Planning a trip to Bermuda

Calendar of Events

January & February

Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts. Held in the City of Hamilton and a handful of venues in neighboring parishes, this 7-week performing arts festival features drama, dance, jazz, classical, and popular music, as well as other entertainment by a rotating lineup of international artists from January through March. For details about this year’s festival, visit www.bermudafestival.org; tel. 441/295-1291.

Bermuda Restaurant Weeks. Enjoy island-inspired cuisine at discount prices during these weeks in January, when restaurants in the City of Hamilton and across the island offer affordable prix fixe menus.

Bermuda Marathon Weekend. Not just one race, but a trio of competitive races that culminates with a challenging 26.2-mile run, this 3-day, weekend event is popular with local and international runners alike. For more information and entry forms visit www.bermudaraceweekend.com; tel. 441/737-8835.

March

Bermuda International Film Festival. This independent film festival screens works from international and local filmmakers. In addition, the festival holds workshops and Q&A sessions with industry leaders. For more information, visit www.biff.bm or call tel. 441/293-3456.

Tips for Senior Travelers

Though much of the island's sporting and nightlife activity is geared toward more youthful travelers, Bermuda has a lot to offer seniors. The best source of information for seniors is the Bermuda Department of Tourism. If you're staying in a large resort hotel, the activities director or concierge is another excellent source.

Orientation

Finding an Address

The island chain of Bermuda doesn't follow a rigid system of street addresses. Most hotels, even in official government listings, don't bother to include an address, although they do include post office boxes and postal codes. Bermudians just assume that everybody knows where everything is, which is fine if you've lived on Bermuda all your life. But if you're a first-time visitor, get a good map before setting out -- and don't be shy about asking directions. In general, people are very helpful.

Most of the establishments you'll be seeking are on some street plan. However, some places use numbers in their street addresses, and others -- perhaps their neighbors -- don't. The actual building number is not always important, because a building such as a resort hotel is likely to be set back so far from the main road that you couldn't see its number anyway. Look for signs with the name of the hotel rather than the street number. Cross streets will also aid you in finding an address.

Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers

Bermuda is tolerant of gay and lesbian travelers, but the island still lags far behind North American and European countries when it comes to laws and policies affecting the LGBTQ community. In 2013, Bermuda’s Parliament voted in favor of the Human Rights Amendment Act, which finally added sexual orientation to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination—an act which was integral in a 2017 Supreme Court ruling on same sex marriage. During a landmark case that was brought by a gay couple, the Court ruled any ban on such a union was discriminatory and violated human rights, so the couple were legally married a month later by the Registry General. That same year a new, considerably more conservative government was voted into power and with it came roll backs on marriage equality. A new law was passed effectively making same sex marriage illegal and the fight for LGBTQ rights in Bermuda continues to this day. That said, it’s unlikely gay travelers will encounter any overt discrimination, but public signs of affection will definitely turn heads in this über-conservative country.

When to Go

A semitropical island, Bermuda enjoys a mild climate; the term "Bermuda high" has come to mean sunny days and clear skies. The Gulf Stream, which flows between the island and North America, keeps the climate temperate. There's no rainy season, and no typical month of excess rain. Showers may be heavy at times, but the skies clear quickly.

Being farther north in the Atlantic than The Bahamas, Bermuda is much cooler in winter. Springlike temperatures prevail from mid-December to late March, with the average temperature ranging from 60° to 70°F (16°-21°C). Unless it rains, winter is fine for golf and tennis but not for swimming; it can be cool, and you may even need a sweater or a jacket. Water temperatures in winter are somewhat like the air temperature, ranging from about 66°F (19°C) in January to 75°F (24°C) through March. Scuba divers and snorkelers will find Bermuda's waters appreciably cooler than Caribbean waters in winter. From mid-November to mid-December and from late March to April, be prepared for unseasonable spurts of spring or summer weather.

In summer, the temperature rarely rises above 85°F (29°C). There's nearly always a cool breeze in the evening, but some hotels have air-conditioning. And local water temperatures can be as high as 86°F (30°C) during the summer -- warmer than many inshore and offshore Caribbean waters.

As a result, Bermuda's off season is the exact opposite of that in the Caribbean. It begins in December and lasts until about March 1. In general, hotels offer off-season rates, with discounts ranging from 20% to 60%. This is the time to go if you're traveling on a tight budget. During autumn and winter, many hotels also offer discounted package deals. Some smaller inns close for a couple of weeks or months at this period.

The Hurricane Season

This curse of the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Bermuda lasts officially from June to November, but fewer tropical storms pound Bermuda than the U.S. mainland. Bermuda is also less frequently hit than islands in the Caribbean. Satellite forecasts are generally able to give adequate warning of any really dangerous weather. If you’re concerned, check reports from the National Hurricane Center by visiting www.nhc.noaa.gov and to find the current weather conditions in Bermuda To find the current weather conditions in Bermuda, and a 5-day forecast, go to Bermuda Weather at www.weather.bm.

Holidays

Bermuda observes the following public holidays: New Year's Day (Jan 1), Good Friday, Easter, Bermuda Day (May 24), the Queen's Birthday (first or second Mon in June), Cup Match Days (cricket; Thurs and Fri preceding first Mon in Aug), Labour Day (first Mon in Sept), Christmas Day (Dec 25), and Boxing Day (Dec 26). Public holidays that fall on a Saturday or Sunday are usually celebrated the following Monday.

Health & Safety

Finding a doctor or getting a prescription filled on Bermuda is relatively simple. In an emergency, call King Edward VII Hospital, 7 Point Finger Rd., Paget Parish (tel. 441/236-2345), and ask for the emergency department. For less serious medical problems, ask someone at your hotel for a recommendation.

If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry them in their original containers, with pharmacy labels -- otherwise they won't make it through airport security. Carry the generic name of prescription medicines in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name.

Contact the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT; tel. 716/754-4883 or, in Canada, 416/652-0137; www.iamat.org), for tips on travel and health concerns in Bermuda, and for lists of local doctors. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (tel. 800/232-4636; www.cdc.gov) provides up-to-date information on health hazards by region or country and offers tips on food safety. Travel Health Online (www.tripprep.com), sponsored by a consortium of travel medicine practitioners, also offers helpful advice on traveling abroad.

Sunburns & Exposure -- Limit your exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of 11am and 2pm and during the first few days of your trip. Use a sunscreen with a high protection factor and apply it liberally. Also, as you travel around Bermuda on a scooter, on bike, or on foot, it's always wise to carry along some bottled water to prevent dehydration.

