10 Things To Know Before Going To Bermuda
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I just got back from my very first trip to Bermuda. I did some research before my trip, but I definitely learned a lot more about traveling here during my trip! Here are ten things that I think are helpful to know before planning a trip to Bermuda or before you arrive.
Flights To Bermuda Are Limited
In total there are 20 airports around the world that have direct flights to Bermuda, spread around 19 cities in 3 countries. There are only about 15 flights per day. Direct flights are available from London, England as well as various locations along the east coast of the United States and three different locations in Canada. Coming from Connecticut, my only options were flying on Thursday or Sunday to get there and back.
The Airport Is Small
L.F. Wade International Airport is small, but that’s definitely not a bad thing. It’s very easy to navigate and it was so quick for us to get through security. However, since it is small, you won’t have as many food options as larger airports, but the food I did have was awesome. This airport was re-developed in 2020 and it is one of the nicest and cleanest airports I’ve been to.
The People Are Very Friendly
Everyone we encountered was extremely friendly. We felt comfortable asking for help and directions when necessary and everyone was more than willing to help. It was not uncommon for locals to give a greeting to everyone when they got on the bus or walked into a restaurant. I loved that they were so welcoming to us even though we were tourists to the island.
You Can’t Rent A Traditional Car
As someone who likes to travel at her own pace, this was a bit of a drawback for me. You can’t pick up a rental car at the airport like you can in most places. They do have mini electric vehicles you can rent, but you’ll need to find a way to the spots where they’re available. If you’re going to get a car, I’d recommend getting your luggage to your lodging first because they’re that small. You can get more info about those rentals here.
Traveling On The Bus
This was the main way we travelled during our trip. It can be a bit limiting, but it’s a very affordable way to get around the island. You’ll need to get the Shorelink app, which shows you bus schedules and more. You can get a pass for as many days as you need. We got a three-day pass since that’s how long our trip was. The bus schedule can be pretty confusing, but there’s one main hub in Hamilton. What we quickly learned while out and about was that all pink bus stops lead to Hamiliton!
Getting Around Via Taxi
Another great way to get around the island is via taxi, but it can get really expensive. We really only used the taxi to leave the airport and to get back, for very short trips, or when the bus was no longer running. You’ll use the Hitch app to get a ride and it’s a lot like using Uber. There are also taxis that are lined up in the popular tourist areas.
Renting A Moped or Scooter
If you’re looking to truly travel at your own pace without taxi fees, a moped is the way to go. You can get a rental from Scooter Mart. You can learn more about getting a scooter or moped rental here. If you’re from the U.S. like I am, be prepared to drive on the left side of the road!
Enjoying Horseshoe Bay Beach
This is one of Bermuda’s most popular beaches. It has chairs and umbrellas available to rent and bathrooms on-site. Thankfully, they also had drinks for sale as well. We went on a Saturday when the cruise ships had already left and it really was not that packed. However, I have heard that when the cruise ships are there, it gets extremely crowded and it could be less enjoyable.
There Are Chickens Everywhere
Don’t be shocked if you come across a chicken…or two…or more. There are a lot of chickens that wander around the island. They won’t bother you, they kind of just go about their business. Only once did I have a chicken under my table while I was eating looking for crumbs. We saw a lot of little babies during our trip!
The Fantasy Cave Tours Can Get Quite Packed Inside
This is a pretty popular spot, so it’s not that surprising that the tours can get packed. It makes it a little hard to get pictures at times because there are a lot of people in the caves at once. In the Crystal Cave, which is bigger than the Fantasy Cave, there were sometimes two groups down in the cave at once. If you’re patient and linger when the group moves to other parts of the cave, you can usually get photos free of people.
