Expert: Nan - 8/2/2009

Question
We are looking forward to our first visit to Bermuda but feel we need some advice on what to pack. We noticed that October is reasonably warm but also quite wet. Do we bring rain jackets or do these tend to be shorts bursts or only occur at night?
Also, my husband and I are quite active and plan on exploring the island on bike or scooter, what type of bag do women carry that can hold the beach cover-up, hat, etc, I'm hoping for something stylish but not hazardous???
For evening wear, we will be attending semi-formal show/dinner/dancing events with business associates, so dress length? color scheme? jacket/wrap?
Thank you!  

Answer
Hi Elizabeth,

To learn more about Bermuda's weather, including air and water temperatures during the time of your trip, please visit www.bermudaweather.bm.  On this website, you'll be able to enter the dates of your trip and see what past year's weather has been like at that time. Very helpful.

Now, on to the specifics of your question.  But I must tell you that the "latest" I've visited Bermuda has been early September, so I have no experience with October weather though I've been told by others, including locals, that it's a beautiful time of year.

I've just returned from my 15th visit where we dealt with several bouts of rain.  Both day and night showers. My husband and I travel on one scooter (a deluxe from Oleander's, a very reputable and helpful company with multiple locations). Ponchos were always stored in the scooter.  And a small umbrella isn't a bad idea either.

Please, please, please be careful when operating a scooter.  Especially during and after a bout of rain.  Road oils become more treacherous when it's wet and I'd hate to read during one of my daily perusals of the Royal Gazette's online edition about a couple rushed to the hospital as the result of a scooter accident. While we're on the subject of scooter travel, be aware that you MUST wear a helmet, so if you're on your way to an evening out with business associates, the potential of your suffering from "helmet head" is unavoidable.  (I gave up worrying about helmet head years ago!)

Most scooters have baskets with bungee cords mounted on the back so you can secure your beachwear and purchases safely including any bag you might use.  Some scooters also have additional storage up front, but I haven't seen these for rent in quite some time.  There's also storage under your seat.

I've seen all kinds of bags used by local and tourists alike.  The choice is really up to you, except that I would recommend one that closes securely should you choose to stow it in the back basket.  The last thing you need is to realize that you've left a trail of personal items in the road on your way to the beach simply because your bag didn't have a zipper or similar secure closure (not a small magnetic snap).

And I'm sure I don't have to tell you about carrying cash, jewelry, cameras, etc. and leaving these items on the beach while you swim.  Don't do it.  How much cash can you need if you're sunning/swimming?  Not much if any.

Here's what I did on our last trip:  I took one "set" of jewelry to wear when not sunning/swimming and it was the smartest thing I've done in quite some time.  I, like so many others, used to take "my favorite" pieces so that I had a choice (clothes as well as jewelry).  NOT.  Don't do it.  One pair of earrings, one necklace, one watch, my gold wedding band and another ring for my right hand.  I no longer take "stone" jewelry with me for fear of a loose diamond or sapphire falling out of the setting. (It's also not wise to appear like a "flashy tourist" who's distracted by the beauty of the surroundings and the excitement of a vacation.  These are easy marks for folks who steal.)  Face it, you don't need ANY jewelry while you're out and about exploring the beaches.  (Find a hiding place in your room/apartment. And don't forget where it is.)

I digress.... so sorry.  OK.  Back to the clothing.  Semi-formal means a cocktail dress of some kind.  Not a long gown.  "Cocktail" is usually knee-length.  You'll need a wrap of some kind for evenings.  If you're traveling to your evening venue by scooter, you'll get cold on the bike.  Trust me on this.  I always, always, always stuff a sweater under the seat when I'm out at night. Now, you might not want to do this with an evening sweater, so why not wear it?  

Bermuda dress has relaxed a bit over the years, but there are still some establishments that require a jacket and tie at night.  To be safe, I'd be prepared for this.  But you only need one right?  Right.  "Smart casual" is a common term and I'd define this as no jeans, T-shirts, flip-flops or similar clothing.  You can't go wrong if you're slightly overdressed.  

One more thing: wet bathing suits with no cover-ups in public is not acceptable dress.  For men or women.  Err on the conservative side and you'll be fine.

I hope you find this information helpful.  And I hope you have wonderful trip!