Expert: Nan - 1/16/2007

Question
I am planning my honeymoon for July '07. Any tips for staying on a budget? Any suggestions would help, including the best place to stay.
Thank you! Cheers..
Leyla

Answer
Greetings Leyla!

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.  You've chosen a wonderful destination for your honeymoon.

Without knowing your likes and dislikes (water sports or sun soaking, all inclusive resorts or on your own, shopping or art appreciation, etc.) I'll give you my general top tips for budget watching:

1.) Go Local.  As you can imagine, Bermuda, like most destinations, offers a variety of tourist-heavy eateries and shops, but if you ask the locals and mix up your restaurant experiences with a few of their off beaten path choices, you'll save a few dollars and enjoy yourself in the process.   When we come off the South Shore beaches, for example,and want a quick, affordable lunch, we head for a lunch wagon right on the road. Look for the purple truck near Warwick Long Bay.  

2.) Drive Yourself or Use Public Transport.  Cabs in Bermuda can quickly eat up a budget, but there are other ways to get around.  The pink buses are reliable and chock full of sandy tourists heading back to their hotels from the beach.  If you're game, rent a moped or scooter and drive yourself.  If even for a part of your stay.  (There are no rental cars in Bermuda.) If you're very careful and remember to drive on the left (as in Great Britain), you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace and come and go as you please.  (Gas station attendants pump the gas for you in Bermuda. Round up your bill and tip them.)  We, for example, rent a deluxe scooter for two (romantic for a honeymoon!).  The seat is a little bigger and a bit more comfortable. Try an online booking from Oleander rentals to save a few bucks.  The ferries are a marvelous way to see the Islands from another perspective and offer an alternative mode of transportation.

3.) Stay in Apartments or Cottages.  Cozy apartments are a great way to save on meals and enjoy a more local experience.  Eat breakfast and lunch in after grocery shopping nearby and you'll save up for a night or two of "special occasion" meals at, say, The Waterloo House or Arial Sands.  There are lots of affordable "housekeeping cottages" and apartments in good locations.  Try www.bermudatourism.com or search the Internet.  When choosing your location, decide what's important to you.  Do you need to be within walking distance of shops, galleries and restaurants?  Or would nearby beach access be more important?  For some, an all inclusive resort, such as The Harmony Club, is more attractive.  For others, beach resorts like Elbow Beach are the destinations of choice.  I'd suggest spending some time on www.bermudatourism.com for a comparison, but do it soon.  We're going in July, too, and may have waited too late to book our apartment!

4.) Free Events.  There are so many things to see and do.  From Harbor Nights in Hamilton and similar evenings in St. George to the glorious views around every turn, Bermuda doesn't have to break your budget.  Check out local publications before you go to see what's happening and when.  Visit the local newspapers, The Royal Gazette and The Sun, online before your departure.

5.)  Remember: It's Your Honeymoon.  Have fun.

I hope you find this helpful.  Feel free to contact me offline if you have more questions.

Enjoy!

Nan