What to Pack for a Week in The Bahamas • The Blonde Abroad

Updated: February 2021

The Bahamas are one of the most popular travel destinations in the Caribbean. On a recent trip to The Bahamas, I visited the islands of Bimini and traveled to Nassau to stay at the famous Atlantis Resort.

Depending on the type of trip you’re planning, you’re likely to spend most of your time out in the sun or in the water. You don’t need much, so pack items you can mix and match with swimwear.

Use my packing ideas below, but revise as needed based on weather and season for when you plan your own trip to The Bahamas!

My Trip Details

Travel Dates: Early January

Season: Winter

Weather: There is no bad time to visit The Bahamas as the weather is great year-round! Temperatures rarely fall below 60°F—even in winter.

What to Pack for a Week in The Bahamas Essentials

Sun Hat

It gets hot in The Bahamas and you WILL need a hat. I love big-brimmed hats for days by the pool and beach.

Sunscreen

COOLA is my favorite sunscreen for sunny vacations! Their products smell amazing, provide great protection, and are made from natural and organic ingredients.

Dry Bags

Dry bags are a lifesaver on any vacation involving bikinis. Use them as a sand-proof bag for storing your phone on the beach, or pack your wet bikini inside to avoid soaking your other clothes. They’re water-resistant so they keep water out or in depending on what you need!

Cute Sunglasses

No explanation needed! But, pack a few pairs! I’ve accidentally lost my only pair at the start of a trip and I learned my lesson the hard way. It’s better to pack two to three pairs (Amazon has some super cute and inexpensive ones!).

Tote Bag

Travel bags that double as handbags and backpacks are my go-to. You can easily go from a day around town to a day of exploring without worrying about your bag.

Outfits + Bottoms

Rompers and Cute Sets

Sets are super cute and comfortable outfits for hanging around the resort or while out exploring.

Culottes and Shorts

A pair of culottes are perfect for pairing with a matching top or bikini top, whether you’re sailing or lounging by the pool.

Loose Pants

Instead of casual pants, get yourself a pair of stylish, loose-fitting pants for a tropical destination. They’re just as comfortable as yoga pants but can be styled up for a night out, or down for a day of travel.

Dresses

I’m a huge fan of both mini and maxi dresses. They’re chic, comfortable and some fabrics can travel really well. Plus, they’re easy to throw on no matter the activity!

Midi Dress

Pack a midi dress for a classy style during the day or night.

Maxi Dress

Don’t forget something a little dressier in case you decide to go out for a nice dinner or a night out.

Kaftan

I love kaftans for beach and pool days. They’re stylish enough to wear as an outfit but are perfectly practical as bikini coverups. And, in the case that you get a sunburn (fingers crossed you don’t — kaftans are breezy and a great way to cover up while still light and airy).

Bikinis + Swimwear

High Waisted Bikinis

I am obsessed with high-waisted bikinis right now. They’re perfect for active days when you want a bit more coverage or more “loungey” days when you want to feel and look your best by the pool.

Colorful Bikinis

The Bahamas are all about color so don’t shy away from bold bikinis!

Sandals

I found that I stuck to a fairly casual pair of tan sandals and a tan heel nearly my entire trip. You could also pack along a wedge or another color sandal if you want to ensure you have a pair for every outfit.

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. That income goes to supporting this website and keeping it free for you and everyone else! As always, ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

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Some places are worth coming back to 🐧

Boulders Beach, Cape Town with Oliver
9 months → 21 months → 3.5 years

I blinked and my baby become a toddler…
and my toddler become a little boy. 😭

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 17869856373573722

Some places are worth coming back to 🐧

Boulders Beach, Cape Town with Oliver
9 months → 21 months → 3.5 years

I blinked and my baby become a toddler…
and my toddler become a little boy. 😭

January Wrapped 🗓️
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We landed in Cape Town mid-January and hit the ground running.

Oliver and I packed up our life and moved abroad for a year — chasing a simple question: what’s the best that could happen?

My parents joined us for the first month — which meant extra hands, loving support, and the sweetest way to begin this chapter.

Between toddler sickness (IYKYK) and playing full-time tour guide, we somehow managed to squeeze in so much life.

A long weekend in Paternoster.
Glamping under the stars at Camp Canoe.
Summertime in the city.
Oliver starting at his new preschool.
Adventures through the Cape Winelands.
Slow weekends at the farmer’s market.
Afternoons stretched long at the beach.

It’s been messy and magical.
Exhausting and energizing.

Somewhere between pharmacy runs and beach swims, it started to feel less like a move…

and more like the start of our biggest adventure yet! 🌍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18090265751115394

January Wrapped 🗓️
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We landed in Cape Town mid-January and hit the ground running.

Oliver and I packed up our life and moved abroad for a year — chasing a simple question: what’s the best that could happen?

My parents joined us for the first month — which meant extra hands, loving support, and the sweetest way to begin this chapter.

Between toddler sickness (IYKYK) and playing full-time tour guide, we somehow managed to squeeze in so much life.

A long weekend in Paternoster.
Glamping under the stars at Camp Canoe.
Summertime in the city.
Oliver starting at his new preschool.
Adventures through the Cape Winelands.
Slow weekends at the farmer’s market.
Afternoons stretched long at the beach.

It’s been messy and magical.
Exhausting and energizing.

Somewhere between pharmacy runs and beach swims, it started to feel less like a move…

and more like the start of our biggest adventure yet! 🌍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown

Sun-drenched mornings, salty air, and the kind of place that makes you instantly exhale @waldorfastoriacostarica ✌️
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Our stay at this brand-new property was truly a dream — sweeping ocean views, elevated design, and more pools than I’ve ever seen at a hotel in my entire life.

