Bahamas

Seven hundred islands strung across a very large shallow bank, which is what gives the water its colour — much of it is only a few metres deep for miles, and that is why it reads turquoise from the air. Nassau and Paradise Island are the developed end. The Out Islands, particularly the Exumas, Eleuthera and the Abacos, are where the empty sand is.

It is the closest tropical water to the US east coast by a wide margin, which shapes everything: short flights, American prices, and a cruise-ship rhythm in Nassau that the Out Islands entirely escape.

Getting there

Nassau (NAS) is an hour from Miami and under three from New York, with direct flights from across the US east coast, Canada and the UK. The Out Islands are served by small domestic carriers and the mail boat; several have their own airports with direct US flights in season.

Entry

Passport with at least six months' validity, plus a return or onward ticket, hotel confirmation or address of residence, and proof of funds. Visa requirements track the period of leave to land: anyone intending to stay beyond 90 days should check their own nationality's rules. US citizens entering as bona fide visitors may stay up to eight months without a visa. Canadian landed immigrants holding Form 1000 may enter visa-free for up to 30 days.