Why Bermuda is arguably the BEST option for your first international trip
Some rookie international travelers are more brave and adventurous. One of my 20-something coworkers and his new wife chose Australia for their first international adventure. This post is not for them. This is really for the “I don’t speak the language...know the customs...understand the culture...is it even safe to leave the country?" crowd. Those individuals that are drawn to the idea of traveling outside of their comfort zone, but either don’t know where to begin or need a confidence boost to nudge them on.
That brings us to Bermuda. The lovely little overseas British territory just off the coast of North Carolina. Though most people speak of it as a single island, Bermuda is actually a chain of 138 islands roughly 22 miles long and just a mile wide. Eight causeway and bridge connected islands comprise the larger fishhook shaped landmass that most people envision when they talk about Bermuda.
I think it is wise to first address who should NOT go to Bermuda, if only to save you reading time:
You should not go to Bermuda if you are looking for a WooHoo Party! type of destination.
You should not go to Bermuda if you are looking for an all inclusive travel.
You should not go to Bermuda if you are going to complain constantly about food expenses.
And lastly,
You should not go to Bermuda if you are a backwoods ass with poor manners, entitled attitudes, and ill informed cultural expectations. You are making the rest of us look bad. Please stay home.
If you have not moved on already, these are our Top 10 reasons for recommending Bermuda as a first international location for inexperienced travelers.
GETTING THERE: Getting there from the east coast is especially quick and easy; Non-stop Boston to Bermuda flights are only around 2 hours long!
THE LANGUAGE: English, of course, is the official language of this British territory - and is spoken with the loveliest accents.
GETTING AROUND: Visitors are not permitted to rent cars (it’s a good thing!) The roads are notoriously narrow with few shoulders, so keeping non-natives out of driver’s seats reduces congestion and increases safety. Bermudians drive on the left and there are a lot of roundabouts - which means that non-native drivers are often a danger to themselves and others even on the smaller, rentable scooters.
island. Some ticket options include the island's ferries offering visitors a different view during transit. Taxis are also plentiful if you need a more direct route or timely transport. There are limits to how much you can carry onto the bus, so if you plan to purchase a week's worth of grocery shopping, it’s best to arrange for a taxi.
SAFETY: The US State department typically assigns Bermuda a Level 1 travel advisory which simply recommends that visitors exercise normal precautions. You can find trouble anywhere in the world if you are making questionable choices, like roaming back alleys in the middle of the night with sketchy intentions. Bermuda is no different. As a rule though, crimes against tourists in Bermuda are incredibly rare and usually limited to the petty theft variety when a visitor fails to "exercise normal precautions" by leaving their belongings unattended.
CRITTERS: There are no poisonous, creepy crawlies or life threatening marine life to worry about. While there are some sharks in the area, but they typically to stay off shore and are the types that generally keep to themselves. During certain times of year, or after strong storms, there are regular Portuguese Man O' War sightings; but they can be easily spotted and avoided.
ACTIVITIES: There are plenty of options to keep you busy during your days: Sailing, fishing, shopping, museums, hikes, caves, golf, historical sights, gardens, watersports, afternoon tea... There are also vast, gorgeous views to take in while doing a whole lot of nothing. Among other things Bermuda is home to some incredible stretches of pink sand beach!
RELAXED, NOT RIDICULOUS: Bermuda is not a beach party destination like you might expect in Jamaica or Cozumel. There is no a raging nightlife scene and you seldom see someone making a disruptive fool of themselves in public. Instead you will find a more relaxed, and somewhat proper, island vibe. This is to the benefit of inexperienced travelers who may be more easily rattled by aggressive street vendors or put off by the drunken carousing of self involved strangers.
A SENSE OF PLACE: The architecture and geography of Bermuda blend to create a unique sense of place. Visitors can enjoy that feeling of truly being “somewhere else” - with just enough familiarity to be at ease. The reef related shipwrecks that brought Bermuda's earliest inhabitants likely stoked the mythical tales of the Bermuda Triangle. Those early maritime and colonial influences are still well represented. Colorful buildings, stone work, and repurposing of forts and older buildings help Bermuda to feel historic and modern at the same time.
OTHER INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCES: Bermuda is not a party destination, but British pub culture is alive and well. Bermudian food and drink draws from a variety of regions including British, Indian, and Portuguese cuisines. Along with an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, those influences appear regularly on menus. The local distillery, Gosling Brothers Ltd, is known for it's black rum and ginger beer that marry in Bermuda’s iconic Dark & Stormy cocktail. That same rum and the indigenous Sherry Peppers are key ingredients in Bermuda's own spicy, non-cream based, take on fish chowder.
CONVINCED YET? There is a lot to love and little to fear even for the most inexperienced of travelers. So go ahead, look into flight options, compare hotels vs. home rentals, search google images, read restaurant menus, browse lists of things to do... Then get your passport and GO!