Seasickness -- A great deal of the population tends toward seasickness. If you've never been out on a boat, or if you've been seasick in the past, make sure you take any seasickness prevention measures that work for you before you board; once you set sail, it's generally too late. On the boat, stay as low and near the center of the boat as possible. Stay out in the fresh air and watch the horizon. If you start to feel queasy, drink clear fluids like water, and eat something bland, such as a soda cracker.

Cuts -- All cuts obtained in the marine environment must be taken seriously because the high level of bacteria present in the water can quickly cause the cut to become infected. The best way to prevent cuts is to wear a wet suit, gloves, and reef shoes. If you get a coral cut, the book All Stings Considered recommends gently pulling the edges of the skin open and removing any embedded coral or grains of sand with tweezers. Next, scrub the cut well with fresh water, and then press a clean cloth against the wound to stop the bleeding.

Safety

Bermuda has always been considered a safe destination, especially when compared to countries of the Caribbean such as Jamaica. However, there is some crime here, and the U.S. State Department has an advisory. Criminal activity continues to take place at St. George, a popular cruise-ship destination. Incidents of verbal and physical assault against tourists have been reported. Petty drug use is frequent, and gang activity has been reported in the area as well.

In recent years, the area of Pitts Bay Road from the Hamilton Princess Hotel into the town of Hamilton has been a common setting for muggings. The back streets of Hamilton are often the setting for nighttime assaults, particularly after the bars close.

Valuables left in hotel rooms (occupied and unoccupied) or left unattended on beaches are vulnerable to theft. Criminals often target transportation systems and popular tourist attractions. Examples of common crimes include pick-pocketing, theft of unattended baggage and items from rental motorbikes, and purse snatchings (often perpetrated against pedestrians by thieves riding motorbikes).

Travelers should exercise caution when walking after dark or visiting out-of-the-way places on the island, which can be vulnerable to crime, and because narrow and dark roadways can contribute to accidents.

Tips for Families

Bermuda is one of the best vacation destinations for the entire family. Toddlers can spend blissful hours in shallow seawater or pools geared just for them, and older children can enjoy boat rides, horseback riding, hiking, and snorkeling. Most resort hotels offer advice for families with kids (including help in finding a babysitter), and many have play directors and supervised activities for various age groups.

Outside the town of St. George and City of Hamilton, walking with a baby stroller is difficult -- most roads don't have sidewalks or adequate curbs. It is extremely dangerous to carry a baby on a motorbike or bike, as baby seats are not provided. Buses, taxis, and ferries are the safest ways to travel around Bermuda with a baby.

Staying Connected

Internet Access

In late 2018, the Bermuda Tourism Authority rolled a program that offers free WiFi for one hour at such sites as The Visitor Services Centers in the Royal Naval Dockyard, the City of Hamilton, and St. George’s; the Hamilton Ferry Terminal; the Hamilton Bus Terminal; and the St. George’s Ferry Dock at Penno’s Wharf. The network to connect to is called “BERMUDAWiFi.” You'll be kicked off after 60 minutes, but can get back on by simply going through the registration again. Additionally, the public library in the City of Hamilton, which is adjacent to the Bermuda Historical Society Museum, offers five computer stations where you can get free internet access for 30 minutes with a photo I.D. Washington Mall, L.F. Wade International Airport and most accommodations in Bermuda also have free WiFi.

Mobile Phones

The three letters that define much of the world's wireless capabilities are GSM (Global System for Mobiles), a big seamless network that makes for easy cross-border cellphone use in dozens of countries, including Bermuda.

The best cellphone connections in Bermuda are arranged through rangeRoamer (www.rangeroamer.com), which provides short-term cellphone service for travelers to Bermuda. You can purchase a Bermuda-compatible worldphone, rent a phone in Bermuda, or in some cases use your own cellphone while traveling on island.

You can use your own phone if it uses GSM, if it is "world capable" (dual band international), or "unlocked" to accept any SIM card from another carrier. GSM phones have a SIM card slot, which lets you put the rangeRoamer SIM card in it. All phones from AT&T and T-mobile have this slot, but only 4 percent of phones from Verizon or Sprint do.

Incoming calls to Bermuda cost around $2 a minute; calls from Bermuda to the U.S. are charged $3 a minute by most services.

To call Bermuda:

1. Dial the international access code: 00 from the U.K., Ireland, or New Zealand; or 0011 from Australia. From North America, no international access code is necessary; just dial 1.

2. Dial country code 441.

3. Dial the local number.

To make international calls: To make international calls from Bermuda to North America, simply dial 1. For countries besides the U.S. and Canada, first dial 00 and then the country code (U.K. 44, Ireland 353, Australia 61, New Zealand 64). Next, dial the city or area code and local number.

For directory assistance: Dial 411 if you're looking for a number inside Bermuda, and dial 0 for numbers to all other countries.

For operator assistance: If you need operator assistance in making a call, dial 0.

Toll-free numbers: There are no toll-free numbers in Bermuda. Calling an 800 or 888 number in North America from Bermuda costs the same as an overseas call.

Fast Facts

Here are some miscellaneous Bermuda survival tips: Know that ATMs dispense only Bermuda dollars, and that buses accept only coins, not bills. Also, don't get caught in the City of Hamilton's rush-hour traffic, which is Monday to Friday 8:30 to 9am and 5 to 6pm.

Area Code -- The area code for all of Bermuda is 441.

Banks -- The main offices of Bermuda's banks are in the City of Hamilton. All banks and their branches are open Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm. Banks are closed Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. There are ATMs all around the island. With the exception of one ATM at the HSBC Front Street branch and another inside the departure lounge of L.F. Wade International Airport, ATMs dispense only Bermuda dollars.

HSBC Bermuda has several locations across the island and its main branch is on 6 Front Street in the City of Hamilton (www.hsbc.bm; 📞 441/299-5959).
   
The Bank of Butterfield is on 65 Front Street in the City of Hamilton, with other locations in Sandy’s and St. George’s parishes (www.butterfieldgroup.com; 📞 441/295-1111),
   
Clarien Bank is on 19 Reid Street in the City of Hamilton (www.clarienbank.com; tel. 441/296-6969).

Business Hours -- Most commercial businesses are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Retail shops are generally open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm (or 7pm); several shops open at 9:15am. A few shops are also open in the evening, but usually only when big cruise ships are in port.

Dentists -- For dental emergencies, call King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, 7 Point Finger Rd., Paget Parish (tel. 441/236-2345; www.bermudahospitals.bm), and ask for the emergency department. The hospital maintains lists of dentists on emergency call.

