Elbow, Lubbers Quarters, Treasure, Little Harbor?these are a few names that you'll come to know should you decide to visit the portion of the Bahamas known as Abaco. This archipelago offers a bit of everything ? including intriguingly named Cays - without any of the overcrowding that sometimes occurs in the Caribbean. And, by going the extra mile and reserving a vacation home, success as a whole is virtually guaranteed no matter which isle you set your sights on.

Let's start out on Treasure Cay, in a split-level town home with turquoise accents, to be exact. A mere 100 yards from the beach, this stellar and (and not atypical) example of a vacation rental will welcome you to the island as if you're an old friend coming home for a visit. This feeling of familiarity and comfort will persist throughout the trip, so embrace at as soon as possible.

With a friendly living room, large patio facing the shoreline, warm and well-equipped kitchen and cute accent pieces, a basic level of comfort will immediately be established. Further investigation of each room, closet, drawer and corner will cement the sensation that all is right with the world, and that you have made a good decision indeed. Nothing is better than having plenty of room for everyone in your party ? not just in terms of sleeping arrangements but speaking of elbow room, too. This property not only has a sleeping loft with four beds in addition to the two private bedrooms, but it has plenty of sofas and lounging space as well.

In terms of available activities, snorkeling the great reef, swimming, boating, and island hopping are all just a few moments away. Whether you're the type who likes to draft a detailed itinerary or the complete opposite, everything will certainly fall into place in Abaco. With a vacation rental as your home base, a certain buffer zone exists as well. You know those in-between moments? The naps, the ?downtime? and the quiet interludes will be somehow just as pleasurable as the thrilling activities thanks to the positive presence of your temporary abode.

Many people find the high-quality sleep that eludes them each night readily arrives in Abaco, partly due to the sound of the waves and the ocean breeze and partly due to the comfortable bed in their beach villa. It could be mental, too; after all, even though most properties contain WiFi and televisions, you don't have to tune into the news of the world if you don't want to. Make it a true escape by leaving everything behind except your high expectations of what a wonderful trip should be.

Abaco and the islands that it consists are a bit of a Caribbean secret. Deserted beaches aren't just a fantasy, the vibes are easygoing rather than frenetic, and there's more to do and see than you'll be able to fit into even a lengthy trip. Arrive ready to cast aside all stress and any memories you have of past vacations gone awry.

So no matter which Cay you settle upon, no matter which type of vacation rental you choose to claim as your own, proceed with the confidence that the Abaco Islands will be everything you're hoping for. Lots of different factors go into the making of a top-notch getaway, but starting with an important one, a , is a step in the right direction.