Jaunted

Despite its relative affordability, the festival's big events, such as the Versace/Chopard Opening Night Party ($200) and the Ansbacher Closing Night Party ($50) can add up. But you can also choose to spend just $5 for a ticket to a single film, or $10 for a panel discussion. But don't get stuck sitting inside pitch-black theaters--you're in the Bahamas.

Where to Eat: Nassau knows all about catering to tourists, but breaking up the monotony of yet another gold-plated craps table takes only minimum effort. For a sampling of what the locals eat, head to Bahamian Kitchen and try Caribbean seafood dishes, johnnycakes, grits and rice-and-peas, with everything in the under-$25 range.

Where to Party: There is fun to be had outside the Atlantis Casino. Once detatched from one of the casino's 800 slot machines--or detached from your cash--take the resort's boat service back into Nassau and get down with a different group of drunk tourists. Gluttons for punishment need look no further than Club Waterloo, a Nassau partying institution favored by the spring break crowd.

Cocktails and Dreams boasts the title of the only beachfront club spot, with bars both inside and outside, cheap pub food and pool and darts for the crowd who forgot their dance shoes.

If money is no object and snobbery is a turn-on, head to Fluid Lounge, where a younger crowd takes up residency on the club's main dance floor and sucks down drinks from two full-service bars. For an extra $100-plus, clubgoers can reserve a VIP table--the kind of scene that Donatella would love.

Related Stories:
· Bahamas International Film Festival [Official Site]
· Film Festivals coverage [Jaunted]
· Caribbean Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: ebodie]