Disabled Travelers -- Bermuda is not a great place for persons with disabilities since public buses are not geared for passengers in wheelchairs and many of its roads (especially in the Town of St. George’s) are cobblestone. Getting around the island is a bit difficult even for the agile, who must rely on scooter, bicycles, buses and taxis. However, you can ask your hotel to check on the availability of mini buses operated by private individuals. The most accessible hotels in Bermuda are its large resort hotels.

Dress -- Well-tailored Bermuda shorts are acceptable on almost any occasion, and many men wear them with jackets and ties. On formal occasions, they must be accompanied by navy blue or black knee socks. Aside from that, Bermudians are rather conservative in their attitude toward dress—bikinis, for example, should only be worn on the beach and shirtless walks anywhere there’s not water nearby is verboten.

Drinking Laws -- Bermuda sternly regulates the sale of alcoholic beverages. The legal drinking age is 18, and most bars close at 1am (some close as early as 10pm, and others as late as 3am). Some bars are closed on Sunday, and stores can't sell alcohol on Sunday. You can bring beer or other alcohol to the beach legally, as long as your party doesn't get too rowdy and you generally stay in one spot. The moment you actually walk on the beach or the streets with an open container of liquor, it's illegal.

Driving Rules -- Visitors cannot rent cars. To operate a motor-assisted cycle, you must be age 16 or over. All cycle drivers and passengers must wear helmets. Driving is on the left side of the road, and the speed limit is 32kmph (20 mph) in the countryside, 24kmph (15 mph) in busy areas.

Drug Laws -- In Bermuda, there are heavy penalties for the importation of, possession of, or dealing of unlawful drugs (including marijuana). Customs officers, at their discretion, may conduct body searches for drugs or other contraband goods.

Drugstores -- Bermuda has pharmacies located across the island, but none are open 24 hours, so if you need a prescription filled between the hours of 6pm and 9am, go straight to the hospital. The biggest chain is Phoenix Centre, with a large pharmacy in Hamilton at 3 Reid St.

Electricity -- Electricity is 110 volts AC (60 cycles). North American appliances are compatible without converters or adapters. Visitors from the United Kingdom or other parts of Europe need to bring a converter.

Embassies & Consulates -- For Residents of the U.S.: The American Consulate General is located at Crown Hill, 16 Middle Rd., Devonshire (tel. 441/295-1342; http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov), and is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.

For Residents of Canada -- The Canadian Consulate General (Commission to Bermuda) is at 73 Front St., Hamilton (tel. 441/292-2917; www.embassiesabroad.com).

For Residents of the U.K. -- As Bermuda is a British territory, Britain does not maintain a consulate in Bermuda. For emergency travel documents, contact the Bermuda Department of Immigration, Parliament Street, Hamilton (tel. 441/295-5151; www.immigration.gov.bm).

For Residents of Australia -- The Australian High Commission in Ottawa, Canada (tel. 613/236-0841; www.canada.embassy.gov.au) provides consular assistance for Australians traveling in Bermuda.

Emergencies -- To call the police, report a fire, or summon an ambulance, dial tel. 911. The nonemergency police number is tel. 441/295-0011. For air-sea rescue, contact the Rescue Coordination Center, tel. 441/297-1010.

Gasoline -- Before you rent a moped, be very clear about what kind of fuel it runs on. Most of the mopeds available for rental by a nonresident of Bermuda have 50cc two-stroke engines that almost always require a mixture of gasoline and oil. Designated locally as "mixed" fuel, it's dispensed directly from specially designated pumps at service stations throughout Bermuda. Larger bikes (including some of the newer models with 80cc engines, and virtually all of the modern-day 100cc engines) require unadulterated gasoline. The octane level of all gasoline in Bermuda is designated as "high test," and all of it, by law, is unleaded.

Hospitals -- King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, 7 Point Finger Rd., Paget Parish (tel. 441/236-2345; www.bermudahospitals.bm), has a highly qualified staff and Canadian accreditation.

Insurance -- Although close to the United States, a visit to Bermuda is, in essence, "going abroad." You can encounter all the same problems in Bermuda that you would in going to a more remote foreign destination. Therefore, it's wise to review your insurance coverage, especially concerning lost luggage or medical insurance. Try such insurance marketplaces sites as www.squaremouth.com and www.insuramytrip.com to research and buy travel insurance.

Internet Access -- In late 2018, the Bermuda Tourism Authority rolled a program that offers free WiFi for one hour at such sites as The Visitor Services Centers in the Royal Naval Dockyard, the City of Hamilton, and St. George’s; the Hamilton Ferry Terminal; the Hamilton Bus Terminal; and the St. George’s Ferry Dock at Penno’s Wharf. The network to connect to is called “BERMUDAWiFi.” You'll be kicked off after 60 minutes, but can get back on by simply going through the registration again. Additionally, the public library in the City of Hamilton, which is adjacent to the Bermuda Historical Society Museum, offers five computer stations where you can get free internet access for 30 minutes with a photo I.D. Washington Mall, L.F. Wade International Airport and most accommodations in Bermuda also have free WiFi.

Legal Aid -- Your consulate will inform you of your limited rights and offer a list of attorneys. (See “Embassies & Consulates,” above.) However, the consulate’s office cannot interfere with Bermuda’s law-enforcement officers.

Mail -- Deposit regular mail in the red pillar boxes on the streets. You’ll recognize them by the monogram of Queen Elizabeth II. The postage rate for airmail letters up to 10 grams and for postcards is 70 cents to the United States and Canada, 85 cents to the United Kingdom. Airmail letters and postcards to the North American mainland can take six to eight days, to Britain possibly a little longer.

Newspapers & Magazines -- Bermuda has one daily newspaper, the Royal Gazette, which publishes Monday to Saturday. Major U.S. newspapers, including the New York Times and USA Today, are scarce, but many resort hotels will provide guests with a copy of a Times Fax, which includes U.S. and international news.

Pets -- To take your pet with you to Bermuda, it must be a minimum of 10 months of age, and if it’s a dog, it must not be a member of any of the approximately 20 breeds that local authorities define as dangerous. You’ll need a special permit issued by the director of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Parks (www.animals.gov.bm; tel. 441/236-4201). The island has no quarantine facilities, so animals arriving without proper documents will be refused entry and will be returned to the point of origin. Some guesthouses and hotels allow small animals, but most will not; inquire in advance. Always check to see what the latest regulations are before attempting to bring a dog or another pet—including Seeing Eye dogs—to Bermuda.

Police -- In an emergency, call tel. 911; otherwise, call tel. 441/295-0011.

