are each, however, allowed one checked bag. I don’t believe we will need it, though. Of course, we can each have a carry on. I also called our airline to verify the size and number of carry-ons allowed. I was pleased to learn we each could have a 24in x 16in x 10in carry-on. My husband’s carry on will be his computer, so that leaves two. I think I’ll fill one with the swimming suits. That way we’ll have them in the event our bags don’t arrive when we do. Also, they will be handy if we can’t get into our room right away. The second carry on will contain some toiletries and the snacks. I will make sure to follow the 3-1-1 rule, however. This has tripped my up a few times in the past, but I’m determined to get it right this time. The rule is (3) 3.4 ounce bottles of liquid are allowed (1) in a 1-quart clear zip top bag and (1) 1 bag per person. So we can have three – one for each of us. . I’ll bring my cosmetics, tooth brush with small toothpaste and a small shampoo/conditioner. I will also carry on my meds. For more on what the airlines allow you to carry on, visit their site. I plan to pack most of the liquid toiletries in the checked bag as it is easier as you don’t have to take checked bags through security.
Car/Plane Checklist:
books/magazines
Nintendo DS & games
CDs
Ipod
maps
snacks
coloring books
card games
snacks
Beach Checklist:
Suncreen
sunburn cream
swimsuits
sunglasses
water camera
water shoes
swim suit cover-up
goggles
dive sticks
snorkel gear
beach bag
hats
sand toys
pool toys
zip top bags for shells
Misc Checklist:
Camera & charger
Cord to download pics
Video camera & charger
pop-tarts for breakfast
snacks for room
first aid kit (band aids, etc)
Well, I think that’s it for now. We’ve been to the library and grabbed some books. Next, it’s off to the book store and video game store to grab some final activities for the longs drives to Atlanta and then Ft. Lauderdale. I just realized we are going to Atlanta and Atlantis. Hmmmmm.
