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General Information On Bermuda
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Bermuda is a British colony in the Atlantic Ocean about 570 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It is an archipelago of over 350 small islands with a total area of about 21 square miles. It is a very popular vacation area. The island of Bermuda is internationally known for its rich and fascinating offerings for tourists. Although the island is not actually within the Caribbean Sea, but is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina, it stills shares most of its qualities with the rest of the Caribbean. Bermuda is a favorite of golfers who especially enjoy the several great , state-of-the-art courses. The Bermudan people maintain their British traditions, including enjoying their afternoon tea. The lazy and relaxing lifestyle for which the island is so well known. For detailed information on Bermuda, visit the Bermuda Island Press or the Bermuda Department of Tourism. 1-800-223-6106.
Passports,
Visas and Customs |
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Travel Documents
Passports are the preferred document for entry into Bermuda and are required of
all visitors from countries which require a passport for re-entry purposes or
for entry through another country to which at that time the passenger has right
of entry.
While U.S.* and Canadian citizens do not need a passport to enter Bermuda,
passports are always recommended for all international travel. European visitors
must show a valid passport.
A Return or Onward Ticket or other document of onward transportation to a
country to which, at that time, the passenger has right of entry, is required by
all visitors.
Entering Bermuda
Clearing Customs on Departure
| *The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. This includes United States citizens! In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future. For additional information, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. |
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Entering Bermuda
You may bring in for your personal use and
consumption:
Duty free - all wearing apparel and articles including sports equipment, cameras, golf bags,
etc. Also, 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, .454 kgs (1 lb.) tobacco, 1.137 litres (1
qt.) liquor, 1.137 litres (1 qt.) wine, and a $30 gift allowance.
Dutiable items - Up to 20 lbs. of meat and other foodstuffs brought in as passenger baggage are
dutiable at the rate of 22.25% of the value. All plants, fruits and
vegetables will be held for inspection as their importation is strictly
regulated. Animals (pets) arriving without proper documentation will be refused
entry and returned to the port of origin.
Clearing Customs on Departure
Visitors are permitted to take back - duty free -
merchandise as follows:
US Residents - $400 after 48 hours and every 31 days.
US Customs Pre-clearance is available in Bermuda for all scheduled flights. All
passengers departing to the US must fill out written declaration forms before
clearing US Customs in Bermuda. These forms are available at travel agencies and
airlines in Bermuda.
Canadian Citizens - $50 after 24 hours any time, $200 after 48 hours anytime, or $500 after 7 days
anytime.
UK Citizens -
£136 Plant materials which will propagate are not permitted without prior
permission from your own country. It is advisable to check your own liquor laws
before coming to Bermuda.
Remember - there is nothing to stop anyone from buying more than their duty free allowance. And, the duty you pay is often very reasonable and can make your purchase worthwhile.
The People of Bermuda
The people of Bermuda have held fast to their British heritage, despite being
closer in proximity to the U.S. Race relations, once tense on the island, have
now eased as the civil rights movement has increased involvement of minorities
in the island's government. On the whole, Bermuda is quiet and relaxing; don't
worry about aggressive vendors here, and look forward to predictable afternoon
teatime. Golf is the main sport on the island, and is well-loved as a British
custom.
What to Wear
and Take With You When You Go
Bermuda shorts, of course! Just kidding. However, the
climate here is perfect for shorts. As a rule of thumb, dress conservatively.
Bathing suits, abbreviated tops and short shorts are not acceptable except at
beaches and pools. In public (including public areas of hotels) beach wear must
be covered. And please, no bare feet! And, if you decide to rent a
scooter, remember -- it is an offence to ride cycles or appear in public without
a shirt or just wearing a bathing suit top. Joggers may wear standard running
shorts and shirts. Casual sportswear is acceptable in restaurants at lunch time
but many restaurants and night clubs require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie
in the evenings. So, it is best to check when making dinner or night club
reservations. Some places do have casual evenings periodically.
What to take with you
Warmer Months (May to mid-November) Summer-weight sports
clothes, swim suits, a raincoat or lightweight wind breaker. For the evenings -
casual elegant cottons: ladies, light dressy sweater or wrap and cocktail-type
outfits; gentlemen, a sports jacket and tie.
