First of all, I am not so sure Bella knows what she is talking about. As far as being a "very proper" island, it is in the sense that people are polite. But that's about it. They are, for the most part, very laid back, and as long as you are respectful of them, they will be respectful of you. Just don't run around acting like they owe you something because you are visiting their home, and you will be fine. I can't imagine someone refusing to sell you a postcard because you have on a sundress and flip-flops. She also claims that she and her husband returned to their rental car - there ARE NO rental cars in Bermuda!! So, clearly, she either made it up or is thinking of another island.
As far as history, etc - I know a lot, but am assuming that since you posted in the Travel section, you are more interested in the travelling there aspect. So here goes.......
Bermuda is my favorite place in the world – I have been 9 times in the last 7 years. There is a reason my username is 12BNBDA.
If you go before the end of this year, you will not need a passport – but you will need your birth certificate and a valid pictured ID. But a passport is so much easier, and good for 10 years, so I recommend getting one, especially if you are not planning on a trip in the immediate future. Because believe me, you WILL want to go back to Bermuda once you have been.
Flight time, of course, depends on where you’re flying from: you can get there from NY, Philly, Charlotte, DC, Atlanta, or Boston. The DC flight is the shortest – about an hour and a half. I usually fly out of Philly, since it’s the shortest flight from a good airport (good as far as things to kill time on the layover). Flight from Philly is 2 hours. Flight from Atlanta is about 3 hours.
The weather is warm, but since Bermuda is so far north, it is not hot year-round like it is in the Caribbean. I have been in January, March, April, May, June, September, and October, and the weather has always been nice. I have been able to get in the water every time except in January. The locals might think you’re crazy for getting in the water before the end of May or after the first of October, but it is actually tolerable.
I stay at Grotto Bay (www.grottobay.com). This is a really nice hotel, and probably the most convenient as far as being able to get around. It is a reasonably-priced resort – there are 2 indoor restaurants and 1 poolisde restaurant (open in-season), a nice pool with swim-up bar, fitness center, hot tub, and watersports center. They also have a meal plan, which I recommend you do, as eating out is very expensive (2 people, meal plus cab, over $100). The meal plan provides you with breakfast and dinner for about $60/day per person. They also have a manager’s rum swizzle party every Monday, where you can meet the manager, and other guests, and enjoy complimentary rum swizzles (yummy). They also have complimentary tea every afternoon. You will probably find this at most other hotels on the island as well. Other hotels you might want to consider: Wyndham, Elbow Beach Club, 9 Beaches (very very secluded), Southampton Princess. All are somewhat pricey. Grotto Bay is closest to the airport (about a $10 cab ride); whereas the others will run you at least $30-$40 cab from the airport. Cab is the only way to get to your hotel from the airport.
There are no rental cars on the island, so you have 2 choices: rent a moped, or get a bus pass. Definitely get the bus pass – public transportation is very efficient, clean, and if you tell the driver where you want to go, he/she will let you know when you get to your stop. Just remember that pink pole stops go into Hamilton (the capital – see below), blue pole stops are going out of Hamilton. Make sure you get a schedule/map – very easy to read. The pass is also good for the ferries that go between Dockyard and Hamilton (and in the summer, they run a special ferry from St George to Dockyard a couple of days a week that offers a good view of the “outside” of the island). I highly recommend that you do NOT rent a moped, unless you are used to riding a motorcycle on the wrong side of the road. I have seen a newlywed husband spend his entire honeymoon pushing his wife around in a wheelchair because of a moped accident, and the vast majority of accidents involve tourists. I did it once, but that was in the middle of winter when there was nobody on the island. Trust me, the bus and a few minute walk is better than having to have your relatives fly in just to get you onto the plane (saw that, too).
The Bermuda dollar is on par with the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted everywhere. Most merchants are good about trying to give you change back in $US, but try to get a couple of BDA coins – they are much prettier than US.
There are 3 “main” areas of the island – Hamilton, St. George’s, and Dockyard. All 3 have cruise ship docks, and this is where the bulk of the tourists will be. Cruise ship season if basically from April through October. If you want to stay away from the tourists, go in the off season.
