This was an epic trip that combined the vibrant city life of Miami, the breezy fun of a Bahamas cruise, and the stunning beaches of Barbados. Each leg of the journey offered a completely different vibe, making for an unforgettable and diverse vacation experience. It was a fantastic lesson in how to blend different travel styles into one cohesive adventure.
Below you’ll find an overview of the trip and then more details and pictures of the fun!
Miami: Art & Cuban Culture
Day 1: Thursday, May 4th, 2017Kicking off the adventure in Miami, we dove headfirst into the city’s vibrant culture, art, and history before setting sail.
- Explored the colorful Wynwood Walls.
- Wandered through the stunning Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.
- Soaked in the atmosphere of Little Havana.
- Dined at the iconic Versailles Restaurant.
Setting Sail to the Bahamas
Day 2-3: May 5th-6th, 2017We boarded our cruise ship and headed for the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, stopping at the bustling capital, Nassau.
- Embarked on our cruise from the Port of Miami.
- Arrived in Nassau, Bahamas.
- Climbed the historic Queen’s Staircase.
- Browsed the famous Straw Market for souvenirs.
- Tasted authentic Bahamian conch.
Private Island Paradise
Day 4: Sunday, May 7th, 2017A day of pure relaxation and tropical bliss as the cruise stopped at a beautiful private cay in the Bahamas.
- Enjoyed the pristine beaches and crystal-clear blue waters.
- Soaked up the sun on a perfect island getaway.
Back to Miami & Flight to Barbados
Day 5-6: May 8th-9th, 2017After returning to Miami, we had one more adventure before catching a flight to the jewel of the Caribbean: Barbados.
- Met amazing animals at Jungle Island.
- Flew from Miami (MIA) to Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI).
- Arrived in Barbados and checked into our new island home.
Barbados: Caves, Turtles & Cuisine
Day 7: Wednesday, May 10th, 2017A jam-packed day exploring the natural wonders and vibrant culture of Barbados from coast to coast.
- Snorkeled with sea turtles and over shipwrecks in Carlisle Bay.
- Explored the magnificent underground world of Harrison’s Cave.
- Walked through historic Bridgetown.
- Experienced the famous Oistins Fish Fry for dinner.
Journey Home
Day 8-10: May 11th-12th, 2017After a final beach day in Barbados, we journeyed back to Miami for some last-minute exploring before heading home.
- Enjoyed a relaxing final beach day in Barbados.
- Explored the culture and art of Little Haiti in Miami.
- Flew back home, full of amazing memories.
Miami, Florida
First stop, Miami! We kicked things off by exploring the city’s unique energy. It’s a place that hits you with a blast of warm air, colorful sights, and a fusion of Latin and American cultures. From the iconic art-deco architecture of South Beach, where pastel buildings stand against a bright blue sky, to the wild residents of the Miami Zoo, the city is a feast for the senses. It’s a place to see and be seen, with a pulse that’s hard to ignore.




A visit to Zoo Miami was a definite highlight and a nice change of pace from the city buzz. Getting to see such a wide array of animals in well-designed, spacious habitats was a great way to spend the day. The sheer size of the place and the diversity of the animals were impressive.


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Bahamas Cruise
From Miami, we embarked on a cruise to the Bahamas. From an analytical standpoint, the value proposition of a cruise is compelling—you get your lodging, transportation, and food all bundled into one price. There’s something to be said for the sheer convenience of unpacking once and waking up in a new location. The ship itself was a floating resort with endless activities, and being out on the open water gives you a unique sense of scale and tranquility. Our stop in the Bahamas was beautiful, with that postcard-perfect, crystal-clear water and the relaxed island atmosphere you dream of.



Barbados
After the cruise, we flew to Barbados for the final leg of our trip. If the cruise was about energy and activity, Barbados was about pure, blissful relaxation. This island is paradise. The beaches are some of the best in the world, with powder-soft white sand and water that shifts through every shade of blue imaginable. The local Bajan culture is incredibly warm and welcoming, and the food is fantastic. We explored the island at a leisurely pace, relaxed on the sand for hours, and soaked in the Caribbean sun. It was the perfect, tranquil end to a multifaceted adventure, and a great contrast to the high energy of Miami and the cruise ship.





💰 Finance Your Next Big Trip
A multi-stop trip like this involves flights, hotels, and cruises. Using a travel rewards card is the smartest way to book, as you can earn points that translate into future free travel. The Chase Sapphire is my go-to for these kinds of adventures.
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