Choosing a Destination: Bermuda | caribbean-guide.info

The island of Bermuda is associated with many things, from relaxing beaches to disappearing ships; it is internationally known for its rich and fascinating offerings for tourists. The island is not actually within the Caribbean Sea, but is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina. Bermuda shares most of its qualities with Caribbean islands, but differs in many ways, too.

Golfers especially enjoy what Bermuda has to offer: top notch, state-of-the-art golf courses. The Bermudan people strongly maintain tradition and still follow the British custom of afternoon tea. If you are looking for hustle and bustle, look farther south; in Bermuda, things rarely change from 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.

Bermuda: Facts at a Glance

Currency	The Bermuda dollar (BD$) is the legal currency of the island. It is fixed through gold to the U.S. dollar on an equal basis. While U.S. currency is generally accepted, tourists should exchange some money for transportation and incidentals.
Electricity	Bermuda uses the 110-volt electrical system, so residents of countries with different systems should bring adapters.
GDP Per Capita	Bermuda has an average per capita income of $35,200(USD).
Island Size	The island is a small 21-square miles in area.
Language	English is the official language, but Portuguese is also spoken on the island.
Population	Bermuda is home to about 65,000 residents; 278,200 tourists visit annually, 77 percent of whom are from the U.S.

Entry Requirements

While U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a passport to enter Bermuda, passports are strongly recommended for all international travel. European visitors must show a valid passport. All visitors must have a return or onward ticket in addition to a valid passport or original birth certificate.

Geography

Bermuda is a small island located in the Atlantic Ocean off the shore of North Carolina. Although not technically Caribbean or tropical, subtropical Bermuda shares many qualities with its Caribbean siblings due to its British colonial heritage. It is famed as the northernmost point of the"Bermuda" or"Devil's" Triangle. Many myths abound about these mysterious waters. Don't be misled, however; tourists who venture into and under these seas on small boats and with diving gear have a tendency to return to shore in one piece.

Getting There

Travelers will typically arrive via air at Bermuda International Airport, which is host to many international carriers, including, but not limited to, 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 sail to Bermuda, but most people prefer to hit the decks after flying to the island.

Health and Safety

Bermuda is a peaceful island, with very little serious or violent crime; however, common sense should always prevail. Watch mopeds, and make sure to lock them behind you when parking, and be careful of valuables which may disappear at the beach. Water in Bermuda is potable and safe for consumption.

People

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.

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).

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