The Tribune

IT IS summer time and most in the workforce have carved out their time for vacation. Parents, in particular, go to great lengths to provide an exciting holiday experience for their children.

More often than not, Bahamian vacationers opt for a Florida, Georgia or north-east American vacation to take advantage of the shopping experiences and amusement parks at these popular spots. Sadly, most vacationers overlook the fact that the Bahamas is revered around the world as a premier destination and people the world over celebrate what is right in our backyard.

Usually when this conversation comes up, Bahamians would harp that visiting the Family Islands is a prohibitively costly venture for the family. My typical response to this is that our values and priorities need serious readjustment since we spend far more on an Orlando vacation that we would going to Andros for the week.

So what are the benefits of a Family Island vacation experience that ultimately encourage Bahamians to consider and plan their next holiday in the pearls scattered across the Atlantic that we call the Bahamas?

1 Choosing a Family Island for travel will ultimately save money for the Bahamian family. When you consider shopping at malls outlets and flea markets, as well as $100 per person amusement park tickets, accommodations, ground and air transportation, food and beverage and miscellaneous expenses, there is no comparing the cost of a trip to the islands.

2 The islands provide a perfect haven for rest and rejuvenation. The beaches and scenic landscape are a natural therapeutic spa for the person needing to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

3 Planning a Family Island vacation allows Bahamians to reconnect with relatives and friends. Additionally, the greatest connection made in the Family Islands is that with nation. Bahamians, particularly those in New Providence and Grand Bahama, need a good dose of national consciousness. The city-centric mindset is culturally debilitating and Bahamians need to prise themselves out of the Nassau-Freeport bubble.

4 The average Bahamian would say that travel to the United States is primarily for the purpose of shopping and there are few shopping options in the Family Islands. Vacation for too many has become, though, a materialistically driven one, where we teach children that they must crave new clothes, toys and trinkets each year. The result then is an appreciation for “things” over the experience.

5 Perhaps the greatest benefit for vacationing in the Family Islands is the value of supporting the local economy. Many of these island communities are struggling economically, largely because we have turned our backs on them as people will only in rare instances visit during times of homecoming and regattas.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.