Cooler Months (December to late March) Light woolens or fall-weight casuals, sweaters, raincoat and warmer jacket, wind breaker or
coat, with swim suit for warmer days. And, for the evenings - casual
elegant lightweight woolens; ladies, dressier sweater or wrap and cocktail-type
outfits; gentlemen, a suit or sports jacket and tie.
Weather and Climate
Unlike tropical weather found in the Caribbean, Bermuda has a semitropical
climate, which makes rain more moderate and temperatures slightly cooler. There
is no particular rainy season, but showers occur sporadically and lightly
throughout the year. Overall, Bermuda receives about 55 inches of rainfall
annually. Average temperatures range from 73 to 81 in July, and from 61 to 69 in
January (all in degrees Fahrenheit).
Hurricanes are more of a legend than an experience. In the past ten years very few hurricanes passing have brought winds of hurricane force to Bermuda, although they do bring high winds. But, for the most part, the weather in Bermuda is great!
Health and Safety
Although the water in Bermuda is potable and safe for consumption, you may still
prefer to stick to bottles water. Bermuda is a peaceful island, with very little
serious or violent crime. But, it goes without saying, common sense should
always prevail. About the worst that can happen to you is getting run down by a
moped. Watch for them. If you rent a moped, be sure to lock them you when
parking. You should also be careful of valuables which may disappear when you
are at the at the beach.
Currency
Bermuda's
currency is the Bermuda Dollar which is pegged to the US dollar on an equal (1
to 1) basis. This means that US currency is accepted at shops, restaurants and
hotels at equal, or face value. Other foreign currencies are not accepted but
may be
exchanged at local
banks at rates that are set daily. US travelers checks
are accepted everywhere.
Credit Cards
are
accepted at virtually every store, restaurant and hotel, and may be used for
cash advances at all local bank branches. In addition, the Bank of Bermuda
Limited provides 19 ATM machines linked to the MasterCard/Cirrus and VISA/Plus
system for cash advances. Many of these machines are available 24 hours.
In cases where the gratuity is not included in the bill, 15% is
the generally accepted amount for most services. A large number of the hotels
and guest houses add a percentage or set amount per person per day in lieu of
tips to the accommodation bill. So, be sure to check before you tip!
Shopping is excellent and can be a lot of fun in
Bermuda. Just a few of the items you may want to look for would include imported
merchandise such as French perfumes, English bone china, Swiss watches, Danish
silver and jewelry, cameras, English doeskin, Irish linen, Scottish tweeds,
Italian silks, cashmere sweaters, liquor and liqueurs, and other interesting and
intriguing items.
There are lots of Bermuda-made articles including handcrafts, pottery, cedar-ware, blown glass, fashions and paintings by local artists. You will love browsing through shops and picturesque stores along the island roads which will bring many surprises and good values, as well as opportunities for many souvenirs. And, bathing suits, sports clothes, sun straws, etc., are other good buys and perhaps more fun to get while you're in Bermuda. MasterCard, American Express, Visa, Carte Blanche and Diners Club are accepted at most shops and restaurants and many hotels
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious!
Geography
Bermuda is actually a small island located in the Atlantic Ocean off the shore of
North Carolina, and not technically Caribbean. Subtropical
Bermuda shares many qualities with other Caribbean island due to its British
colonial heritage. Bermuda is also infamous as the northernmost point of the “Bermuda” or
“Devil's” Triangle. Many myths abound about these mysterious waters. But, not to
worry. Tourists who venture into and under these seas on small boats
and with diving gear have a tendency to return to shore completely intact!
Electricity
Bermuda uses the 110-volt electrical system, so residents of countries with
different systems should bring adapters.
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Getting To
Bermuda
For most visitors, arrival in Bermuda will be at Bermuda International Airport.
Most of the major international carriers serve the island including: Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Continental
Airlines,
Delta
Airlines, and US Airways. Direct flights from the U.S. and
Canada are available, generally through any number of east-coast cities
including Miami, Atlanta, and New York. Some cruises also sail to Bermuda.
