Ahh, the Bahamas. Whether you're after a decadent tropical beach holiday, a low-key eco-tourism getaway or a bona fide underwater adventure, the Bahamas is an evocative and idyllic destination.

An archipelago of more than 700 mostly uninhabited islands, the Bahamas stretches over 500 miles of warm, crystalline Caribbean Sea. Its name comes from the Spanish words, baja mar, which means shallow sea. 

The two most visited islands are New Providence, home to the capital Nassau, and Grand Bahama, with its luxurious resorts and lush tropical landscapes. So-called 'Out Islands' such as Bimini, Mayaguana and Andros offer travellers more remote places to lose themselves in either adventure or relaxation. You'll get more out of your holiday if you steer clear of the tourists hoards who congregate around ports such as Nassau where cruise ships stop, spewing thousands of people on shore at once.

Be prepared to adjust your body clock to "island time" - a term given to the unhurried lifestyle of the Bahamian people. Kick back at a cafe with a coffee or spend some time strolling through local markets. If you want vacation activities that are energetic and adventurous, sailing, horseback riding, fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling and parasailing are all on offer.

Visitors can splash out on one of the glitzy resorts and spas that attract a steady stream of celebrities, or opt for the low-key peace and serenity of a small clapboard house beside a white sandy beach.

The climate in the Bahamas is consistently warm and comfortable, with average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F. Thanks to the moderating effect of year-round trade winds, it rarely gets extremely hot or cold. Hurricane season is between June and November - a good time to stay away.

Many of the islands have their own airport, with major international carriers flying to Nassau and Freeport. As the Bahamas are located just 55 miles off Miami, Florida, a growing number of travellers are sailing to the islands by cruise ship. Cruising is a very popular way to experience several different ports in the Bahamas. English is the chief language, with a local Bahamian dialect also spoken. The currency is the Bahamian dollar, equivalent in value to the US dollar.