Post Offices -- The General Post Office, 56 Church St., Hamilton (tel. 441/297-7866), is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, Saturday from 8am to noon. Post office branches and the Perot Post Office, Queen Street, Hamilton, are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. Some post offices close for lunch from 11:30am to 1pm. Daily airmail service for the United States and Canada closes at 9:30am in Hamilton. See also "Mail," above.

Smoking -- In the spring of 2006, the government of Bermuda passed a law banning smoking in enclosed public places. Tobacconists and other stores carry a wide array of tobacco products, generally from either the United States or England. Prices vary but tend to be high.

Taxes -- Bermuda charges visitors a Passenger Tax before they depart from the island; it's hidden within the cost of an airline or cruise-ship ticket. Frankly, you might never know that a tax has actually been imposed, but if you're interested, $25 of the cost of your airline ticket, and $60 of the cost of your cruise-ship ticket, goes to the Bermudian government. Children age 2 and younger are exempt from paying this tax.

All room rates, regardless of the category of accommodations or the plan under which you stay, are subject to a government tax of 7.25%.

Time -- Bermuda is 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). Daylight saving time is in effect from the second Sunday in March until November 1.

Tipping -- In most cases, a service charge is added to hotel and restaurant bills. In hotels, the charge is in lieu of tipping various individuals, such as bellhops, maids, and restaurant staffers (for meals included in a package or in the daily rate). Check for this carefully to avoid double tipping. Otherwise, a 15% tip for service is customary. Taxi drivers usually get 10% to 15%.

Toilets -- The City of Hamilton and St. George provide public facilities, but only during business hours. In the City of Hamilton, toilets are at City Hall, in Par-la-Ville Gardens, Albouy’s Point and inside the Washington Mall. In St. George’s, facilities are available at Town Hall, Somers Garden, and Market Wharf. Outside of these towns, you’ll find restrooms at the public beaches, at the Botanical Gardens, in several of the forts, and at service stations. Often you’ll have to use the facilities in hotels, restaurants, and wherever else you can find them.

Transit Information -- For info about ferry service, visit www.marineandports.bm. For bus info, check www.gov.bm/bus.

Useful Telephone Numbers -- On Bermuda, for time and temperature, call tel. 909. To learn "What's On in Bermuda," dial tel. 974. For medical emergencies or the police, dial tel. 911. If in doubt during any other emergency, dial tel. 0 (zero), which will connect you with your hotel's switchboard or the Bermuda telephone operator.

Water -- Tap water is generally safe to drink.

Weather -- Go to www.weather.bm.

Getting There

By Plane

The flight from most East Coast destinations--including New York, Raleigh/Durham, Baltimore, and Boston -- takes about 2 hours. Flights from Atlanta take 2 1/2 hours; from Toronto, it's less than 3 hours. From London, England, the trip takes about 7 hours.

Most airlines offer the best deals on tickets booked at least 30 days in advance, with a stopover in Bermuda of at least 3 days. You might need to stay over on a Saturday night to keep fares down. Airfares fluctuate according to the season, but tend to remain competitive among the companies vying for a piece of the lucrative Bermuda run.

Peak season (summer) is the most expensive time to go; low season (usually from mid-Sept to mid-Mar) sees less expensive fares. The airlines that fly to Bermuda seldom observe a shoulder (intermediate) season.

By Cruise Ship

Cruise ships tie up at three harbors in Bermuda: St. George in the East End, the Royal Naval Dockyard in the West End, and Hamilton Harbour at the City of Hamilton. However, ships coming into the harbor at Hamilton may be on the wane.

While the cruise experience isn't for everyone, it's very appealing to some people and is certainly a carefree, all-inclusive vacation. Ships from the East Coast of the United States reach Bermuda in a little over a day. You'll spend a few full days (usually 3) moored at the island, exploring during the day and returning to the ship at night. It's convenient and comfortable -- like having a luxury hotel and restaurant that travels with you.

Of course, that's also its major disadvantage. Most cruisers don't get to know the real Bermuda as well as those who stay in hotels ashore. For instance, cruise-ship passengers generally eat all their meals aboard the ship -- mainly because they've already paid for the meals as part of their cruise price -- and so they miss out on sampling Bermuda's cuisine. They also rarely get to meet and interact with Bermudians the way land-based visitors do.

How to Get the Best Deal on Your Cruise -- Cruiselines no longer engage in the kind of ad hoc discounting that they used to. However, travel agents are often able to get their clients money-saving perks like free upgrades, a waiving of gratuities, and more. The key is: go with an experienced cruise agent. Some of the best in the business indluce Cruises Only, Vacations to Go, and Cruise Brothers.

Entry Requirements & Customs

Customs

Visitors may bring into Bermuda duty-free apparel and articles for their personal use, including sports equipment, cameras, 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of liquor, and 1 liter of wine. Certain foodstuffs may be subject to duties. All imports may be inspected on arrival. Visitors entering Bermuda may also claim a duty-free gift allowance.

Persons who are taking prescription medication must inform Bermuda customs officials at the point of entry. Medicines must be in labeled containers. Travelers should carry a copy of the written prescription and a letter from the physician or pharmacist confirming the reason the medicine is prescribed.

When you're leaving Bermuda (if you're flying back to the U.S.), a customs inspector will ask to see a copy of the incoming Bermuda form that was stamped and given to you as you cleared Bermuda Customs. Make sure that you hold onto it and can produce it on short notice.

For additional information on temporary admission, export and customs regulations, and tariffs, contact Bermuda Customs at tel. 441/295-4816 or customs@gov.bm, or visit the Bermuda Customs website at www.customs.gov.bm.

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Bermuda is not a great place for persons with disabilities who are not planning to stay on-site at a resort. Getting around the islands is a bit difficult even for the agile, who must rely on motorbikes, bicycles, and buses. It is difficult to walk with a cane outside the town of St. George and City of Hamilton, because most roads don't have sidewalks or adequate curbs. When two vehicles pass, you are often crowded off the road.

Taking taxis to everything you want to see can be very expensive. Unfortunately, the public buses are not geared for passengers in wheelchairs. However, you can ask your hotel to check on the availability of volunteer buses operated by the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association . It occasionally runs buses with hydraulic lifts. You can also call the tourist office and request a schedule for such transportation; make arrangements as far in advance as possible.

Before you go, you can seek information from the website of the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association (www.bermuda-online.org/BPHA.htm). Visitors planning to bring a guide dog to Bermuda must obtain a permit in advance from any Bermuda Department of Tourism office.

