MY FIRST idea of a Bahamas vacation is the all-inclusive resort package in something like The Atlantis in Nassau.
Or maybe, a cruise where you pay a port of call to Nassau, the cays, and similar stops.
It’s not big on my bucket list.
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Cruises like that are best enjoyed by couples and honeymooners.
Or maybe, even small families who have money to spend.
It’s not ideal for a solo traveler like me.
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But mostly, I never liked these Bahamas trips and cruises because of the hassle of first flying or driving to Florida.
Like to Fort Lauderdale, or Fort Canaveral, or something like that.
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Surprisingly, I like the Miami vibe.
I mean, Miami as a destination was never my priority.
I have always associated it with college students, spring-breakers, drunken parties, and orgies of the young.
That scene is South Beach, Florida.
Not really my scene.
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But after three days in Miami with beautiful young people in South Beach, and even in party places like Little Havana, I feel that I could still rock it in Miami.
And if yes to Miami, why not the Bahamas, while at it?
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Somebody at my hostel said that I could simply make a day trip to the Bahamas.
I didn’t even need to book an expensive hotel for the night.
So, on my third day in Miami, I decided to make a side trip to the Bahamas, and finally check it off.
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Could I make it in less than $500?
The advertised lowest ferry fare is like $60 one-way.
Don’t believe that.
With the round-trip, and the upgrades, and the operational charge, my tickets cost $230 total.
***
The ferry leaves from Fort Lauderdale.
That’s 45 minutes away from my hostel in Miami.
It’s like $47-$55 by Uber.
Again, don’t believe that.
With my tipping, it could easily be $55 minimum.
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I gave myself a $100 budget for food and drinks.
If I had to pay for excursions and attractions, I could just invoke my one meal a day diet in my intermittent fasting.
So, I decided that it’s doable.
I went ahead and booked the ferry, $230.
***
My Uber ride was something like $47. Plus tip, $52.
Because, hey, the guy was cute and charming.
And there was a road accident.
And he maneuvered the car very well.
And you know…
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I arrived all right, and in plenty of time, at the Everglades Terminal.
But thank God that I asked about visas, and all.
I found out that they required a pre-travel Covid test.
I mean, it is true that they didn’t need a pre-travel Covid test anymore… but in 17 hours!
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I came on Saturday morning.
The new update about no need for Covid tests among the fully vaccinated takes effect after midnight.
If I want to skip the costly Covid test, I could go the next day.
That was the rude advice.
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So, I acted like I was panicking.
Crying and bawling, and everything.
It didn’t work this time.
I needed a negative Covid test result.
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There’s a nearest rapid test available at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport at $59.
That’s the cheapest. And that was because I only needed an antigen test because I’m fully vaccinated.
My body revolts against the idea of $100 Covid test, but what do you do with almost $300 already paid for my ferry and my first Uber?
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To get to the airport, the highway robbery of port and airport taxis.
Taxi from ferry terminal to airport is $20.
For my trip back, the driver was trying to hustle me $25.
I did my best acting job so I could just get the ride for $20.
It worked!
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But under my face mask, I was practicing my smiles.
Because I didn’t want my photos of the day looking so stressed, panicked, and miserable.
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After I made a commitment, I promised myself that my Bahamas experience would be magical.
I would dare twice as much as I usually do.
If I’m spending $500 on a trip, it better give me great memories.
Now, if I could only keep to my $500 budget! (To be continued)/PN
