Expert: Nan - 3/17/2009

Question
Going to Bermuda May 6-16, 2009. Staying in a pool house on Wreck road. What is a realistic budget for food and fun? We figured we would make breakfast at home and take "picnic lunches" to beach, but what will that cost in the market. We think the two of us would spend $50/day including food, fun and transport...is this off base?
We would like to snorkel - bring our own equipment?
Are bike rentals worth the cost or a bus pass instead?

Answer
Hi Joanna,

Wreck Road is near one of my favorite places to swim - West Whale Bay. Absolutely beautiful!  And pretty much unpopulated with only a few folks  (mostly locals) visiting from time to time.

Your budget is a little weak to cover food/fun/travel, but you're right on track with preparing breakfast and lunch "at home."  You could spend anywhere from $60 - $80  at the market for your first round of staples such as bread, eggs, coffee/tea, lunch meats, a box of lettuce, tomatoes, an apple or two, crackers, cheese, beer, a bottle of wine, a few condiments, a bag of ice, etc.  Of course, this will last several days so this daily cost is not unreasonable on an island where items are flown in. I've been known to spend $100 (between two people) a day for food alone (including eating out for dinner and the initial grocery trip).  Of course, it all depends on your likes and your habits.

A dinner meal out, say, at the Somerset Country Squire (near your pool house) runs from $15.50 for Curried Mussel Pie and $23.00 for broiled scallops to $8.95 for Alex's Ultimate Burger and $11.75 for fish and chips.  Most meal prices in Bermuda include gratuity, so remember that. (You can see the complete menu at www.bermuda.com/countrysquire/.)

My transportation preference is a scooter rental.  In 2007, for example (can't find my '08 receipt!), my eight-day scooter rental from Oleander Cycles was $226.  The one day rate was $49, two days was $92 and three days was $127, etc.  Check them out on the web and get an online discount.  I much prefer the independence of a bike as compared to buses.  That said, Bermuda buses are a fine way to get around and a transportation pass also includes using the ferry.  (I love using the ferries too, but they can be expensive on their own.)  You'll have to decide if you're comfortable enough on a bike to rent one.  Gas prices fluctuate.  Over the years I've paid as little as $3 and up to nearly $6 for a fill up, but the mileage is great. If you rent, be aware that you may not get change back from, say, a $10 bill if your tank only cost $5 to fill.  Keep some small bills with you!  Bikes are a beautiful way to see the scenery and do what you want, when you want. But be careful.  Over the years, the traffic has increased and the "drivers" have become wreckless.  

I'd take my own snorkel equipment if you have room in your bag/bags. Those rental dollars you spend every day add up and the more secluded venues don't have rentals.  (West Whale Bay, for example.)

There are plenty of things you can do for free!  1.) Enjoy the beauty.  From the sea to the sand, it's a great place to de-compress from every day life.  At no charge.  2.) Walk around.  There are guided tours, but you can also simply enjoy walking around Dockyard (at the end of the island where you'll be staying), Front Street in Hamilton and surrounding sidestreets, St. George, the railway trails (be sure to pick up a free map at the airport when you arrive - you'll see all the trails, areas of interest, etc.)

Yours is a great question.  And you sound like a smart traveler.  If you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask.  Check out www.theroyalgazette.com (the website of one of Bermuda's newspapers) for grocery store links (to get an idea of prices) and other daily information.

Have a great trip!

Nan