The most accessible hotels in Bermuda are Elbow Beach Hotel, the Loren, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, and the Fairmont Southampton.

Getting Married

Island Layout

For administrative purposes, the islands of Bermuda are divided into parishes, all named for shareholders of the Bermuda Company, which was formed by English investors in the early 1600s to develop Bermuda as a profit-making enterprise. From west to east, the parishes are listed below.

Sandys Parish

In the far western part of the archipelago, Sandys (pronounced "sands") Parish encompasses the islands of Ireland, Boaz, and Somerset. This parish (named for Sir Edwin Sandys) is centered in Somerset Village, on Somerset Island. Sandys Parish is often called Somerset.

Some visitors to Bermuda head directly for Sandys Parish and spend their entire time here; they feel that the far western tip, with its rolling hills, lush countryside, and tranquil bays, is something special and unique. (This area has always stood apart from the rest of Bermuda: During the U.S. Civil War, when most Bermudians sympathized with the Confederates, Sandys Parish supported the Union.) Sandys Parish has areas of great natural beauty, including Somerset Long Bay, the biggest and best public beach in the West End (which the Bermuda Audubon Society is developing into a nature preserve), and Mangrove Bay, a protected beach in the heart of Somerset Village. Take a walk around the old village; it's filled with typically Bermudian houses and shops. On Somerset Road is the Scaur Lodge Property, whose waterfront hillside is open daily at no charge.

The parish boasts some of the most elegant places to stay in Bermuda, but if you want to be near the shops, restaurants, and pubs of the City of Hamilton, you may want to stay in a more central location and visit Sandys Parish on a day trip. You can commute to the City of Hamilton by ferry, but it's a bit time-consuming. Those who prefer tranquility and unspoiled nature to shopping or lingering over an extra pint in a pub will be happy here. Another advantage of staying here is that Sandys has several embarkation points for various types of sea excursions.

Southampton Parish

Southampton Parish (named for the third earl of Southampton) is a narrow strip of land opening at its northern edge onto Little Sound and on its southern shore onto the Atlantic Ocean. It stretches from Riddells Bay to Tucker's Island, and is split by Middle Road.

If dining at waterfront restaurants and staying at big resort hotels is part of your Bermuda dream, then Southampton is your parish; it's the site of such famed resorts as the Fairmont Southampton and the Sonesta Beach Resort. Southampton is also the best place to stay if you plan to spend a great deal of time on the island's fabled pink, sandy beaches. Among Southampton's jewels is Horseshoe Bay, one of Bermuda's most attractive public beaches, with changing rooms, a snack bar, and space for parking.

Southampton lacks the intimacy and romance of Sandys, but it has a lot of razzle-dazzle going for it. It's the top choice for a golfing holiday. If you like to sightsee, you can easily occupy 2 days just exploring the parish's many attractions. It also has more nightlife than Sandys -- although not as much as the City of Hamilton.

Warwick Parish

Named in honor of the second earl of Warwick, this parish lies in the heart of Great Bermuda Island. Like Southampton, it is known for its long stretches of rosy sand. Along the south shore is Warwick Long Bay, one of Bermuda's best public beaches. Warwick also offers parklands bordering the sea, winding country roads, two golf courses, and a number of natural attractions. This area is the best on the island for horseback riding, which is the ideal way to see pastoral Bermuda up close.

Warwick is a great choice for visitors seeking cottage or apartment rentals (where you can do some of your own cooking to cut down on the outrageous expense of food). The parish is not strong on restaurants; one of its disadvantages is that you have to travel a bit if you like to dine out. Nightlife is also spotty -- just about the only action you can find after dark is in hotel lounges. This parish is for tranquility-seekers, but because of its more central location, it doesn't offer quite the seclusion that Sandys does.

Paget Parish

Paget Parish lies directly south of the capital City of Hamilton, separated from it by Hamilton Harbour. Named after the fourth Lord Paget, it has many residences and historic homes and it's also the site of the 15-hectare (37-acre) Botanical Gardens. But the south-shore beaches -- the best in the chain of islands -- are what draw visitors here in droves. Paget Parish is also the site of Chelston, on Grape Bay Drive, the official residence of the U.S. consul general. Situated on 5.8 hectares (14 acres) of landscaped grounds, it's open only during the Garden Club's Home and Garden Tours in the spring.

This is one of the best parishes to stay in; it has many excellent accommodations, including Elbow Beach Hotel. It's close enough to the City of Hamilton for an easy commute, but far enough away to escape the hordes. Because public transportation is all-important (you can't rent a car), Paget is a good place to situate yourself; it has some of the best and most convenient ferry connections and bus schedules. There are docks at Salt Kettle, Hodson's, and Lower Ferry; you can even "commute" by ferry to Warwick Parish or Sandys Parish, to the west. Paget's relatively flat terrain, rural lanes, and streets lined with old mansions make this an ideal place for biking. And hikers will find many small trails bordering the sea.

If you don't like big resort hotels, you can rent a cottage or one of several little guesthouses here. Unlike Warwick, Paget has a number of dining choices, too. Elbow Beach offers the most, but other fine options include Fourways Inn and Paraquet Restaurant. Most of the parish's nightlife centers on Elbow Beach.

There are no major disadvantages to staying in Paget. You will find overcrowded beaches during spring break, however, and congestion in the City of Hamilton in the summer, when many cruise ships arrive.

Pembroke Parish

This parish (named after the third earl of Pembroke) houses one-quarter of Bermuda's population. It is home to the City of Hamilton, Bermuda's capital and its only full-fledged city. The parish opens at its northern rim onto the vast Atlantic Ocean and on its southern side onto Hamilton Harbour; its western border is on Great Sound. The City of Hamilton is the first destination that most cruise-ship passengers will see.

This parish is not ideal for those seeking a tranquil holiday. Pembroke Parish, already packed with the island's greatest population density, also attracts the most visitors. The little city is especially crowded when cruise ships are in the harbor and travelers pour into the stores and restaurants. Yet for those who like to pub-crawl English style, shop until they drop, and have access to the largest concentration of dining choices, Pembroke -- the City of Hamilton, in particular -- is without equal on Bermuda.

Whether or not you stay in Pembroke, try to fit a shopping (or window-shopping) stroll along Front Street into your itinerary. The area also boasts a number of sightseeing attractions, most of which are easily accessible on foot (a plus because you don't have to depend on taxis, bikes, or scooters -- which can get to be a bit of a bore after a while). Nightlife is the finest on the island. Don't expect splashy Las Vegas-type revues, however; instead, think restaurants, pubs, and small clubs.

