Cut the bottoms off your jeans and grab a rum swizzle – we’re going to Bermuda. The colourful, breezy capital of this island paradise may not have been named after the Broadway hit, but it’s still a showstopper in its own right. Slow-paced and relaxed, this tiny city is like a battery for the weary traveler, giving them a rejuvenating boost of sea air and tranquil hideaways.
When to go (Year-Round): Bermuda is one of those rare places that is gorgeous year-round, which you think would make planning a trip easy. But with the multitude of events that take place throughout the year, it’s hard to pick just one time to visit. Many people prefer the winter off-season when the weather is cooler and there are fewer crowds. But the summer holds plenty of fun activities, like the Harbour Nights street festival, LIV Bermuda, or one of several sailing events.
Discoveries: There’s a good reason Bermuda has long been the source of superstition. More than 300 ships have wrecked off its coast over the past few centuries, leaving their metal remains for fish and scuba divers to find. You can strap on a mask and swim out to these wrecks for some fantastic underwater views. If scuba diving isn’t your thing, hop on a hydrobike and cruise out to a shipwreck while staying safely above the water.
Why is the Rum Always Gone? The streets of Hamilton are a clash of pastel pinks and blues that will charm the Bermuda shorts right off you. Spend the day wandering the quaint back alleys, stopping into a few art galleries or boutiques for a little shopping, or just enjoying the adorable architecture. Don’t forget to wave to the town crier while you’re walking around. When your feet get tired, stop in a restaurant to try one of Bermuda’s specialty drinks: a dark and stormy or a rum swizzle. Or, when in doubt, grab a bottle of Gosling’s or Bacardi rum (both headquartered in Hamilton) and mix your own tropical potion.
If All Your Friends Jumped Off a Cliff…: Would you join them? Maybe if you were in Hamilton. Cliff diving is a popular pastime in Bermuda, and if you’re daring enough you might just want to join in. One of the best places to try it out is at Admiralty House Park. Remember to always be safe and cautious, and don’t go jumping off any old cliff you find. Ask a local before you take that leap to make sure you’re jumping from a safe spot.
Another Day, Another Beach: You’d be hard-pressed to find a top 10 list without at least one Bermuda beach on it. The most famous and popular beach is Horseshoe Bay, with Tobacco Bay and Elbow Beach coming in closely behind. With pink sand and blinding turquoise water, it’s not too hard to see why these are the favorites. But if you do plan a beach trip, take some time to explore the island and find your own hidden cove to avoid crowds and relax in peace.
Eat this: You can’t escape Bermuda without trying a famous fish sandwich. The traditional recipe is deep-fried fish fillets with tartar sauce and “the works” which include lots of hot sauce and coleslaw. Art Mel’s has one of the best takes on this local favorite, but several other restaurants have their own version that you’ll want to check out.
Stay here: We’ll just come out and say it…traveling to Bermuda ain’t cheap. So if you’ve been saving your pennies to make this trip happen, might as well enjoy yourself. Luckily, that’s not too difficult in Bermuda. From lavish resorts (like the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club) to trendy boutique hotels (like the Royal Palms Hotel), to quaint inns and bed and breakfasts (looking at you Kingston House), you won’t have any trouble finding a place to fall into bed at night.
Travel tips: Did you know that tourists have some pretty crazy restrictions in Bermuda? Pay attention, because these will affect your travel plans. First, if you’re planning a trip to Bermuda make sure you have a return or onward ticket. Visitors can’t enter the country on a one-way ticket without proof of plans to leave. Second, tourists are not allowed to rent cars. There are no rental cars on the island, so be prepared to catch a taxi or rent alternate transportation, like a moped or the super cute Twizy.
Photo Credit: Getty
