5 Unmissable Vacation Tips for Your Next Trip to Bermuda

Bermuda has everything you need for a classic sun-soaked vacation with an adventurous twist. With its pink-sand beaches, constant warm weather and endless list of activities to do, new things to try and amazing sights to see, this island has it all. 

To make your Bermuda trip the best it can be, we’ve collated the most unmissable Bermuda vacation tips for an unforgettable experience on this beautiful island.

1. When Should I Visit?
2. What Should I Pack?
3. Catered or Self-Catering?
4. Currency in Bermuda: Cash or Card?
5. What Can I Do in Bermuda?

1. When Should I Visit? 

With a subtropical climate and year-round good weather, there’s never really a wrong time to visit this island hotspot. The usual vacation season spans from April to October, which falls in line with most US, Canada and UK school summer breaks, making it ideal for families.

Bermuda has a lively culture and unique traditions. The country has many national holidays, including:

• New Year’s Day
• Good Friday
• Bermuda Day
• National Heroes Day
• Emancipation Day
• Mary Prince Day
• Labor Day
• Remembrance Day
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day

If you’re looking to celebrate under the sun or enjoy a local cultural experience, why not find out more about Bermuda’s holidays and book your vacation around one of the many national events? 

If you're still torn between which month you should have your Bermuda vacation in, why not check out this blog? It offers a month-by-month breakdown of everything you can enjoy during your getaway.

2. What Should I Pack? 

Knowing what to pack for any vacation - especially if it’s in a new destination - can be tricky. Just remember, packing for your Bermuda break is like packing for most sun-soaked vacations as the seasons on this gorgeous island. When you're packing, you'll need more than just your Bermuda shorts...

Must-Haves

• Reusable water bottle
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Hats and glasses
• First aid essentials

Sun and Sea

• Bathing suit
• Suitable cover-up shirt if you plan to visit stores or grab lunch while discovering our famous beaches
• Swim shoes

Sailing

• Loose-fitting clothing, such as sundress, cotton trousers and shirt
• Bathing suit
• Towels
• Binoculars or waterproof camera
• Smart casual clothing (although uncommon, make sure to check when booking for any clothing requirements or requests)
• Flat shoes with white soles (anything else will mark the deck)

Wine and Dine

• Semi formal or smart casual clothing - dress codes almost always ask gentlemen to wear button-up shirts. Jackets and ties can be a requirement for gentlemen in high-end restaurants
• Formal shoes

To find out more on what we recommend you pack to make your Bermuda vacation unforgettable, read this blog to make sure you don't miss out on packing the basics.

3. Catered or Self-Catering? 

Bermuda has a great selection of resorts and condo hotels to choose from. So if you prefer self-catering or a catered vacation experience, there's sure to be somewhere that can accommodate you. The question of whether to opt for a catered or self-catered vacation is down entirely to personal preference, as both options have their pros and cons. 

Self-catering allows you to choose exactly when you eat and what, giving you more freedom. It can also help you avoid needlessly over-indulging due to wanting to get the most for your money. And, for those who cherish their personal space, avoiding resort restaurants is a key upside of self-catering. 

If you do decide to self-cater, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample the excellent cuisine Bermuda has to offer. From interesting local delicacies to the finest food in the North Atlantic. This guide to Bermuda food loved by locals and the best foodie activities to enjoy on the island are a great place to start for vacationers who plan to self-cater. 

With catered vacations, you don’t have to worry about leaving the comfort of your resort to find a meal or snack and can effectively leave your wallet in your room. Needing to source and pay upfront for every meal or snack can be a big disadvantage to many travellers, especially larger parties or families for whom meals can take a lot more coordination. 

While you plan your Bermuda vacation, make sure to ask the hotel condominium or resort beforehand about their catering options.

4. Currency in Bermuda: Cash or Card? 

For American visitors, there are no issues with currency and banking when holidaying in Bermuda. The Bermudian Dollar is directly interchangeable with the American Dollar and both forms of currency are accepted throughout the island. So, if you choose, you won’t even need to exchange your cash.

If you’re trying to decide whether to bring cash or your credit or debit card, the best advice is to bring both in case of any emergencies where you either need more money or find yourself somewhere that doesn’t accept cards. Although that scenario is highly unlikely, rest assured. 

There are four banks on the island and over 40 ATMs, with some offering Bermudian and American Dollars. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, too. You won't need to spend hours worrying about getting an international debit card or exchanging every last cent of your money.

Bermuda's currency is just one question you might have. We also have an FAQ guide that dives deeper into any other questions you may have.

5. What Can I Do in Bermuda?

A better question would be what can't you do in Bermuda? The beauty of enjoying a relaxing getaway on this luxurious island is there's always something to experience, regardless of which month you choose to visit.

Whether you're a nature lover, a serious foodie or seeking adventure, there's something for everyone. Get a flavour of what's in store below.

Land, Sea and Air

• Hiking and biking
• Food tours
• Bermuda island tours
• Boat trips
• Diving and water sports
• Swimming with dolphins
• Paragliding and parasailing
• Bungee jumping

For the specifics of where to find these activities in Bermuda, take a look at this blog.

Mindfulness

• Meditate on the pink-sand beaches
• Traverse the Bermuda coast
• Discover Bermuda's towns and Railway Trail
• Escape to hidden hideaways
• Play a round of golf
• Relax and unwind at a spa

Getting Into the Festive Spirit

• Celebrate Christmas the Bermuda way
• Search for unique Bermudian holiday gifts
• Pink Christmas on the beach
• Sample the festive food traditions 
• Bring in the New Year with the Onion Drop 

Enjoy Time With the Kids

• Build sandcastles on Horseshoe Bay Beach
• Walk on the seabed and pet angelfish
• Learn how caves are formed
• Climb the Wildlife Observation Tower
• Visit the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo
• See the breathtaking whale migration
• Watch the Peppercorn Ceremony Parade
• Explore the natural side of Bermuda
• Take the perfect family photo at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse
• Snorkel in the shallow water at Tobacco Bay Beach
• Fly a kite
• Go to the Agricultural Show

A Romantic Escape With Your Other Half

• Stroll down Lover's Lane (near Paget Marsh)
• Take a dip at Blue Hole Park
• Enjoy a picnic at Warwick Long Bay
• Take a Sunset Cruise
• Explore St. George's unfinished church
• Enjoy a cinema date
• Horseback riding on the beach
• Kiss under a moongate for good luck
• Cocktails and a romantic meal for two

The list doesn't end. Want to experience Bermuda during Halloween? Attend one of the many energetic festivals and carnivals? See what you can do in case it rains during your stay? You'll never suffer from boredom when you're in Bermuda. 

But to help you truly get the most out of Bermuda vacation, you can access our simple guide packed full of more things you can do and see during your stay. You don’t have to spend hours researching online to find an activity to make every family member happy on vacation; we’ve already done the hard work for you - regardless of when you visit.

Discover More About Bermuda

With these five tips, you’re well on your way to enjoying a Bermuda vacation you’ll never forget. But figuring out the best time to visit is up to you. From watching the whale migration in April or getting involved with the Gombey dance festival in October, there’s always something different to do on this island.

Download our 12 Months in Bermuda guide so that you don’t miss out on any other hidden gems Bermuda has to offer.