Devonshire Parish

Lying east of Paget and Pembroke parishes, near the geographic center of the archipelago, Devonshire Parish (named for the first earl of Devonshire) is green and hilly. It has some housekeeping (self-catering) apartments, a cottage colony, and one of Bermuda's oldest churches, the Old Devonshire Parish Church, which dates from 1716. Three of Bermuda's major roads traverse the parish: the aptly named South Road (also unofficially referred to as South Shore Rd.), Middle Road, and North Shore Road. As you wander its narrow lanes, you can, with some imagination, picture yourself in the parish's namesake county of Devon, England.

Golfers flock to Devonshire to play at the Ocean View Golf Course. Along North Shore Road, near the border of Pembroke Parish, is Devonshire Dock, long a seafarer's haven. In fact, during the War of 1812, British soldiers came to Devonshire Dock to be entertained by local women. Today, fishermen still bring in grouper and rockfish, so you can shop for dinner if you're staying at a nearby cottage with a kitchen.

Devonshire has a number of unspoiled nature areas. The arboretum on Montpelier Road is one of the most tranquil oases on Bermuda. This open space, created by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Parks, is home to a wide range of Bermudian plant and tree life, especially conifers, palms, and other subtropical trees. Along South Road, west of the junction with Collector's Hill, is the Edmund Gibbons Nature Reserve. This portion of marshland, owned by the National Trust, provides living space for a number of birds and rare species of Bermuda flora.

Devonshire is one of the sleepy residential parishes, known for its hilly interior, beautiful landscape, and fabulous estates bordering the sea. There's little sightseeing here; all those stunning private estates aren't open to the public, so unless you get a personal invitation, you're out of luck. But the parish is right in Bermuda's geographic center, so it's an ideal place to base yourself if you'd like to explore both the West End and the East End. There are two major drawbacks, though: With a few notable exceptions, the parish has very few places to stay and almost no dining choices.

Smith's Parish

Named for Sir Thomas Smith, this parish faces the open sea to the north and south. To the east is Harrington Sound; to the west, bucolic Devonshire Parish.

The parish encompasses Flatts Village, one of the island's most charming parish towns (take bus no. 10 or 11 from the City of Hamilton). It was a smugglers' port for about 200 years and served as the center of power for a coterie of successful "planter politicians" and landowners. Flatts Village's government was second in importance to that of St. George, which was once Bermuda's capital. People gathered at the rickety Flatts Bridge to "enjoy" such public entertainment as hangings; if the offense was serious enough, victims were drawn and quartered here. From Flatts Village, you have panoramic views of both the inlet and Harrington Sound. At the top of McGall's Hill is St. Mark's Church, based on the same designs used for the Old Devonshire Parish Church.

Most visitors view Smith's Parish as a day trip or a half-day trip, although the parish does have places to stay, such as the Pink Beach Club and Cottages. Dining choices are extremely limited, however, unless you stick to the hotels. Again, if you're seeking lots of nighttime diversion, you'll have to go to another parish. Because the Spittal Pond Nature Reserve is here, many nature lovers prefer Smith's to the more populated parishes. Basically, Smith's Parish is for the visitor who wants serenity and tranquility but not at the celestial prices charged at the "cottages" of Sandys.

Hamilton Parish

Not to be confused with the City of Hamilton (which is in Pembroke Parish), Hamilton Parish lies directly north of Harrington Sound, opening onto the Atlantic. It's bordered on the east by St. George and on the southwest by Smith's Parish. Named for the second marquis of Hamilton, the parish surrounds Harrington Sound, a saltwater lake stretching some 10km (6 1/4 miles). On its eastern periphery, the parish opens onto Castle Harbour.

The big attractions here are the Bermuda Aquarium and the Crystal Caves. Scuba diving and other watersports are also very popular in the area.

Around Harrington Sound, the sights differ greatly from those of nearby St. George . You'll find such activities as fishing, swimming, sunfish sailing, and kayaking at Harrington Sound, but it doesn't offer the historical exploration that St. George does. Some experts believe that Harrington Sound was a prehistoric cave that fell in. Harrington Sound's known gateway to the ocean is an inlet at Flatts Village. However, evidence suggests that there are underwater passages as well -- several deep-sea fish have been caught in the sound.

For the best panoramic view of the north shore, head for Crawl Hill, the highest place in Hamilton Parish, just before you come to Bailey's Bay. "Crawl" is a corruption of the word kraal, which is where turtles were kept before slaughter. Shelly Bay, named for one of the passengers of the British ship Sea Venture that foundered on Bermuda's reefs in 1609, is the longest beach along the north shore.

At Bailey's Bay, Tom Moore's Jungle consists of wild woods. The poet Tom Moore is said to have spent many hours writing verse here under a calabash tree (which is still standing). The jungle is now held in private trust, so you must obtain permission from a security guard to enter it. It's much easier to pay your respects to the Romantic poet by going to Tom Moore's Tavern.

Although the parish has some major resorts, such as Grotto Bay Beach Hotel, most visitors come here for sightseeing only. We have to agree: Hamilton is a good place to go exploring for a day or half-day, but you're better off staying elsewhere. If you stay here, you'll spend a great deal of your holiday time commuting into the City of Hamilton or St. George. Bus no. 1 or 3 from the City of Hamilton gets you here in about an hour.

St. George's Parish

At Bermuda's extreme eastern end, this historic parish encompasses several islands. The parish borders Castle Harbour on its western and southern edges; St. George's Harbour divides it into two major parts, St. George's Island and St. David's Island. A causeway links St. David's Island to the rest of Bermuda, and St. George's is also linked by a road. Many parish residents are longtime sailors and fishers. St. George's Parish also includes Tucker's Town (founded in 1616 by Gov. Daniel Tucker), on the opposite shore of Castle Harbour.

Settled in 1612, the town of St. George was once the capital of Bermuda; the City of Hamilton succeeded it in 1815. The town was settled 3 years after Sir George Somers and his shipwrecked party of English sailors came ashore in 1609. (After Admiral Somers died in Bermuda, in 1610, his heart was buried in the St. George area, while the rest of his body was taken home to England for burial.) Founded by Richard Moore, of the newly created Bermuda Company, and a band of 60 colonists, St. George was the second English settlement in the New World, after Jamestown, Virginia. Its coat of arms depicts St. George (England's patron saint) and a dragon.