By Air
By Sea
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By Air
From the United States:
American Airlines - non-stop from NY (JFK).
Continental Airlines - non-stop from
NY (Newark).
Delta
Airlines - non-stop from Boston
and Atlanta.
US Air - non-stop from
Baltimore/Washington, Boston, Charlotte, NC, Philadelphia and NY (LaGuardia).
From Canada:
Air Canada - non-stop from Toronto
and Halifax with connecting services throughout Canada, US and Europe. U.S.
partners, Continental and United airlines.
From the UK:
British Airways - non-stop from
London (Gatwick).
For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises,
Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals,
Click on
Global Travel International. If the link
does not work properly, type
www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com
in the address line of your browser.
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At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
find
Great
Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on |
By Sea
From the United States (Weekly services):
Celebrity Cruises Inc.
"Zenith" and "Horizon" from New York (May - Oct.);
Norwegian Cruise Line "Norwegian
Crown" from New York (Apr. - Nov.) and "Norwegian Majesty" from
Boston (Apr. - Nov.);
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line "Song of
America" from New York (May - Oct.); Periodic sailings of other cruise
ships leaving from US and UK ports available.
For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.
Getting Around
In Bermuda
Bus - Bus passengers must have exact change in coin. Ask about bus tokens or books of
bus tickets at your hotel or the bus terminal in Hamilton. Bus and ferry
passengers are advised to take advantage of the very popular and convenient
"Transportation Pass" available for 3 and 7 days unlimited use on the
buses and ferries (sold at the Central Terminal, the Visitors Service Bureau in
Hamilton and at authorized outlets).
Taxis - Taxis may be hired by the hour, day, or mile (full day = 6 consecutive daylight
hours) and can be an excellent way to tour. Rates per cab are the same for 1
person up to a maximum of 6 for normal transportation and general sightseeing.
Special all inclusive pre-sold tours vary in price per person. All taxis are
metered and tariff fixed by law. Qualified "Blue Flag" taxi tour
guides are available on request for touring.
Car Rental - There are no rental cars in Bermuda. However, visitors get about easily by
taxi, bus, ferry, and motor-scooters. You can rent scooters and no
driver's license is required. Children under 16 years may not drive
motor-assisted cycles and scooters. All cycle drivers and passengers are
required by law to wear safety helmets securely fastened at all times.
Driving is done on the left-hand side of the road in Bermuda. The speed
limit is 35 kilometers (20 miles) per hour. Cyclists should note that gas
stations are open 7 am to 7 pm daily, with several open until 11 until or later.
Suggestions For
Accommodations In Bermuda
Accommodations in Bermuda are as delightfully varied as the country. You can choose
anything from the casual, informal type of living, to the more glamorous, sophisticated,
and up-scale style of living in the lap of
luxury.
Resorts and Resort Hotels
Smaller Hotels
Cottage Colonies
Cottages and
Apartments
Bed & Breakfast
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Cheap Tickets is a part of Orbitz Worldwide, a leading global online travel company that uses innovative technology to enable leisure and business travelers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products. Orbitz Worldwide owns and operates a strong global portfolio of consumer travel brands that includes Orbitz, CheapTickets, ebookers, HotelClub, RatesToGo, the Away Network, Asia hotels, and corporate travel brand Orbitz for Business. CheapTickets Off-Season Deals: Less crowds & Extra Values! |
Visit Getting Away Accommodations, world-wide reservations available on line. And, if you are looking for a nice resort, check the Getting Away Resort Accommodations page or ResortDiscounts.com where you can find discounts at some of the world's most desirable resort locations.
Resorts and Resort Hotels
Most large resort hotels have their own beach or beach
club and pools. Several have their own golf course. Most offer
luxury amenities including porter, bell and room service, planned
activities, sports, social desk and/or director, shops, beauty salon, spa, cycle livery, taxi stand, and
bars, lounges, and restaurants. Many also offer nightclubs and entertainment.
THE
FAIRMONT HAMILTON PRINCESS
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Smaller Hotels
This would probably be my choice as Bermuda's small hotels offer the intimacy of a
bed-and-breakfast with the addition of more facilities. At a small
hotel, you'll feel closer to the island and its people. Many small
hotels have their own dining rooms and bars, and some even have their own
beaches or beach clubs. And practically all of them offer pools and patios.