From award-winning wellness to coconuts by the pool, every detail felt thoughtful and intentional.

🧖‍♀️ The Spa
Recently named Costa Rica’s Best Resort Spa, this sanctuary blends modern wellness with local healing traditions — volcanic mud rituals, rainforest-inspired therapies, and grounding treatments that leave you floating.

🛎️ Amenities
World-class service, beachfront access, a stunning collection of pools (truly — endless), curated experiences, and those sweet elevated touches everywhere you turn. Newly opened, yet already operating like a seasoned 5-star icon.

💦 Kids’ Club
One of the coolest spaces for littles — crafts, games, toys, and outdoor play areas that made traveling with Oliver feel easy (and fun for him, too).

🥥 The Food & Coffee
Fresh, locally sourced Costa Rican flavors with elevated execution. Oceanfront bites, poolside snacks, handcrafted coffee experiences, and yes… plenty of coconuts.

🌿 Sustainability
Proud holders of the Bandera Azul Ecológica for conservation and environmental efforts — luxury and responsibility beautifully intertwined.

We truly cannot wait to come back. ✨

If you’re looking for a luxury, family-friendly escape in Costa Rica — this is your spot.

A huge thank you to @waldorfastoriacostarica for hosting us on this sunshine-soaked getaway.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#costarica #waldorfastoria #luxuryfamilytravel #familytravel

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18094787833947297

A little late sharing this — but I needed time to sit with 2025. It was so much more than what made it to Instagram.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
This was the year I stopped measuring life in miles traveled… and started measuring it in the days we weren’t promised.

Not in passport stamps.
Not in hotel check-ins.
Not in how far we could go.

But in the quiet relief of “clear.”
In small hands squeezing mine tighter.
In birthday candles and quiet camping mornings.
In laughter that came back after fear.

2025 was the plot twist year.

The year I learned strength doesn’t look like control —
it looks like surrender.
It looks like showing up anyway.
It looks like choosing joy even when you know how fragile it is.

And it looks like being surrounded by the people who love us most.

We traveled the world.
But more importantly —
we celebrated what we almost lost.

And at the end of it all?
We packed up our life and chose a new continent. 🇿🇦

2025, you were heavy.
You were also beautiful.
You changed me.

2026 — I’m ready.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#2025wrapped

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18380851606081524

A little late sharing this — but I needed time to sit with 2025. It was so much more than what made it to Instagram.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
This was the year I stopped measuring life in miles traveled… and started measuring it in the days we weren’t promised.

Not in passport stamps.
Not in hotel check-ins.
Not in how far we could go.

But in the quiet relief of “clear.”
In small hands squeezing mine tighter.
In birthday candles and quiet camping mornings.
In laughter that came back after fear.

2025 was the plot twist year.

The year I learned strength doesn’t look like control —
it looks like surrender.
It looks like showing up anyway.
It looks like choosing joy even when you know how fragile it is.

And it looks like being surrounded by the people who love us most.

We traveled the world.
But more importantly —
we celebrated what we almost lost.

And at the end of it all?
We packed up our life and chose a new continent. 🇿🇦

2025, you were heavy.
You were also beautiful.
You changed me.

2026 — I’m ready.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#2025wrapped

My favorite smart features of my old home! 🏠
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
I put a lot of thought and design into my home, so I knew I had to get curated, high-tech window shades to match.

Enter @rollishades — sleek, custom motorized shades that actually elevate the space while solving the very real sunlight problem. From light-filtering to blackout options, everything is tailored to fit perfectly and controlled with the touch of a button (or app). It’s the kind of smart, intentional design that makes a home feel finished. 🪟🤍

I easily installed these in my guest bedroom and let me just say, when guests come over, they’re getting what feels like a hotel experience in my home (minus the room service).
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
#gifted #homedesign #interiorinspo #smarthome #rollishades

515 20

Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18083248064243187

My favorite smart features of my old home! 🏠
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
I put a lot of thought and design into my home, so I knew I had to get curated, high-tech window shades to match.

Enter @rollishades — sleek, custom motorized shades that actually elevate the space while solving the very real sunlight problem. From light-filtering to blackout options, everything is tailored to fit perfectly and controlled with the touch of a button (or app). It’s the kind of smart, intentional design that makes a home feel finished. 🪟🤍

I easily installed these in my guest bedroom and let me just say, when guests come over, they’re getting what feels like a hotel experience in my home (minus the room service).
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
#gifted #homedesign #interiorinspo #smarthome #rollishades

Cancel reply

Grace

Love this post cause I’m heading to Cancun in May for a wedding. You’ve definitely got some super cute choices. Plus, I’m probably using Spirit Airlines (aka no large carry ons) so I’m going to have to pack efficiently!

February 2, 2016 at 7:34 am · Reply

Kiersten Rich

Thank you! Have an awesome time 😉

February 2, 2016 at 10:19 am · Reply

Marlies

The Bahamas… I hope to go there one day!
And I will definitely come back and check your blog again!

February 2, 2016 at 12:44 pm · Reply

Kiersten Rich

Thank you! 🙂

February 3, 2016 at 3:17 pm · Reply

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Use my packing ideas below, but revise as needed based on weather and season for when you plan your own trip to The Bahamas!

My Trip Details

What to Pack for a Week in The Bahamas Essentials

Sun Hat

Read More:

Sunscreen

Read More:

Dry Bags

Cute Sunglasses

Tote Bag

Outfits + Bottoms

Rompers and Cute Sets

Culottes and Shorts

Loose Pants

Dresses

Midi Dress

Maxi Dress

Kaftan

Bikinis + Swimwear

High Waisted Bikinis

Colorful Bikinis

Read More:

Sandals

Read More:

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