Expert: Nan - 9/29/2007

Question
Hello.  By your description, it sounds like you might be able to help.  I would live in Northern NJ near Newark International Airport and everyone tells me that it is only a 3-4 hour flight from Newark to Bermuda and that I should go.  However, I am working with a small budget and will be traveling with my wife so that makes two of us.  
Here's the scoop, I want to go on vacation but I don't have a lot of money.  It would be my wife and I and I am ready to spend about $1500 to $2000 dollars.  Everyone tells me that Bermuda is not a far flight from Newark airport which is right near my house in Northern NJ.  
Can it be done?  Hotel and flight, for two people, with a few nights stay?  Can it be done for around $1500 bucks???  
That's my question.  If you respond and tell me that it can be done, I will have some follow up questions.  Remember, this budget amount of around $1500 dollars needs to include the daily spending while there.  I'm not going to be purchasing a lot of things and don't really need a lot of money throughout the day, but we do need to eat...at least breakfast and a nice dinner.  
With regards to the hotel, it doesn't have to be five star or anything, but yes, it would be good to have running water.  What I'm saying is that I'm not looking for the five star, two week stay.  I'm looking for the 3-4 or 5 night stay in a normal hotel near a nice beach or on a nice beach.  
For the daily spending, we don't snorkle and we don't scuba so the spending would be limited to the food only pretty much and what ever other attractions you guide us too.  Does this make sense?  
Please advise.  Thanks.

Answer
Hello!  Yes.  You can enjoy a short stay in Bermuda at the top end of your budget if you start now to find the best airfare deal. The airfare is critical to your staying with your budget. Sorry, I'm not a travel agent who can help you with that part of your trip. You'll need taxi fare to/from Kindley Field (the Bermuda airport. You can find an efficiency apartment from $100 - $150 per night (not per person), which means you can prepare your own meals and eat out as your budget allows.  Food is expensive and eating out is no different but, you can plan accordingly and have a nice meal or two out.  You can stay near Horseshoe Bay, for example, and walk to/from the beach as you please.  Public transportation (buses and ferries) is an inexpensive alternative to taxi cabs. You can plan your "nights out" with cab to fit into your budget.  You just can't do it every night!  Your trip would definitely be a tight budget squeeze, but if you get a good airfare I believe you can do it.   Good Luck!