Expert: Nan - 4/24/2007

Question
Hi Nan,

I'd really like to take my family to Bermuda.  There are five of us.  My husband and I have three kids ranging in age from 8 to 3.  At first I was thinking of going by cruise...but I'm pretty certain I've changed my mind about that since most of the cruise lines only spend 2 days there.  I'd rather maximize my time there.  Can you recommend any affordable places to stay for a family?  Also, I've heard the best time to go is the summer...but I'm sure that is when it is most expensive and crowded.  What is it like in October and November?  Can you still enjoy the water and go snorkeling then or is it too cold?  Thanks in advance for your advice.

Answer
Hi Laura,

First, a note of apology.  I've been having such e-mail/computer/server trouble this week.  I've tried to respond to your question about three times and kept getting booted out of my system!  Sorry about that.

Now.  On to Bermuda!  Woo Hoo!  I have to say that I agree with your wishing to spend as much time there as possible.  While I've never been on a cruise, I think I'd rather forego the travel time on a ship and get there quicker.  

About accommodations.  You and your family might really enjoy an apartment/guest cottage arrangement.  That way, you're not eating meals out three times a day and you can spend that money doing something else!  Like helmet diving.  How cool is that for kids of all ages?

To find this type of accommodation, you can do one or both of these things.  Visit the Bermuda Tourism official website and take a look at apartments, suites, cottage colonies, etc.  Or you could simply "google" apartment rentals in Bermuda and see what comes up.  I've found many, many of these over the years and I'm confident you will too.  The Bermuda Tourism website is: www.bermudatourism.com.  A "bed and breakfast" might also be worth comparing costs and you can find these too on the website.

To maximize your budget further, choose a place that's on a ferry line or in what I call "the middle" of Bermuda.  If you're in "the middle", you can easily navigate your way to either/both ends of the Island without losing time or spending more on taxis that you might.  Now, you might ask, what's "the middle".  It might be Hamilton or near Salt Kettle Wharf or, for me, it's Southampton which is easily reached from either end.

Apartments, cottages, etc. afford you the opportunity to live like a local.  Well, almost!  You'll get to know neighbors and feel like home.   

About the weather.  Here's another tip.  Visit www.bermudaweather.bm and see what the weather's been on any given day since about the late 1990's.  The latest I've visited is early September and it's beautiful.  Keep in mind that Bermuda is just 600 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras North Carolina, so whatever's happening off the coast of NC, might be happening in Bermuda.  Weatherwise I mean.  Plenty of times I've been on the Outer Banks in October and November.  It's chilly.

Don't forget that you can rent gear to snorkle/dive around the island year round.  And I believe that includes wetsuits as well.  When you're on the Bermuda Tourism website, be sure to click on the "diving" brochure where you'll find listings of snorkel operators and rental places.

You MUST visit the Aquarium in Flatts Village and the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.  You and your children will enjoy them.

If you want to really enjoy the water sports, try to plan your trip a bit earlier.  My thought only.  No matter when you go, I hope you'll have a wonderful time.

If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask.  I'll try to be quicker next time,

Best,
Nan