Affordable International Beach Getaway: Chicago to Nassau, Bahamas

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Nassau, Bahamas on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Chicago to Nassau

Take an early morning direct or one-stop flight from Chicago O’Hare to Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau to maximize your first day abroad.
USD180 per person, 4h30m

12:00pm

Check-in at Budget Hotel or Guesthouse

Settle into affordable accommodation in downtown Nassau or near Cable Beach with easy access to the beach and public transit.
USD40 per night, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax at Junkanoo Beach

Enjoy a beautiful and free public beach close to downtown Nassau featuring calm turquoise waters for swimming and local vendors for snacks.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Twin Brothers

Savor affordable and authentic Bahamian seafood dishes like conch salad and fried fish at this local favorite open until 9pm.
USD15 per person, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Beach & Culture

Nassau, Bahamas on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Green Parrot

Start the day with affordable Bahamian-style breakfast or coffee and pastries at this popular downtown café open from 7am.
USD8 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Downtown Nassau and Straw Market

Wander the vibrant streets and the Straw Market where you can shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and straw products at reasonable prices.
Free entry, shopping optional, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Matisse

Enjoy an affordable Italian-Bahamian fusion lunch with fresh ingredients in a cozy setting, open until 9pm.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas

Discover the rich Bahamian culture and art at this affordable and well-curated gallery open 10am to 5pm.
USD10 per person, 2h0m

4:00pm

Swim at Cable Beach

Relax at one of Nassau’s most famous public beaches with free access and beautiful white sand shores.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Poop Deck

Enjoy reasonably priced Bahamian seafood dishes with waterfront views, open until 10pm.
USD18 per person, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Island Adventure

Rose Island, Bahamas on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation or nearby café

Grab a quick and affordable breakfast to prepare for a day island trip.
USD6 per person, 1h0m

8:30am

Boat Trip to Rose Island

Take a budget-friendly ferry or booked boat tour to Rose Island, known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Some tours include snorkeling gear.
USD40 per person round trip, 5h0m

2:00pm

Beach Time and Snorkeling at Rose Island

Swim, snorkel, and sunbathe at the beautiful, less crowded beaches of Rose Island.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Return Boat to Nassau

Take the boat back to Nassau as the sun sets.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Arawak Cay (Fish Fry)

Experience local Bahamian food stalls serving inexpensive favorites like cracked conch and fried fish at this famous spot open until 10pm.
USD15 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Nature & History

Nassau, Bahamas on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Royal Cafe

Enjoy an affordable breakfast with local flavors in downtown Nassau open from 7am.
USD7 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle

Explore these historical landmarks carved from limestone by slaves, open 8am to 6pm with low admission fees. Great for cultural insight and photo opportunities.
USD5 total, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Matisse

Return for a fresh and affordable meal blending Italian and Bahamian cuisine.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre

Enjoy an affordable entrance to this lush garden and zoo known for its flamingo shows, open 9am to 4pm.
USD18 per person, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Junkanoo Beach

Unwind with local snacks and the ocean breeze at this accessible beach.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Fish Fry

Try more local and budget-friendly seafood dishes within a casual setting, open until 10pm.
USD15 per person, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Beach & Leisure

Nassau, Bahamas on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Madeleine

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee at reasonable prices in downtown Nassau.
USD7 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Free Beach Day at Saunders Beach

Spend a relaxing day at this quiet and free beach favored by locals with calm water perfect for swimming.
Free, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Polly’s at the Pier

Affordable Bahamian favorites near the marina with great views, open until 5pm.
USD12 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Pirates of Nassau Museum

Explore pirate history in this interactive museum, open 9am to 7pm with affordable admission.
USD15 per person, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at the Poop Deck

End your day with delicious Bahamian seafood at reasonable prices, open until 10pm.
USD18 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Last Day Relax

Nassau, Bahamas on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dock & Dine

Enjoy seafood-based breakfast or standard offerings in an affordable setting by the marina.
USD8 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Final Beach Visit to Junkanoo Beach

Spend your last morning soaking up the sun and swimming at your favorite free beach.
Free, 4h0m

2:00pm

Pack and prepare for departure

Return to your accommodation to pack and rest before your trip home.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Twin Brothers

Enjoy a final affordable Bahamian meal with local favorites before your flight.
USD15 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel Home

Nassau to Chicago, Bahamas to USA on June 28, 2025

10:00am

Flight from Nassau to Chicago

Catch your return flight to Chicago, concluding your budget-friendly tropical beach vacation.
USD180 per person, 4h30m
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