Almost 4 centuries of history come alive here. Generations of sailors have set forth from its sheltered harbor. St. George even played a role in the American Revolution: Bermuda depended on the American colonies for food, and when war came, supplies grew dangerously low. Although Bermuda was a British colony, the loyalties of its people were divided because many Bermudians had relatives living on the American mainland. A delegation headed by Col. Henry Tucker went to Philadelphia to petition the Continental Congress to trade food and supplies for salt. George Washington had a different idea. He needed gunpowder, and a number of kegs of it were stored at St. George. Without the approval of the British Bermudian governor, the parties struck a deal. The gunpowder was trundled aboard American warships waiting in the harbor of Tobacco Bay under cover of darkness. In return, the grateful colonies supplied Bermuda with food.

Although St. George still evokes a feeling of the past, it's actively inhabited. When cruise ships are in port, it's likely to be overrun with visitors. Many people prefer to visit St. George at night, when they can walk around and enjoy it in relative peace and quiet. You won't be able to enter any of the sightseeing attractions, but they're of minor importance. After dark, a mood of enchantment settles over the place: It's like a storybook village.

Would you want to live here for a week? Probably not. Once you've seen the glories of the town of St. George -- which you can do in a day -- you're inconveniently isolated at the easternmost end of Bermuda for the rest of your stay. Several chains, including Club Med, have tried and failed to make a go of it here. Accommodations are extremely limited, although there are a number of restaurants (many of which, frankly, are mediocre). For history buffs, no place in Bermuda tops St. George's. But as a parish to base yourself in, you might do better in the more centrally located and activity-filled Pembroke or Southampton parishes. As for nightlife in St. George, you can always go to a pub on King's Square.

Getting Around

Arriving By Plane

Planes arrive at the L. F. Wade International Airport

(BDA), Kindley Field Road, St. George (tel. 441/293-2470; http://bermudaairport.com), about 15km (9 miles) east of the City of Hamilton and about 27km (17 miles) east of Somerset at the far western end of Bermuda.

Flights from most east coast gateways––including New York, Boston and Philadelphia—take less than two hours. Flights from Atlanta, Miami and Toronto take around three hours. And from London Gatwick (daily non-stop flights), the trip is just under seven hours. Upon arrival you’ll have to wait in line like everyone else to clear Bermuda customs, but American travelers returning home will have the added benefit of going through U.S. customs here in Bermuda, since the island is one of the few countries in the world offering “preclearance.” This allows passengers to avoid the long lines of U.S. Immigrations and Customs back home.

Airfares fluctuate according to the season but for the most part, you’ll pay the highest prices during peak summer season (July and August) and can often save up to 30% when traveling during the lowest of low season (January and February).

After clearing Customs, you can pick up tourist information at the airport before heading to your hotel. Because you aren't allowed to rent a car in Bermuda, and buses don't allow passengers to board with luggage, you must rely on a taxi or minivan to reach your hotel.

Leaving the Airport by Taxi or Minivan -- There are hundreds of taxis in Bermuda and cabbies typically meet all arriving flights. Hotels do offer transportation, but usually the prices they charge are a good $10 to $15 higher than the metered taxi rate.

Which is not to say taxis on Bermuda are cheap. They’re not. They usually move slowly, meters rise alarmingly fast, and taxi fares will inevitably represent a significant percentage of your day-to-day spending money. Regrettably, this situation can’t be avoided. Nonresidents are forbidden to drive cars and your only other option involves either walking (not practical on many of Bermuda’s narrow roads), renting a bicycle (not recommended for similar reasons), two-wheeled scooters (more on that later) and Bermuda’s latest rental vehicles, electric-powered Twizys, which can seat two passengers, but cannot fit even one piece of luggage.

Unless the taxi has been specifically called to pick you up, the meter should read $4.15 when you first get in a cab. After that, expect to pay $7.90 for the first 1.6km (1 mile) and $2.75 for each additional 1.6km (1 mile) for up to four passengers. The following is a sample of taxi fares, including a tip of 10% to 15%, from the airport: To any point within the City of Hamilton, expect a metered fare of around $40 to $50; to points in and around St. George’s, around $20 to $30; to points near Tucker’s Town, around $35; to such south-shore beach hotels as Elbow Beach, around $50 to $60; and to such far-distant points as the west end, around $70. Fares increase by 25% between midnight and 6am, as well as all day on Sundays and holidays (the rate jumps 50% for five to seven passengers at any time and luggage carries a surcharge of $1 per piece). In almost every case, a meter determines the fare, unless you ask for a sightseeing tour of the island, which can be pre-arranged before you step inside the taxi. Tours are usually a minimum of three hours in length and cost $50 an hour for one to four passengers and $70 an hour for five to seven passengers (you can cover half the island in three hours and the entire island in six hours).

At the airport, cab drivers typically wait at the taxi stand just beyond the main exit. If a taxi is not there, you can call Bermuda Island Taxi (tel. 441/295-4141) or BTA Dispatching (tel. 441/296-2121). Another good option is to download an app called Hitch to your smart phone, which works like Uber but with licensed taxi drivers (www.hitch.bm). Note that taxi drivers who use the Hitch app are the only cabbies who accept credit cards, so make sure you have cash on hand before departing the airport. age.

Arriving by Cruise Ship

By Car

Bermuda is the only Atlantic island that restricts car ownership to local residents. Part of the reason for this is the notoriously narrow roads, which have small or nonexistent shoulders and hundreds of blind curves. Add the British custom of driving on the left, and there would be traffic chaos if newcomers were allowed to take to the roads in rented cars. You'll rely on taxis, bikes, motorized bicycles called "putt-putts" or four-wheeled electric vehicles called Twizy's.

By Taxi

Dozens of taxis roam the island, and virtually every hotel, restaurant, and shop is happy to call one for you. For rates, see above.

Taxi Touring Tip -- When a taxi has a blue flag on its hood (locals call the hood the "bonnet"), the driver is qualified to serve as a tour guide. The government checks out and tests these drivers, so you should use them if you plan to tour Bermuda by taxi. "Blue-bonnet" drivers charge no more than regular taxi drivers.

By Motorbike

Important: Police are cracking down on vacationers who use cellphones while riding motorcycles and bicycles -- violators are being pulled over by the police and given a fine. Don't do it.

By Twizy

Though you can’t rent a car you can still get around on four wheels. Called a Twizy, this electric-powered vehicle is similar to a golf cart, but instead of riding side-by-side, its two passengers sit front-to-back in a low-to-the-ground cockpit that features a windshield but no windows. Simply hop in, turn the key, release the parking brake and press the accelerator. In no time you’ll be safely zipping around Bermuda in an environmentally-friendly, seatbelt-equipped vehicle with side impact protection and an airbag for the driver. A full charge will last up to 55 miles (plenty of power for a 21-square-mile island) but if you need to “refuel” along the way, there are charging stations at hotels and at popular attractions. Thanks to the clever folks at Current Vehicles (www.currentvehicles.com; tel. 441/296-8949; $129 per day plus mandatory $30 insurance fee)—the company that rents these vehicles from the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club and the Fairmont Southampton—finding these “Oasis Points” is simple, since all you have to do is consult an app that you download to your smart phone, which also works offline.

