Solo Travel Destination Posts are usually contributed by members of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. This week, however, Tracey provides a recommendation based on her recent trip to Bermuda. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: English
Reasons to Visit Bermuda
The most striking thing about Bermuda, as I keep telling everyone who will listen, is color. It is visually stunning. I couldn't stop staring at the water, which ranges from aquamarine to sapphire, or the pastel painted buildings in various shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green. Topped with blindingly white roofs, set against impossibly clear blue skies, surrounded by lush greenery, and dotted with pink sand beaches, Bermuda's palette is captivating.
Should you wish to leave the beach and travel around the island, there is a great and inexpensive bus system to get you out and about. You can tell which direction they are going by the colored poles at the bus stops: pink for buses headed into Hamilton, blue for buses headed out. This comes in handy for the directionally-challenged, like me. Cars are not rented to visitors, but you can rent scooters, and they are everywhere. The roads are quite narrow and winding, though, so be careful!
The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute is worth a visit if only for the collection of 1,200 shells that they have on display. It is a fascinating exhibit which includes the shell that provided the inspiration for the design of the Sydney Opera House.
I recommend taking a cruise to get a view from the water. It is then that you see that Bermuda is actually comprised of many islands, some inhabited, some not. You can also see some gorgeous homes and yachts. Plus, you will learn a lot from the commentary provided by the captain-in my case, the charming Captain Cookie Brown of the M.V. Destiny. I speak from experience when I advise you to not forget sunscreen. Ouch.
Also not to be missed are the Crystal Caves. Not having experienced anything like this before, I was astounded at the fantasy-like formations, colors, and textures. The water is so clear that you can see down 50 feet below you. The profusion of stalactites hanging above you is astonishing.
A range of accommodation options are available in Bermuda, from basic to luxurious. You can rent an apartment, stay at a guest house or bed & breakfast, or luxuriate in a high-end hotel or resort. On this trip, I stayed at the lovely Fairmont Hamilton Princess, which was conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Hamilton. I loved being able to just wander around town, visit some shops, stop for a coffee, gaze at the pastel colored buildings, then saunter back to my hotel for a glass of wine on the patio. On my next trip, I would try renting an apartment or cottage on the water to get a different perspective on life in Bermuda. Links to all of these types of accommodations can be found on the Bermuda Tourism website.
Bermuda felt very safe and friendly to me. I would not hesitate to recommend it as a relaxing, easily navigable, beautiful destination for solo travelers.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 1 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)
