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    United States: Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Go Now!

    United States
    Explore the vast openness and wildlife found roaming in the western United States, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park (pictured) in North Dakota. Begin Your Journey!

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    Trinidad & Tobago
    These Caribbean islands mix Indian, African, and European cultures alongside beautiful beaches. Go Now!

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    St. Kitts & Nevis
    This island nation mixes aspects of European, African, and Caribbean culture... not to mention incredible beaches. Go Now!

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    The original banana republic, Honduras has made a name for itself with the banana trade; however foreign influences have also vastly altered the culture. Go Now!

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    Mexico: Sunrise over the mountains in Puerto Vallarta. Go Now!

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    Although many people just go for the beaches, Mexico offers impressive mountain vistas (pictured in Puerto Vallarta), great food, and historic ruins that compete with the best in the world. Begin Your Journey!

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    Barbados: Pier on the beach. Go Now!

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    This Caribbean island has hints of British culture, but is wholly Caribbean as well. Explore Barbados!

Architecture of the Bahamas

Bahamian Architecture - Nassau Public Library
Nassau Public Library

The architecture of the Bahamas is severely limited as no true buildings exist from the pre-Columbian times. Even the first settlers left little behind as most early architecture was made from wood or other local resources that have been lost to time.

It wasn't until the 1700s and early 1800s when building that have lasted were built. Of these early buildings the most famous are the clapboard houses. These houses are very functional as they sit on stilts to prevent flooding and allow greater air flow; they also have large windows to allow better circulation and a natural cooling mechanism. Although the style continues to be built today the oldest and most authentic of these can be found on Harbour Island.

Although modern building materials and techniques have been brought to the Bahamas, the islands have not begun to build large skyscrapers or outrageously unique modern buildings. Most of the country's current buildings are built from this newer technology, but the people have not yet decided to create buildings that stand out as extraordinarily unique. As close as the country comes to modern architecture is the capital of Nassau, although even there the colonial charm overwhelms the modern if you can overlook the world famous Atlantis Hotel.

This page was last updated: May, 2014