Since these zippy vehicles are all the rage with locals and tourists alike they tend to book up fast, so make a reservation long in advance of your arrival. No Twizy’s left? Then consider renting a similar electric-powered vehicle called an Anaig Quick from Oleander Cycles (www.oleandercycles.bm; tel. 441/295-0919), which has thirteen in its fleet ($115 per day plus mandatory $40 insurance fee) or a larger hatchback-style electric car called a Tazzari that you can also rent by the day ($150 per day plus $40 mandatory insurance fee).

By Bicycle

By Ferry

Money

Legal tender is the Bermuda dollar (BD$), which is divided into 100 cents. It's pegged through gold to the U.S. dollar on an equal basis -- BD$1 equals US$1.

U.S. currency is generally accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. Currency from the United Kingdom and other foreign countries is usually not accepted, but can be easily exchanged for Bermuda dollars at banks and hotels. You should exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, or withdraw money upon arrival at an airport ATM. For up-to-the-minute currency conversions, visit www.xe.com/ucc.

ATMs -- The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM. These machines are plentiful in Bermuda. The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.cirrus.com) and PLUS (www.visa.com) networks span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, and then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Note: Remember that many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones (where they're rarely more than $2). In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank.

Credit Cards -- Credit cards are another safe way to carry money. They also provide a convenient record of all your expenses, and they generally offer relatively good exchange rates. But note that many banks now assess a 1% to 3% "transaction fee" on all charges you incur abroad (whether you're using the local currency or your native currency).

There is almost no difference in the acceptance of a debit or a standard credit card.

Note: The Discover Card (popular in the U.S.) is not accepted in Bermuda. MasterCard and Visa, however, are generally accepted.

What Things Cost in Bermuda (BD$/US$)

Average 15-minute taxi ride $40.00

Bus from the City of Hamilton to Ireland Island $4.50

Double room at an expensive hotel $445.00-$715.00

Double room at a moderate hotel $125.00-$320.00

Dinner for one at an expensive restaurant $55.00

Dinner for one at at a moderate restaurant $30.00

Dinner for at an inexpensive restaurant  $24.00

Bottle of beer in a bar $6.00

Cup of coffee in a cafe $4.75

Admission to Bermuda museum $10.00

Visitor Information

The Department of Tourism's website, www.bermudatourism.com, features comprehensive information broken down into user-friendly categories for vacationers, weddings, travel agents, and media. An interactive map of the island lets visitors see exactly where they'll be going on their Bermuda vacation as well as information on weather, entry requirements, and travel packages, and it also features a state-of-the-art booking device.

To speak to a travel representative, contact the Bermuda Department of Tourism (tel. 212/818-9800).

In the United Kingdom, contact the Bermuda Department of Tourism at tel. 020/7096-4246.

In Bermuda, you can get answers to most of your questions at the Visitors Information Centre locations at the Ferry Terminal, 8 Front St., City of Hamilton (tel. 441/295-1480), open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; and at the Royal Naval Dockyard (tel. 441/234-3824), open daily 9am to 5pm.

Package Deals

Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as airport transfers and some activities) at the same time and often at discounted prices.

One good source of package deals is the airlines themselves. Most major airlines offer air/land packages, including American Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/321-2121; www.aavacations.com), Delta Vacations (tel. 800/654-6559; www.deltavacations.com), and United Vacations (tel. 888/854-3899; www.unitedvacations.com). Several big online travel agencies -- Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, and Lastminute.com -- also do a brisk business in packages.

Ask Before You Go

Before you invest in a package deal:

• Always ask about the cancellation policy. Can you get your money back? Is there a deposit required?
• Ask about the accommodations choices and prices for each. Then look up the hotels' reviews in this guide and check their rates online for your specific dates of travel. Also find out what types of rooms are offered.
• Finally, look for hidden expenses. Ask whether airport departure fees and taxes, for example, are included in the total cost -- they rarely are.

Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism

The eco-tourist will find Bermuda a rich stomping ground with its bird-watching, nature trails, and tours.

Some of these chief attractions include the following:

• The Arboretum, Middle Road in Devonshire Parish, is 7.7 pristine hectares (19 acres) close to the City of Hamilton, with a large expanse of open space and a small woodland.
• Bermuda Railway Trail, West End. Totaling 34km (21 miles), this trail provides a scenic route from East to West. It is used by walkers and birders alike.
• Blue Hole Park, Hamilton Parish. An abundance of wildlife exists in nearly 5 hectares (12 acres), with a natural small pond and caves close by.
• Hog Bay Park, Sandys Parish. On 15.4 hectares (38 acres), this park has well-maintained trails, vegetable gardens, and wooded hillsides with native and endemic vegetation.
• Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, Smith's Parish. At South Road, 13.8 hectares (34 acres) of nature form the largest and most accessible nature reserve on the island. There are excellent trails plus bird-watching at several observation points, where you can see a large variety of wildlife.

General Resources for Green Travel

In addition to the resources for Bermuda listed above, the following websites provide valuable wide-ranging information on sustainable travel.

• Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.com) is a great source of sustainable travel ideas; the site is run by a spokesperson for ethical tourism in the travel industry. Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org) promotes ethical tourism practices and manages an extensive directory of sustainable properties and tour operators around the world.

• Carbonfund (www.carbonfund.org), TerraPass (www.terrapass.com), and Carbon Neutral (http://coolclimate.org) provide info on "carbon offsetting," or offsetting the greenhouse gas emitted during flights.

• Greenhotels (http://greenhotels.com) recommends green-rated member hotels around the world that fulfill the company's stringent environmental requirements. Environmentally Friendly Hotels (www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com) offers more green accommodations ratings.

• For information on animal-friendly issues throughout the world, visit Tread Lightly (www.treadlightly.org).

• Volunteer International (www.volunteerinternational.org) has a list of questions to help you determine the intentions and the nature of a volunteer program. For general info on volunteer travel, visit www.volunteerabroad.com and www.idealist.org.

Tips for Student Travelers

The Bermuda Department of Tourism offers Spring Break programs for sports teams from the mainland, as well as Spring Break Arts Programs. Inquire with the tourism office for details.