last update: 19/01/05 | January 5, 2019
When I was 12, my father took me and my younger sister to Bermuda to surprise my mother, who was on a cruise with my grandmother. We spent four days in the sweltering heat, swimming at the beach and eating at Henry VIII, a medieval themed restaurant. I'm sure it wasn't cheap travel in the 1990s.
And now, as you get older (but not so wise), can you really afford to enjoy the land where the rich, famous, bankers and tax-avoiding corporations live on your budget? Bermuda is not known as a cheap destination. I'm a frugal traveler so I didn't want to spend a lot of money, but what's the bare minimum you'll need while you're there?
As it turns out, there are a lot of them.
That's a lot more than the $50 per day I'm suggesting.
Can you travel to Bermuda on a budget? The answer is a resounding no. I can tell you that visiting Bermuda on a budget is almost impossible. Realistically, you'll need at least $175 USD per day.
Why do you need so much money? There are two main reasons:
First, the cost of accommodation is ridiculously expensive (there are no hostels on the island). For apartment rentals found through Airbnb, Vrbo or Bermuda Rentals, the cheapest accommodation costs around 100 BMD. If you book at least a month in advance, during the off-season, or know someone you can find a room for as cheap as 80 BMD per night. (I made a last-minute reservation and ended up paying 125BMD per night.)
Second, transportation around the island is difficult. The bus system is cheap but infrequent and many routes stop around 7pm. This can be problematic if you don't stay in a central location. Also, taxis are expensive. Prices start at 7.90 BMD and then 2.75 BMD per mile thereafter (surcharge applies on Sundays as well). And if you visit distant beaches and attractions or return late at night. clearly I need a taxi. You can take a taxi at least once a day.
How to Visit Bermuda on Less
But there are actually a few ways to spend less money in Bermuda, but they require a lot more planning and creativity. Here's what you need to do:
early booking – If you want cheap accommodation, you must reserve your room at least one month in advance. Avoid hotels and resorts and instead stay in B&Bs or home rentals. If you are staying with a group, consider renting a large apartment as the price per person is much cheaper than a hotel room.
Couchsurf – There are only 46 Couchsurfing hosts in Bermuda. Most of them have private rooms, but again, if you want to secure a reservation, inquire early to maximize your chances.
rent a motorcycle – Motorcycles are the most convenient and economical means of transportation on the island. Buses don't run often and taxis are expensive, so having a motorcycle gives you more freedom at a lower cost. Rental costs start at around $50 per day, but get cheaper the longer you rent. Two popular rental companies are Elbow Beach Cycles and Oleander Cycles. Motorcycles can be easily rented. You can expect to pay around 50 BMD per day.
stay in the center – Hamilton doesn't have beautiful pink sand beaches, but it is the hub for all buses and ferries leaving the city. If you rent an apartment and aren't careful, you could end up far from the bus stop (which means more taxis). Staying in or near Hamilton means you'll be close to all bus routes and can avoid spending too much money on taxis.
Skip the fancy food – Bermuda has good food, but it is expensive. Avoid all the big, fancy restaurants and look for smaller street stalls and local restaurants that are more economical, although prices are still high. My favorite place was the Specialty Inn. Additionally, the cafes at Cambridge Resorts are reasonably priced despite being a resort. Most meals cost 10-20 BMD. If you want a mid-range meal with a drink and dessert, the BMD is closer to 75.
Cook – If you skipped the hotel and rented an apartment, there is a kitchen. The island has a growing local and organic food scene. You can find plenty of cheap fruit, vegetables and meat in markets and stores, which can help keep your costs down significantly.
Off-season visit – Bermuda’s peak season runs from May to October. The weather is nice, but the price is too expensive. To save money, we recommend visiting between March and April. The temperature is pleasant, all the attractions are less crowded, and accommodation is cheaper.
But this is your only option. If you find a couchsurfing host, you can Bermuda for about 70-80 BMD per day. Otherwise you are looking at around 125-175 BMD or more per day. There really is no way.
Even though I lost a lot of money in my wallet, my trip to Bermuda was amazing. As you can see from the photos, everything you've heard about this island is true. With warm, clear water washing over pink sandy beaches, this is a true paradise.
And the Bermudians have always been helpful, friendly and welcoming. Everywhere I went, people were talkative and sincere. The woman in charge of the room we rented served us dinner and breakfast and her family explained life in Bermuda (obviously this isn't just for the newly rich or the nearly dead!). We happened to meet a nice guy at the bus stop who took us to Hamilton, and the waiter kept telling us to have a “Bermuda-filled day”. (Plus so many other little things that made me fall in love with the place.)
So when you visit Bermuda, know that your visit won't be cheap, but it will be beautiful, comfortable, and fun!
Booking Your Bermuda Travel: Logistics Tips and Tricks
flight reservation
Use Skyscanner. It's my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the world. So you can check everything.
Accommodation Reservation
You can book hostels through Hostelworld, which offers the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, try Booking.com. Booking.com consistently offers the lowest rates on guesthouses and hotels.
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. Comprehensive protection in case the unexpected happens. I never travel without it, as I've had to use it several times in the past. Here are some of my favorite companies that offer the best service and value:
Are you looking for the best company to help you save money?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list everything I use to save money on the go. They will save you money too.
Want more information about Bermuda?
Be sure to visit our powerful destination guide to Bermuda for more planning tips!