Spring Breakin

Last week I had the joy of visiting Nassau, Bahamas for spring break. I went to the Atlantis with my family, but I was MORTIFIED by the prices of EVERYTHING at the hotel. DO NOT GO THERE if you are a broke college student. Sit down dinners for 3 were hundreds of dollars, slices of pizza were $7.50.

Other than the beds, nothing was included in the price of the hotel. We stayed at the Reef, the newest tower to the Atlantis compound. While the rooms were nice, there was not a business center or a fitness center in our hotel. What they do not tell you is that after you pay thousands of dollars to stay in a room, you have to pay an extra $10-$150 every time you use these auxiliary services. We didn't even have a restaurant- only a Starbucks in the lobby.

However, the pools were fabulous and so much fun! The Cain Pool at Atlantis was the "hippest" and most enjoyable for our demographic. The daquaris and Pina Coladas were to die for. The hotel itself is incredible and huge, and a great destination for any fun loving twenty something.

So here are some hints to travel to Nassau on a budget and still enjoy the Atlantis:

1. Don't stay there! There are plenty of other hotels on the island that are way cheaper.

2. Bring your own drinks. While liqueur is inexpensive, mixers and beer are not. Pack your extra suitcase with drinks to enjoy on your vacay (if you are of age of course)!

3. Sneak into the Atlantis to enjoy their amenities. Supposedly, you have to buy a one day pass to enjoy the Atlantis pool. I never had a wristband on (their measure of whether or not guests were there legally) and never once ran into trouble. Just take a cab over to the Atlantis and lay low by the pool all day. Don't cause a scene, act confident, and you should be fine.

4. Travel in off season times. Prices are high over winter and spring break and lower over the summer.