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General Information On Bermuda Getting To Bermuda Getting Around In Bermuda Suggestions For Accommodations In Bermuda Suggestions For Things To See And Do In Bermuda Suggestions For Dining in Bermuda Favorite Places And Things To Do In Bermuda Books, Magazines and Other Information Bermuda Links World Wide Travel Related Links! Getting Away Travel Store - Travel Items and Accessories Discounts and Deals - Save Money, Buy on Line Posters and Framed Art for Bermuda

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General Information On Bermuda  

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 The People of Bermuda What to Wear and Take With You When You Go Weather and Climate Health and Safety Currency Geography Electricity

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

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
 

Bermuda Last Minute Vacations Bermuda Packages Bermuda Hotels Bermuda Home Page

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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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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

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.

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

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
 

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.