Cottage Colonies
These uniquely Bermudian accommodations opportunities feature a main
clubhouse with dining room, lounge and bar. The cottage units are spread
throughout landscaped grounds and offer privacy and luxury. Most have
kitchenettes for beverages or light snacks. All have their own beaches
and/or pools. This makes an excellent choice for longer stays as it
is almost like a home-away-from-home.
Cottages and
Apartments
If you are really going to settle in, or if you have a large family and need to
save a little money, this may be the way to go. Some of the larger cottages and apartments are
situated on landscaped estates. Some even have their own beach, or
waterfront, and many have access to a pool. These are self-catering units with kitchen facilities. Some are
designed as wings or modern apartment-style units surrounding their own
pool or have views of the ocean. The smaller cottages and apartments offer
less expensive accommodation in comfortable surroundings and can be a real
bargain. Almost all have a kitchen and some have daily maid service.
Bed & Breakfast
For many, this is the more interesting way to visit Bermuda. Most of the guest houses are old
Bermuda homes located within a garden setting. All have been
converted into comfortable guest rooms.
A few have their own waterfront and beach area, or a pool. Most offer
breakfast and all offer a more informal way of living while you are visiting
Bermuda. A few guest houses have kitchenette units, while
others provide shared kitchen facilities for preparation of snacks.
Suggestions For Things To See And Do In Bermuda
| At InfoHub, we believe vacation travel should be much more than just flying you to a tropical beach. Since 1996, we at InfoHub have worked hard to bring you the largest specialty travel portal on the Internet. Today, you can find over 20,000 specialty trips on InfoHub.com, covering activities from Artist Workshops to Yoga Retreats. Whatever your special interest is, you will find it right here! Plus trips you never even knew existed! We continue to expand the exciting array of travel options available by adding hundreds of out-of-the-ordinary trips every week! Our goal is to make Infohub.com "The Ultimate Source of Inspiring Travel Ideas" for your next dream trip. | ||
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Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I
should add to this section of Getting Away, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Suggestions For
Dining in Bermuda
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add
to this section of Getting Away, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Check the General Information section for suggestions on clothing and what to wear in Bermuda.
Favorite Places And
Things To Do In Bermuda
Have a favorite in Bermuda? If so, just contact Jim (mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com) and let him know. Perhaps your favorite will be posted here.
Books, Magazines and Other
Information
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Caribbean Travel & Life - Escape to the Caribbean with Caribbean Travel & Life. Visit romantic hideaways and luxurious resorts and discover secluded beaches and teeming coral reefs. This magazine helps you find your own perfect place in the sun. For additional information, or to purchase a subscription, click on Caribbean Travel & Life. You can also click on Best Deal Magazines, Magazine Unlimited Magazine Subscription Superstore, or Low Priced Magazine Subscriptions for other great prices on magazines! |
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Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel
is a travel magazine for REAL people. This magazine is not just for those of
you on a budget - it's for everyone. Each issue comes packed with articles
on affordable and enjoyable vacations to just about everywhere.
For additional information, or to purchase a
subscription, click on
Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel.
You can also click on Best Deal Magazines, Magazine Unlimited Magazine Subscription Superstore, or Low Priced Magazine Subscriptions for other great prices on magazines! |
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Bermuda
Links
The Bermuda Department of Tourism
Bermuda Travel and Tourism
Bermuda Travel Information
Bermuda Exploration and Discovery
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
| Super Family Vacations/Resort and Adventure Guide - This widely acclaimed travel guide is packed with exciting vacation ideas especially geared toward families. Profiling 150 family vacation destinations in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, an updated guide covers a wide range of interests and activities for children and adults, includes dining information, nearby attractions, and a geographical index. |
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2007 Travel Alert - Passports Needed for Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and Caribbean. Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport. As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Click here for the State Department Summary. And, if you need a passport in a hurry, because you forgot to apply months ago when you should have and your trip is almost upon you, click on Passports In A Hurry, or on Passport Visa Express!
