Conversely, few people west of the Mississippi choose Bermuda. Visitors, regardless of personality, emphasize how clean the island appears, how clear the water, how pure the air. In fact, “clean” often elicits more mentions than “beautiful scenery” or “good climate.” Regardless of what that implies about our own living areas or about other vacation destinations, it certainly demonstrates that tourists notice and appreciate a well-kept spot.

A second big point for all traveler types is the good, even elegant, service they report receiving in Bermuda. Perhaps we can all thank the British influence, with its tradition of fine service and visitor hospitality. There is considerable variety of accommodations on the island. Choices include traditional hotels, large or small; cottage colonies which are typically Bermudan-style, housekeeping apartments, and guest houses (like B&Bs). You can choose from a variety of activities (duffers, take note: Bermuda claims to have the highest concentration of golf courses of any place on Earth), go sightseeing in a relaxed and safe manner or just lie on the beach in front an elegant or quaint hotel. You can explore the island with minimal trouble. Public transportation is easy to figure out. If you’ve got a little more energy, rent a bicycle or a moped, and tour the island under your own power. The ocean and the jogging and hiking paths offer unlimited opportunity for more active travelers (divers, take note: Bermuda is called the shipwreck capital of the world). Venturers also can experiment with new and exciting foods of excellent quality. In fact, among all personality types, the quality and variety of food and restaurants come in very high on the traveler rating scale.

November to March is the season for tourist travel to Bermuda. The island lies roughly parallel to the Carolinas, but ocean currents keep it warmer in the winter. The temperature hovers around 70 F, and your hosts plan many special events for those months. But, Bermuda maintains its universal popularity all year long. The beaches are just as beautiful in July and the people are just as hospitable. But it is a more expensive place to visit and it purposely limits the number of cruise passengers it will accept.

Charter a fishing boat and angle for some of Bermuda’s more than 650 species of fish. Enjoy your catch, and watch out for endangered species such as marine turtles, porpoises, whales, corals and sea fans.

For an exhilarating ride, launch yourself from the deck of a boat and parasail over the blue-green waters. There are several locations to choose from. Other popular water sports include water skiing and snorkeling.

Explore down under Bermuda, which has a huge concentration of limestone caves. Casual or dedicated spelunkers enjoy walking silent miles of remarkable colors, stalactites and stalagmites.

Compete in the Bermuda International Race Weekend, a three-day festival held each January. Races vary in difficulty but culminate in a half and full marathon.

Dive to look at any of the island’s more than 400 historic shipwrecks. You can even earn the PADI Wreck Historian Distinctive Specialty.

Sample the local food specialties: peas and plenty (black-eyed peas with onions, salt pork and sometimes rice), hoppin’ John (peas and rice), pawpaw casserole and Bermuda fish chowder.

Snorkel around Bermuda’s unspoiled coral reef.

Bring your binoculars for birding expeditions to see how many of Bermuda’s 360 species you can add to your list. The pond at Spittal Pond Nature Reserve is the top spot for spying those birds.

The best way to get around is by moped, so don’t be afraid to try one. As soon as you get used to it, you’ll appreciate this practical and fun way to tour the island.

Get serious about your photography, then enter the annual Bermuda Essence photography contest. Top prize is $5,000.

Swim with dolphins at the Bermuda Maritime Museum.

Play golf at one of Bermuda’s eight championship courses and check out its golf academy.

The Bermuda National Trust has 785 historic houses on its list. How many can you visit?

Discover Bermuda’s African Diaspora Heritage Trail, a self-guided tour that crisscrosses the island and highlights many aspects of Bermuda’s black heritage.

A visit to Bermuda’s Aquarium, Museum and Zoo will not disappoint. Learn about the local marine life and watch the feedings of the seals and zoo animals. This clearly is a good stop for children if you’ve brought them along.

Tropical weather produces spectacular flowers and foliage. Get a good look at the botanical gardens. Guided tours are offered, but check at your hotel for schedules.

Shop ’till you drop. Bermuda is a duty-free port and offers a wide variety of merchandise from all over the world. Don’t miss the locally made items, especially pottery, blown glass and pictures by local artists.

The Bermuda Perfumery produces scents from flowers that bloom on the grounds. Follow the scent(s) and take a free guided tour.

This is the place to pamper yourself with a spa treatment or two from world class spas.

For more information, consult the Bermuda Department of Tourism at www.bermudatourism.com/index.aspx
To find a Bermuda Specialist, go to the home page’s Travel header and choose Travel Agents & Operators to start the search, or just go to www.bermudatourism.com/travel_agents_operators.aspx

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