Food
You can find any kind of international food in Florida and the Bahamas. For example, within the bustling cities of Florida, it is not unusual to have Chinese, Thai, Italian, Cuban, and Spanish restaurants all on offer in a single area.
Both the Bahamas and Florida are located on or near the ocean, so naturally seafood dishes are not only abundant but fresh as well. In fact, most local Bahamians work in the seafood business, and they take great pride in the varieties of morsels they obtain from the sea. It is not unusual to be offered boiled fish and grits for breakfast, crab and rice for lunch, and various dishes made from the tender conch mollusk for dinner. For dessert, it is typical to find guava duff, a delicious pastry created by folding the exotic fruit into dough which is then boiled and served with a sweet sauce.
Language
English is the predominant language of Florida and the Bahamas and you should have little difficulty communicating if comfortable with the language. However, in Florida, like any place in the world with much cultural diversity, you may encounter groups of immigrants who will not speak English very well, if at all.
In the Bahamas, there is a noticeable dialect that has carried over from a mixture of British English, East African, and local island dialects. While the people will be speaking English, there are often used phrases and pronunciations of words that may not be wholly familiar to the untrained ear. It’s just one more thing that makes the culture so unique and fascinating.
Climate
Throughout the majority of the year, Florida and the Bahamas maintain warm temperatures between 70-75F degrees (21-32C). The further North you head in Florida, the cooler it gets, so expect mild temperature drops in those regions. Higher temperatures, around 80-85F (26-29C) are typically found from June through August.
The hurricane season is from June through November and can affect both areas, but with sophisticated technology and tracking devices, warnings are typically issued well in advance. Rain is not uncommon, especially in Florida, where it may be a clear sunny day one minute, sprinkle unexpectedly for two minutes, and then clear back up immediately.
Dress
As it is warm the majority of the time in both Florida and the Bahamas, it is best to bring summer clothing and beachwear to wear while visiting. However, evenings from December through February tend to be cooler, so a light jacket or sweater is also recommended. Beach clothing is fine for the beach, but be aware that many restaurants and clubs require jackets for men and strictly no sandals or swimming costumes. If heading into forests or nature preserves, it is best to dress appropriately for the differences in terrain.
Health
Although heath problems are unlikely in either area, the heat should never be underestimated. Sunscreen with a high SPF level and plenty of drinking water on hand are essential. Water is safe to drink and abundant and bottled water can be purchased from any local shop.
Visas
