Well look at that, you’ve made it to another post about the Bahamas. I hope you are finding these posts helpful as you do some research for your first or next trip to the Bahamas. I know I would have liked to hear these detailed informational posts when my mom and I were searching back in April. Though, you can’t always get want you want. Luckily – I’m here for you! Today, I’m walking you through our shopping experience and what historical sites we saw during our vacation.
If you don’t already know, I have created two other posts that talk about two different aspects of our vacation; One is Our Hotel & the other one is Pearl Island. Please take a moment to check those out when you are able especially if you are serious about taking a trip to the Bahamas!
Let’s jump right on into some real good information about our shopping & sightseeing experiences and tips.
Shopping In The Bahamas
In our past vacations the shopping piece has never really been that exciting because it is more souvenir shopping and less authentic local shopping. Perhaps it is because of the location we chose to shop in or because we are too picky (we meaning me). I am always seeking for something so unique that I cannot get it anywhere else but that location that I am in. It is interesting to me how difficult that can be.
Let me also tell you a little bit about my style of shopping. I am a very, very picky shopper. I wish I could say that I enjoy thrift shopping but unfortunately, I go into every store and point out everything telling myself that it is really cute or it would go with this and so on. Then, after 2 hours in the store, I leave with nothing. I am not a big spender shopper. I think it’d be really neat to be able to spend money on a $400 shawl but, It just is not in the cards for me at this time. And lastly, I tend to only buy items that are in my current ‘favorite’ color scheme.
First up: Our Hotel Shopping Experience
Now, of course, not all hotels will have a shopping center. However, if you plan to stay at Hyatt Baha Mar like we did, you will get to have an option to do some shopping by foot. Here is the thing about our hotel, I wasn’t 100% finished. I mentioned a tiny bit of some complications with that in my first Bahamas post but I’d like to also talk, in more detail, here in this post.
Each time we decided to ‘take a gander around the hotel’ we came across a new little nook. Baha Mar is absolutely breathtaking. In my opinion, they did an excellent job- visually. On the flip side, once you found those cool hidden nooks you realize they are empty vessels for a new business. At first, you say to yourself, ‘wow, that is so cool – I wonder what type of shop it’s going to be.’ Then, you say to yourself, ‘well, that sucks I wish it was open now because we are here and won’t get this chance again for a long time.’
To be clear, shopping isn’t on everyone’s to do list when it comes to relaxing in the bahamas but – it is always nice to take a moment and look around the venue and bring something back home with you besides a handful of ocean shells. I do have to say, there were some shows up and running and here comes my pickiness… The shops were either very specific like… jewelry or a makeup store or the cheapest thing to buy was $200… We did manage to find one store that had some very unique items; handmade bowls.
Next: ‘Out With The Locals’ Shopping Experience
Okay, If you take anything from this post, take if from this section. Have you ever experienced scammers while on vacation? Here is what I mean by this – When I was traveling in Venice with my mom several summers back, we almost got scammed by a fella on the street who was handing out roses. Why would you think that would be a scam? Here is why: because after he/she gives you the item – they follow you until you give them money. There was a fellow tour guest that warned us about this tourist scam so we lucked out. Unfortunately, we still ended up witnessing people getting ‘harassed’ so to speak.
Because my mom and I experienced this in Venice, Italy, were prepared when we went to The Bahamas where we had a similar thing happen to us.
Our taxi driver dropped us off downtown and my parents were on the phone trying to figure out some details with our fishing excursion. Meanwhile, Zach and I were just hanging out observing the town. Then, we got approached by some women who were wanting to braid my hair and give us bracelets. Of course, we kindly said no thank you. However, this act was happening throughout our entire time downtown Bahamas. Several women and men trying to sell you something off of the street. It made it really difficult to enjoy the atmosphere.
Straw Market Shopping Experience
The Bahamas Straw Market is a pretty well known site to see so, we new that we needed to check it out. This market was smack dab in the middle of downtown. Let me first tell you that I am the type of shopper that I like to walk into a store and not talk to anyone unless I need them. I don’t need an extensive customer experience – I just want to get in, get what I need, and get out.
However, other people have a different view of what they expect in an experience. When we went to this market – everywhere we turned someone was talking to us, hollering at us, or screaming “What can I get you pretty girl.” It’s not that I don’t like friendly people but it’s just not the best experience being hounded every three seconds while shopping.
To be more specific, we didn’t get that far into the market before a women asked us 4 times what we wanted. Finally, my mom told her that we were looking for a thimble. I collect thimbles from different places. The women kindly pointed us to a station across from her and we did end up buying one. After which, the women who pointed us to the stand with the thimble then said ‘You gunna buy something from me since I helped you out?’
Unfortunately, we didn’t buy anything from her because we didn’t need anything else. We did say thank you for helping but then we left the market because it was too stressful.
Overall Shopping Experience in the Bahamas
Honestly, I wanted more because I wanted to bring back a piece of the Bahamas with me. I always do this when I go somewhere new and I thought that this trip would be a little different. I was hoping that it would be a little bit more authentic. When we made our way walking downtown the shops were either – typical souvenir shops or shops that you’d see in the US. I suppose I have too high of standards? Or perhaps I’m expecting something that doesn’t exist.
If you wouldn’t mind commenting below with your thoughts or experiences I would greatly appreciate it. Who knows? Perhaps it could help someone reading this for their trip to the Bahamas!
Until next time,
I really like this post, I have a trip to the Bahamas next month and it helped a whole lot.. thanks
Safe travels
Thank you so much! I’m so grateful that it helped you! Thank you for the comment!
Thank you !