Hamilton is the capital and the only true city on the island. Start on Front Street. There is lots of shopping - but to be honest, there really is not a whole lot there that you can’t get at home – and since they have to import everything, some stuff can be pretty pricey – but there are a few things that are unique to the island and worth purchasing. Definitely check out the Island Shop – it is on Queen Street, which intersects with Front Street at the birdcage (where the policeman directs traffic – you’ll know it when you see it). It has a lot of really nice things, and I feel that it is the best place for gifts. For gifts/souvenirs, also try AS Cooper (they are building a mega-store, so their shops/departments are scattered throughout). For jewelry (or jewellery, as they spell it), your best bet is probably Crisson (best quality with lots of BDA-themed items) or Astwood-Dickinson. For T-shirts, my favorite is Flying Colours (next to the Island Shop).
Also in Hamilton, definitely go to the Cathedral – it is a beautiful, gigantic gothic cathedral – you can pay a couple of dollars and climb to the top of the tower – the view is worth it.
St George’s is the old capital and a pretty little town. There are several things to do there as well. St Peter’s church is oldest continually used Anglican church in the western hemisphere (or something like that), and is a pretty little church, made with lots of Bermuda cedar. I suggest getting ice cream at Temptations Ice Cream Shoppe next door, and eat it on the steps in front of the church. Fort St Catherine is pretty much what it says it is – a fort – it’s pretty large, and they have turned it in to somewhat of a museum – if you have some time, go, but it’s a pretty good walk – the bus does not go up to the fort – you might want to take a cab. There is also a little town square where they do a reenactment daily – I believe it is around 11:30 or so – of public punishment – it’s actually pretty amusing, and I try to see it whenever I get the chance. They also have stocks, which I guess is always good for a family photo. There’s some shopping, but it is mostly just a good little town to walk around in – quaint alleys, etc. – there is also a good size beach in Tobacco Bay – it has a snack shop, etc – but it is also a good walk (about 20 minutes from the dock).
Dockyard is the old naval dockyards – and there are really only 3 things to do there: the Maritime Museum/Dolphin Quest, the Dockyard Mall, and a snorkel park that is actually quite nice. My personal opinion of the best thing to do in Dockyard is to get on the bus and head up to the South Shore. This is where you will find the absolute best beaches, famous for their pink sand. Horseshoe is the most famous beach; but not my favorite. It will be jammed with people, particularly if there is more than 1 ship docked (which there usually will be). If you need a beach that has refreshments, changing rooms, etc, then it would be fine. Beware – it is a heck of a hike back up the hill from the beach, but in-season, there is a mini-bus that charges a dollar to take you to the top. If you do not need changing rooms, etc., try Warwick Long Bay. I think it is more scenic and it is definitely less crowded. Elbow Beach is also pretty nice. There are lots of other little beaches along the way. All of the public beaches are part of the national park system and are clearly marked. If you get on the bus at Dockyard (which is the end of the line), take the 7 bus, and make sure you sit on the right side of the bus – it has the better view.
Other places to go:
Flatts: This is one of my favorite places on the island. There is a nice Aquarium/Zoo, and a cute little Harbor. Not much to do other than the Aquarium, but it is just a nice quiet place to explore.
Bailey’s Bay: this area has what is arguably the most famous restaurant in Bermuda, the Swizzle Inn. It’s been around forever, and it just seems to be "the" place to go. Make sure you take a business card or two to tack up on the wall, and of course, you must have a Rum Swizzle or a Dark 'N Stormy. Bailey’s Bay also has the best ice cream/sandwich shop - Bailey’s Ice Cream. Bailey’s ice cream is great (and also what they serve at Temptations in St George). Get a cone and walk around the corner to the Crystal and Fantasy Caves – an underground cavern that is pretty cool.
Gibbs Hill lighthouse: make sure that you check with the Tourism Board office to see if this has reopened – the railing was damaged by a hurricane a couple of years ago, and it was closed – but if it has reopened, it is definitely worth the climb to the top – the views are awesome.
Verdmont: if you’re into the historical preservation thing, this is one of the oldest houses on the island, furnished with 17th or 18th-century items.
Be aware of your surroundings – crime is pretty rare, but is picking up. Most of the people are very nice and friendly, and the island is very clean – you will not see the poverty that you see in the Caribbean.
Take lots of film or a big memory card, and I always take an underwater camera or two – great for snorkeling.