You can enjoy lazy days in warm Gulf Stream waters and on the pink-sand beaches of Bermuda without spending a fortune. The oldest British colony, made up of 180 small islands, offers plenty of swimming, snorkeling, fishing, diving, golf and tennis, and is two hours by plane from Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Search farecompare.com for the cheapest round trip flights from your home airport. The site has a tool to help you find the cheapest days to fly, if your travel schedule is flexible.
Rent a private villa, cottage or apartment anywhere on the islands. Many of the units have kitchens and access to laundry facilities.
Check out Aunt Nea's Inn at Hillcrest for a change of pace. Aunt Nea's is in an 18th-century home that's a 10-minute walk from the beaches. Features include a croquet lawn, complimentary continental breakfasts, afternoon tea and two resident cats.
Explore alternative transportation; tourists are not permitted to rent cars in Bermuda. However, there is an efficient bus system that covers the island (exact change required), and you can rent mopeds and scooters from Eve's Cycles, Oleander Cycles, Smatt's Cycle Livery or Wheels Cycles. Taxi service is also available.
Be prepared for sticker shock at local restaurants. Even groceries are expensive on the island, but renting a villa with a kitchen can help keep your budget under control. Frommers.com lists the following restaurants as family friendly: Bacci, Bailey's Ice Cream and Food D'Lites, Café Gio, Palm Court and Wickets Brasserie.
Bone up on Bermuda's cultural scene with the Bermuda Heritage Pass. You'll have four days of unlimited access to eight of Bermuda's leading attractions including museums, the aquarium and the zoo. Passes are available at selected hotels and Visitor Service Bureaus.
