First of all ... the history of Bermuda:

Shipwrecks. African drum beats. Knee socks. Culturally, the resort island is a unique blend of colonial history and African heritage. This has given birth to the colourful local legends and rich traditions.
As Britain’s oldest colony, its influence continues to dominate the government, educational and legal institutions. You may spot one of the judges walking through Hamilton in a powdered wig, see a bobby directing traffic or overhear a passionate conversation about a local cricket match.

African influences, while subtler, can be found in the dance and music, especially reggae, calypso and the rhythm of the Gombeys.

Not sure what to pack for the perfect Bermuda getaway? Allow us to help take the hassle out of travel planning. Here all of the basics covered.

Passports and Immigration
Before embarking on your subtropical island getaway, make sure to pack the requisite documents.

Passports are the preferred document for entry into Bermuda. They are required of all visitors from countries that need a passport for re-entry purposes or for entry through another country.

Travellers from the US
To enter Bermuda, in addition to a Return or Onward ticket, you need to have one of the following:

A US passport
Birth certificate with a raised seal or official stamp, together with photo ID issued by a competent municipal authority, or certified copy with photo ID
US Re-entry Permit
US Naturalisation Certificate
US Permanent Resident Card
IMPORTANT: As of the proposed date of January 8, 2007, US citizens returning to the US must have valid passports. From this date, passports will be the only recognised travel document for American travelers returning to the US.

Canadian
Visitors from Canada must present one of the following in addition to their round- trip ticket to our island:

Valid Canadian passport
Birth certificate or certified copy together with photo ID
For people born outside of Canada, a Canadian Certificate of Citizenship or Canadian Permanent Resident Card

European travellers
Visitors from the UK and Western Europe must present the following in addition to their round-trip ticket to our island:

Valid passport of their country
Round-trip ticket to Bermuda
All travellers must carry proof of citizenship and personal identification, such as government-issued photo ID, relevant to return to your country or for re-entry through another foreign country, as required by Bermuda Immigration authorities.

Customs and Duty
No matter where you are travelling from, they look forward to welcoming you. Simply follow these guidelines to make your arrival and departure as seamless as possible.
Every traveller arriving in Bermuda must complete a Customs Traveller Declaration. Travellers must declare all goods, including gifts, that will be left in Bermuda.

• If members of the same household are travelling together as a group, then one person may complete one declaration form for the whole group
• The value of imported goods must be declared in Bermuda dollars
• The Customs Traveller Declaration is not intended for use to declare goods for resale, commercial samples or goods bought on commission
• Visitors arriving as passengers by air or sea are entitled to duty-free allowances for accompanied baggage, personal effects, gifts, tobacco and alcoholic beverages
• Duty is payable on any imported goods not covered by a duty-free allowance
  See our Customs Guide for specific duty rates and more detailed information

Money
When visiting an international shopping destination such as Bermuda, the correct currency proves essential.

• Legal tender in Bermuda is the Bermuda dollar, which trades at the same rate as the US dollar and carries the same symbol ($)
• Bermuda and US currencies are accepted interchangeably, but change is almost always given in Bermudian coins
• Canadian dollars, British pounds and other foreign currencies will need to be exchanged at local banks
• ATMs may be your best bet for exchanging money. They are fast, accessible and usually offer a great rate. Both the Bank of Bermuda Limited and the Butterfield Bank have on-island ATMs, available 24 hours a day. Check convenience stores, gas stations and your hotel for the nearest ATM

Electricity
We encourage visitors to first check the adaptability of personal appliances before plugging in at island hotels.

• The electrical current in Bermuda is 110 volts, 60Hz AC, which is the same voltage supported by the US and Canada
• Travellers from the UK and Europe will need to use an adapter since two-pronged plugs are in use island-wide

Health and Safety
With its excellent health care and extremely low crime rate, taking a holiday in Bermuda can only boost your well-being.
The island supports one large critical care hospital, offering all of the same services you would rely on at home. There is a charge for health services here so many visitors choose comprehensive travel insurance. No inoculations or unusual health precautions are required for your visit.

Their small size and affluent population not only affords us quality care for residents and visitors, but it leads to safe streets and a very low rate of crime.

Mind the outdoors
Follow these simple safety guidelines to more fully enjoy our vibrant ecosystem:

• Limit your exposure to the sun, especially at midday. Make certain to apply sufficient sunblock on all of your favourite body parts
• Steer clear of the Portuguese man-of-war that occasionally shows up on our beaches and in our waters between March and July. This extremely poisonous creature sports a brilliant blue, gas-filled float. Very pretty, but very dangerous
• Hay fever sufferers will be overjoyed on our shores since ragweed is nonexistent, and pollens of other weeds are quickly blown out to sea
• When exploring coastal trails or accessing our famous beaches, sturdy shoes will help prevent twisted ankles and stubbed toes, as well as protect your toes from the hot sand

Hotel programs
From family breakfast packages to special welcome packs for your young ones, the island hotels and resorts know how to please the kids. And no one will have to ask them twice to get in the pool or on the child-size putting green. When you book your hotel stay, be sure to inquire about special rates and kid-friendly amenities.

Pediatric care
Our island supports several large hospitals, offering all of the same services you would rely on at home. Better still, no inoculations or unusual health precautions are required for your family’s visit. With their excellent health care and extremely low crime rate, a family holiday in Bermuda is just what the doctor ordered.

Babysitters
Many hotels offer assistance with finding a reputable babysitter while you are visiting the island. We recommend you enquire in advance of your stay. However, if you need babysitting or special services after you arrive, hotels will generally make every effort to assist you.

Beach time
During summer months, lifeguards are stationed at Horseshoe Beach, John Smith's Bay, Clearwater Beach and Turtle Bay during daytime hours. Your hotel or resort may even have its own private beach with an assigned lifeguard.

Kids ride free
Many children consider a ride on one of our ferries an adventure! Better yet, on ferries children under five ride free, and those under 16 ride for BM$2. On our pink public buses, children under five ride free while those under 16 ride for BM$1.

Links & Sources:

• Frommers