Tranquility for all
Even the most venturesome traveler sometimes gets tired of “pushing the envelope” and just needs to rest and relax. Out in the Atlantic, Bermuda waits to provide just that kind of respite.

It is gorgeous, it’s comfortably warm and locals speak English and make visitors welcome. It offers welcome tranquility to all comers. All personality types praise the island nation’s friendly, casual atmosphere, warm air and water, good food and fine service.

About Bermuda
Visitors, regardless of personality, emphasize how clean Bermuda appears, how clear the water, how pure the air. In fact, “clean” often elicits more mentions than the beautiful scenery or pleasant climate. That certainly demonstrates that tourists notice and appreciate a well-kept spot.
A second big point for all traveler types is the good, even elegant, service they report receiving in Bermuda. Perhaps we can thank the British influence, with its tradition of fine service and visitor hospitality.

There is considerable variety of accommodations. Choices include traditional hotels, large or small; cottage colonies which are typically Bermudan-style, housekeeping apartments and guest houses (like B&Bs).

For pastimes, visitors choose from a variety of activities (Bermuda claims to have the highest concentration of golf courses on Earth), go sightseeing in a relaxed and safe manner or just lie on the beach in front an elegant or quaint hotel.

The ocean and the jogging and hiking paths offer unlimited opportunity for more active travelers (divers, take note: Bermuda is called the shipwreck capital of the world). Venturers also can experiment with new and exciting foods of excellent quality. In fact, among all personality types, the quality and variety of food and restaurants rate very high.

You can explore Bermuda with minimal trouble. Public transportation is easy to figure out. Alternatively, rent a bicycle or moped, and do the touring under your own power.
Given Bermuda’s location off the U.S. East Coast, the bulk of American visitors hail from that region because of the short flights available to them.

November to March is the tourist season. The island nation lies roughly parallel to the Carolinas, but ocean currents keep it warmer in the winter. The temperature hovers around 70 F, and hosts plan many special events for those months. But, Bermuda is popular all year long. The beaches are just as beautiful in July and the hosts are just as hospitable.

This destination is a relatively more expensive place to visit and it purposely limits the number of cruise passengers it will accept.

• Charter a fishing boat and angle for some of Bermuda’s more than 650 species of fish. Enjoy your catch, and watch out for endangered species such as marine turtles, porpoises, whales, corals and sea fans.

• For an exhilarating ride, launch yourself from the deck of a boat and parasail over the blue-green waters. There are several locations to choose from. Other popular water sports include water skiing and snorkeling.

• Explore down under Bermuda, which has a huge concentration of limestone caves. Casual or dedicated spelunkers enjoy walking silent miles of remarkable colors, stalactites and stalagmites.

• Compete in the Bermuda International Race Weekend, a three-day festival held each January. Races vary in difficulty but culminate in a half and full marathon.

• Dive to look at any of Bermuda’s more than 400 historic shipwrecks. You can even earn the PADI Wreck Historian Distinctive Specialty.

• Or, snorkel to look at Bermuda’s unspoiled coral reef.

• Sample the local food specialties: peas and plenty (black-eyed peas with onions, salt pork and sometimes rice), hoppin’ John (peas and rice), pawpaw casserole and Bermuda fish chowder.

• Bicycle or walk Bermuda from end to end along the scenic Bermuda Railway Trail. Or use the trail for jogging or horseback riding.

• If you qualify, sign up to compete in one of the junior open tennis tournaments held every year in Bermuda.

• Bring your binoculars for birding expeditions to see how many of Bermuda’s 360 species you can add to your list. The pond at Spittal Pond Nature Reserve is the top spot for spying those birds.

• The best way to get around is by moped, so don’t be afraid to try one. As soon as you get used to it, you’ll appreciate this practical and fun way to do your touring.

• Swim with dolphins at the Bermuda Maritime Museum.

• Play golf at one of Bermuda’s eight championship courses and check out the golf academy.

• The Bermuda National Trust has 785 historic houses on its list. How many can you visit?

• Discover Bermuda’s African Diaspora Heritage Trail, a self-guided tour that crisscrosses the island (really, islands) and highlights many aspects of Bermuda’s black heritage.

• Get married in a historic church, or on one of Bermuda’s numerous beaches.

• Try helmet diving which allows you to safely walk on the bottom of the sea and among Bermuda’s coral reefs and have fish eat from your hands. You will receive a lesson before making your guided dive.

• Go horseback riding along one of the South Shore beaches. Or, join a group trail ride.

• Join one of the regular seven-mile walks sponsored by the Walking Club of Bermuda.

• Choose Bermuda’s Aquarium, Museum and Zoo for fun. Learn about the local marine life and watch the feedings of the seals and zoo animals. This clearly is a good stop for children.

• Tropical weather produces spectacular flowers and foliage. Get a good look at the botanical gardens. Guided tours are offered, but check at your hotel for schedules.

• Shop ’till you drop. Bermuda is a duty-free port and offers a wide variety of merchandise from all over the world. And check the locally made items, especially pottery, blown glass and pictures by local artists.

• The Bermuda Perfumery produces scents from flowers that bloom on the grounds. Follow the scent(s) and take a free guided tour.

• Come to Bermuda on a cruise ship. Hop off for a first taste of the local sightseeing and shopping. Each port places you within walking distance of shopping and historic attractions.

• Pamper yourself with a spa treatment or two from world class facilities.

• If traveling with children, sign up for family activities offered at your hotel. These could include beach bonfires or rafting races.

• At the Ocean Discovery Centre, take a simulated submersible dive to the ocean floor.

• Steal a few hours with your sweetheart in any of a number of out-of-the-way coves, such as at the adjacent Chaplin and Stonehole bays, or Tobacco Bay, or Whale Bone Bay.

• Take a ride around Hamilton in a horse-drawn carriage.