Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Etiquette
Well-tailored Bermuda shorts are acceptable on almost any occasion, and
many men wear them with jackets and ties. On formal occasions, they must be accompa-
nied by navy blue or black knee socks. Aside from that, Bermudians are rather conserva-
tive in their attitude toward dress—bikinis, for example, are banned more than 7.5m (25
ft.) from the water. Men are usually required to wear a jacket to dinner.
Family Travel
Bermuda is one of the best vacation destinations for the entire family.
Toddlers can spend blissful hours in shallow seawater or pools geared just for them, and
older children can enjoy boat rides, horseback riding, hiking, and snorkeling. Most resort
hotels offer advice for families with kids (including help in finding a babysitter), and
many have play directors and supervised activities for various age groups.
Outside the town of St. George and City of Hamilton, walking with a baby stroller is
difficult—most roads don't have sidewalks or adequate curbs. It is extremely dangerous
to carry a baby on a motorbike or bike, as baby seats are not provided. Buses, taxis, and
ferries are the safest ways to travel around Bermuda with a baby.
For some recommendations on where to stay and eat, refer to “Family-Friendly
Accommodations,” on p. 79, and “Family-Friendly Restaurants,” on p. 111. To locate addi-
tional establishments that are particularly kid-friendly, refer to the “Kids” icon throughout
this guide.
Gasoline
Before you rent a moped, be very clear about what kind of fuel it runs on.
Most of the mopeds available for rental by a nonresident of Bermuda have 50cc two-
stroke engines that almost always require a mixture of gasoline and oil. Designated
locally as “mixed” fuel, it's dispensed directly from specially designated pumps at service
stations throughout Bermuda. Larger bikes (including some of the newer models with
80cc engines, and virtually all of the modern-day 100cc engines) require unadulterated
gasoline. The octane level of all gasoline in Bermuda is designated as “high test,” and all
of it, by law, is unleaded.
Health
Finding a doctor or getting a prescription filled on Bermuda is relatively sim-
ple. In an emergency, call
King Edward VII Hospital,
7 Point Finger Rd., Paget Parish
(
&
441/236-2345
), and ask for the emergency department. For less serious medical
problems, ask someone at your hotel for a recommendation. See “Drugstores,” above, for
addresses of pharmacies.
If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. Pack
prescription medications
in your carry-on luggage, and carry them in their original con-
tainers, with pharmacy labels—otherwise they won't make it through airport security.
Carry the generic name of prescription medicines in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar
with the brand name.
Contact the
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers
(
IAMAT;
&
716/754-4883
or, in Canada, 416/652-0137; www.iamat.org), for tips on travel and
health concerns in Bermuda, and for lists of local doctors. The United States
Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
(
&
800/232-4636;
www.cdc.gov) provides up-to-date
information on health hazards by region or country and offers tips on food safety.
Travel
Health Online
(www.tripprep.com), sponsored by a consortium of travel medicine practi-
tioners, also offers helpful advice on traveling abroad.
Sunburns & Exposure
Limit your exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of
11am and 2pm and during the first few days of your trip. Use a sunscreen with a high pro-
tection factor and apply it liberally. Also, as you travel around Bermuda on a scooter, on
bike, or on foot, it's always wise to carry along some bottled water to prevent dehydration.
Seasickness
A great deal of the population tends toward seasickness. If you've never
been out on a boat, or if you've been seasick in the past, make sure you take any seasick-
ness prevention measures that work for you
before
you board; once you set sail, it's
10
