Bermuda Travel Guide: Tips & Throwback to My First Trip Abroad
- thereseholland
- Jul 9, 2015
- 3 min read
Bermuda was my first trip out of the country when I was 18. I recently came across some old (film!) photos of the trip, and thought it would be a perfect oppurtunity to talk about all things Bermuda. So, in honor of the age old tradition of the #tbt (kidding), here are some things to note about travel to Bermuda, alongside some film photos my trip there in 2009.
I want to emphasize that none of these photos are edited, and they were all taken on film, which really demonstrates the beautiful colors of Bermuda!
Location:
Bermuda is often considered to be a part of the Caribbean, but it's much farther North than many realize. Bermuda is located off the coast of the continental US, about 650 miles from North Carolina. We took a cruise ship from Baltimore, Maryland. It took three days by boat to get there.
Though it is not as close to the other islands in the Caribbean as they are to each other, Bermuda, does share the same beautiful blue water, amazing beaches, and general island vibe.
Crossing the Atlantic on our way to Bermuda!
Demographics & Culture:
Bermuda is a (self-governing) territory of the UK, so it's not uncommon to meet British people here. Evidence of British influence is most notable on the roads—they drive on the left side of the road in Bermuda. British influence can also be seen in the various pubs around the island.
Most people on the island are residents, but there is a relatively large population of expats or people on extended holidays, especially from the UK. It's also not uncommon to meet people from other Caribbean islands, such as Jamaica.
Ecosystem:
Bermuda uses rain collection, desalination, and imports to supply its water. Bermuda is technically a series of seven small islands, joined by bridges, but these islands are not exactly "land". They're islands made up of volcanic rock and limestone deposits.
Climate & When to Go:
Bermuda experiences great weather year-round. Most tourism, like in many places, happens in the summer months. Bermuda is very warm even before those months, and stays warm until October.
The "chilly" times in Bermuda are hardly that—going in December means mid sixties temperatures.
Money:
We've covered that Bermuda is a British territory, but the British Pound Sterling (£) is not used here. Bermuda's currency is the Bermudan dollar ($), which trades at the same rate as the US dollar.
Both Bermuda and US currencies are accepted.
It's also good to note that life is expensive in Bermuda. I was told that a single gallon of milk averages at $7, and that there is an extremely high import tax (sometimes as high as 30%). This doesn't only affect the locals—it means eating out or getting drinks will cost a tourist a lot. You've been warned.
On the bright side, though, jobs in Bermuda pay more. There is no minimum wage, but I was told working class jobs (waiter, boat staff) start at $20-$25 per hour. Before packing up and moving though, remember this is mostly to accomodate an incredibly high standard of living.
Nightlife & Activities:
A true British territory, pubs are more common than nightclubs in Bermuda. There are plenty of bars and pubs in Bermuda, but don't expect a thriving nightlife here.
Like most Caribbean islands, other activities like golf, snorkeling, and various watersports are just about everywhere.
Beaches:
There are beaches with pink sand in Bermuda! Make sure you check out one of these beaches to experience some of the best beaches in the world!
Don't settle for the nearest beach to you. There are ferries and busses to take you around the island for cheap. Many people on the cruise I went on just went to the nearest beach to the cruise ship docking point. The water there will be cloudy and dirty (a stark contrast to elsewhere).
Visas & Entry Requirements:
Bermuda is on my list of Places Americans Can Go Without a Visa. However, Bermuda expects you to demonstrate that you have a return ticket. If I tempted you to move here with promises of $25 an hour pay, make sure you have a plan to come back.
I hope this helps you plan your trip to Bermuda (or at least give you a nice day dream). More photos (taken on film) of Bermuda below.
I've always loved writing!
Can you believe this isn't edited?
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