How to visit Bermuda on a budget in 2024

When I was 12 years old, my father took my sister and me to Bermuda Surprised my mom who went on a cruise with my grandma. We spent four days in the heat, swimming at the beach and eating at the medieval themed restaurant Henry VIII. I'm sure this was not a cheap trip, even in the 1990s.

Now that I'm older (and not that much wiser), I wonder: Can the land of the rich, famous, bankers, and tax-sheltering corporations really be enjoyed on a budget? Bermuda is not a cheap destination. I am a frugal travelerI don't want to spend too much money, but what are the absolute minimum requirements there?

It turns out, a lot.

Far more than my recommended $50 per day.

Is it possible to visit Bermuda on a budget? The answer is no. I can tell you that visiting Bermuda on a budget is nearly impossible. Realistically, you'll need at least $175 per day.

Why do you need so much money? There are two main reasons:

First, accommodation is ridiculously expensive (there are no hotels on the island). The cheapest accommodation found for apartment rentals costs around 100 BMD Airbnb, Vrboor Bermuda rentals. If you book at least a month in advance or during the off-season, or know someone, you might be able to find a room for 80 BMD per night. (I booked last minute so ended up paying 125 BMD per night.)

Secondly, transportation around the island is inconvenient. The bus system, although cheap, is infrequent and many routes stop around 7pm. This can be problematic if you don't live in a central location. In addition, taxis are expensive: the starting fare is 7.90 BMD, and each subsequent mile costs 2.75 BMD (there is also a surcharge on Sundays). If you are visiting remote beaches and attractions or returning late at night, you will really Need a taxi. You are guaranteed to take a taxi at least once a day.

How to visit Bermuda for less

However, there are actually ways to spend less money in Bermuda, but it requires a little more planning and some creativity. You need to do the following:

Book early – If you want cheap accommodation, you need to book a room at least a month in advance. Avoid hotels and resorts and stay in bed and breakfasts or home rental properties. If you are staying with a group, be sure to rent a large apartment as the cost per person is much less than a hotel room.

Couch surfing – Only 46 Couch surfing The hosts are in Bermuda. Many of them have private rooms, but again, if you want to successfully book one, make sure you ask early to maximize your chances of success.

Rent a motorcycle – Motorcycles are the most convenient and economical means of transportation on the island. Since buses are infrequent and taxis are expensive, owning a motorcycle allows you to travel more freely at a lower cost. Rentals start at about $50 per day, but get cheaper the longer you rent. Two popular rental companies are elbow beach bike and Oleander cycle. Mopeds are easy to rent; you can expect to pay around 50 BMD per day.

stay centered – Although Hamilton isn’t situated on a beautiful pink sand beach, it is central to all buses and ferries leaving the city. If you rent an apartment and aren't careful, you might end up far from the bus station (which means more taxis). Staying in or near Hamilton will ensure you're close to all bus routes and avoid spending too much money on taxis.

Skip the fancy food – Bermuda has great food, but it’s expensive. Avoid all the big fancy restaurants and go to small stalls and local restaurants where prices, while still high, are more economical. my favorite place is Special hotel. Additionally, the cafe is located Cambridge Resort Even though it's in a resort, the prices are very reasonable. Most meals cost 10-20 BMD. If you want a mid-range meal with a drink and dessert, you'll need a BMD closer to 75.

chef – If you skip the hotel and rent an apartment, you’ll have a kitchen. Local and organic cuisine is increasingly available on the island. You can find lots of cheap fruits, vegetables and meats at markets and shops, which will help reduce your costs significantly.

Visit during low season – Peak season in Bermuda is May to October. The weather is great, but prices are high. To save money, go between March and April. The temperature is pleasant, there are few people at various attractions, and accommodation is cheap.

But these are pretty much your only options. If you find a Couchsurfing host, you can go to Bermuda for around 70-80 BMD per day. Otherwise, your daily BMD is around 125-175, maybe more. There's really no way around this.

Even though my wallet was drained, my trip to Bermuda was great. As you can see from the photos, everything you have heard about the island is true. It is truly a paradise, with warm, clear waters lapping against pink sand beaches.

Bermudians are always helpful, friendly and welcoming. Everywhere I went, people were talkative and genuine. The woman in charge of our rental room served us dinner and breakfast while her family described life in Bermuda (apparently this is no longer just for the newly rich or dying!). We met a nice guy at the bus station who randomly took us to Hamilton and then the waiter kept telling us to have a “Bermuda day”. (Plus, there are countless other little things that made me fall in love with this place.)

So visit Bermuda and know that while the visit isn't cheap, it can be beautiful, relaxing and fun!