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Just 50 miles off the coast of Florida lie The Islands of The Bahamas, an archipelago which includes approximately 700 islands and more than 2,500 cays. Whatever vacation experience you desire-laid back and relaxed, energetic and lively, or extravagantly lavish-you'll find it in The Bahamas.

Take a drive through sleepy seaside villages and quaint country towns. Live the good life in posh resorts, exciting clubs, inviting casinos and cosmopolitan shops. Enjoy tropical gardens, museums and cultural festivals. Relax on exquisite beaches with pristine sand and dazzling emerald seas.

A subtropical and tropical climate make The Bahamas a great destination year round. The Gulf Stream and trade winds help maintain a fairly even temperature throughout the year, ranging from 68 to 86 degrees during the day. So it's no wonder the islands have become a water sports mecca. The Bahamas are known for having excellent scuba diving, sailing and game fishing. Visitors can also explore barrier reefs, underwater caves and various shipwrecks while diving or snorkeling. Other water sports to enjoy are angling, water-skiing, parasailing, wind surfing and swimming.

The Bahamian islands have a flavor all their own when it comes to cuisine. A mixture of cultures, including American, British, African and Spanish come together to provide a unique blend of flavors and spices that can only be found in the Bahamas. Seafood is abundant and conch meat, a national delicacy, is one of the most popular dishes. Tropical fruits are rich in supply, with the guava being the most liked fruit. And for breakfast, a pan-fried bread known as Johnny Cake is the island favorite.

Bahamians recognize the importance of their environment, wildlife and ecosystem, and work hard to promote the conservation of their islands. The nearly extinct West Indian Flamingo is now 60,000 strong. And there are more than 240,000 acres of national parks and protected areas in The Bahamas.

The Bahamas also boast more than 10,000 square miles of crystal blue waters. And the islands' natural geographical richness is home to the most extensive ocean hole and limestone cave system in the world.

Old World allure and New World appeal unite in Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, to create a magical vacation destination. Nassau buzzes with activity. Marvel at 18th century fortresses, Victorian mansions and cathedrals. Visit the popular Straw Market, take a leisurely ride in a horse-drawn surrey, or check out the exciting night clubs and casinos.

In the past 18 months, more than $1.5 billion has been invested into Nassau and Paradise Island alone. New air terminals, widened roads, repaved sidewalks, massive landscaping, sweeping esplanades, an island-wide clean-up campaign, and additional police officers walking the beat are all part of the improvements travelers applaud during their visits.

With such a dramatic comeback, vacationers are learning that the phrase "been there done that" no longer applies to The Islands of The Bahamas.

Numerous cruise lines offer sailings to the islands, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line and Premier Cruise Lines.
-Shannon Palmer