Here are some useful tips I hope will help you in planning and enjoying your trip to Bermuda Carnival if you decide to go. Some of these pointers will come in handy any time of year in Bermuda.
-
Research the Carnival Route.
Bermuda Carnival will be in its fifth year in 2019 since relaunching. When I went in 2016, I heard the route was not the same as the previous year and was told it might change again. Not sure how true that is, but it might impact where you decide to stay. Although my hotel was on the other end of the island from the parade route, it was closer to some of the parties in town. While I loved its proximity to some of the very good restaurants Bermuda is known for, not to mention all the cool stores (there’s a M.A.C., which is useful if you forget something important in your makeup case), the journey back from the end of the parade was less than desirable.
-
Plan to Have Enough Money for Taxis (Unless You Know How to Ride a Scooter).
At roughly 21 square miles, Bermuda’s size does not make it ideal for a barrage of cars on the roads. Consequently, you can you not rent a car in Bermuda. Even locals are limited to the number of cars they can have per household. If you know how to get around on a scooter, you’re in luck! You should be able to rent one with no problem. Other than that, taxis are the way to go. I don’t recall seeing any public transportation passing us on the way to the parade route.
-
Book Hotels Early.
Once again, due to the island’s size, accommodations are limited. Moreover, it has a reputation as a destination for moneyed tourists, so hotels are expensive. If you’re traveling on a budget or alone, you’ll want to book early for a shot at some of the more affordable hotels (at least by Bermudian standards). In 2017, Bermuda hosted the 35th America’s Cup, the same weekend as Carnival. As a result, hotels were sold out early on most major search engines. You might have better luck with a guest house or AirBnB for availability and affordability, but this is a tip you don’t want to ignore.
-
Make Sure to Pack Cardigans and an Umbrella.
Bermuda is on the cooler side as far as island climates go. This is even more so when it’s cloudy and rain is in the forecast. I rarely pack rain gear when I travel to the islands (unless I’m traveling during the rainy season). But Bermuda definitely beckons for the warmer pieces in your resort and summer wardrobe. Out of all the useful tips, I wish I’d paid attention to this one in advance.
-
Budget to Spend More on Food, etc.
It’s worth repeating—Bermuda is known for its laid-back but upscale vibe. Everything costs a bit more here, even though the Bermudian Dollar is on par with the US Dollar. I didn’t get to explore off the beaten path while I was there, so my dining choices were limited to the hotel and restaurants in town given my short trip. Hotel dining tends to be pricey.
-
Make Friends With a Cabbie!
Just in case there are problems with the post-parade shuttle service, you might want to have the card of a taxi driver you can call to come to pick you up. I’d suggest working out the details beforehand (pricing, timing, pick-up point, etc. if possible). When I went, the walk back from the beach where the parade ended was long, and the wind and rain made it unpleasant. This is definitely a tip I can’t stress enough.
