Travel Tips When Cruising To Bermuda

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your Bermuda cruise vacation:

Bermuda is NOT the Caribbean - the winters may not get snow, but you certainly won't be out swimming in the ocean. Daily average temperatures for each month are:

January: air temp. 69 degrees / water temp. 66 degrees
February: air temp. 68 degrees / water temp. 65 degrees
March: air temp. 68 degrees / water temp 66 degrees
April: air temp. 72 degrees / water temp 69 degrees
May: air temp. 76 degrees / water temp. 74 degrees
June: air temp. 77 degrees / water temp. 76 degrees
July: air temp. 86 degrees / water temp. 84 degrees
August: air temp. 86 degrees / water temp. 84 degrees
September: air temp. 84 degrees / water temp. 82 degrees
October: air temp.76 degrees / water temp. 77 degrees
November: air temp. 74 degrees / water temp. 72 degrees
December: air temp. 71 degrees / water temp. 69 degrees

Bermuda is British - judges wear powdered wigs, drivers are the left side of the road, and dress is fairly conservative (especially on the golf courses or in upscale restaurants). Of course, Bermuda shorts are seen everywhere - even on businessmen wearing jackets and ties! Bikinis are not permitted more than 25 feet from the ocean.

Be aware of the passport regulations if you are planning a trip to Bermuda. If you will be arriving by cruise ship before January 1, 2008, a passport is NOT required, but a birth certificate PLUS a laminated government issued photo ID is required of US citizens (a photo ID is not required of US citizens under age 16, but a birth certificate is required). If you are arriving by air, or will be arriving by cruise ship after January 1, 2008, you will need a passport. Waiting times for a passport have been quite long due to changing regulations, so be sure to apply early.

American currency is accepted just about everywhere in Bermuda, but just be aware that if you use an ATM machine, it will give you Bermuda currency. This may be best to do near the beginning of your stay, or else most shopkeepers would be happy to give you change of a purchase in American dollars - just ask.

Bermuda can be expensive - being on a cruise ship will help, in that your lodging and meals are already taken care of (but be sure to have SOME food on Bermuda - the fish chowder is a special treat) Those who fly and stay on Bermuda would say that the financial savings of a cruise are balanced by the abbreviated time spent on such a lovely island, and the fact that you are always part of a crowd - the cruise crowd.

Cruising to Bermuda may cause you to experience rougher seas than cruising the Caribbean. Because you are sailing out in the Atlantic Ocean, where the warmer Gulf Stream waters collide with the cooler ocean waters, the seas may be a bit unruly. If you are concerned, you may wish to consider a plan for seasickness (wrist bands, medication, etc.), or sailing on one of the larger cruise ships, which experience much less of the ocean's waves than comparable smaller ships.
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By: Stephanie Larkin

Stephanie Larkin is the editor of www.CruiseLinesandPorts.com, as well as www.BermudaCruiseSite.com. She and her family love to cruise - her 3 children especially love the towel animals and chocolates left on the beds at night!

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A Mountain Survival Guide

Why climb the mountain? Because it's there! North America's many mountainous regions hold a certain fascination for numerous people on vacation from around the world. But every year, thrill seekers are hurt and sometimes killed from accidents that have happened while traversing these mountains. Most of the time, if precautions are taken, you can keep you and your family safe.

If you are going to be traveling in the mountains, there are a few things to consider before you head out, to ensure you are safe should a problem arise. First, dress in layers. One of the main difficulties when traveling through higher altitudes is the huge variance in temperature that you will face. Should you be stranded in the mountains at night, it can become very cold. To avoid problems that come as a result of the weather, dress warmly but in layers that can be removed if it becomes too warm.

Before leaving, make sure that someone knows where you are heading, and when you expect to be back. This is crucial to your rescue if you should become lost. If there is someone expecting you to be back at a certain day and time and you do not return, a search party can begin. However, if no one knows where you are and when to expect you, then it may be weeks before they start looking.

Hansel and Gretel had the right idea when it came to marking a trail so they wouldn't get lost. Instead of using bread crumbs, they should have made sure they had a pocket knife before they left the cottage. With a knife, you can carve a notch in a tree or rock every few yards to retrace your steps if needed.

Always travel with a flashlight and extra batteries. Also, make sure you take waterproof matches along with you. A space blanket and a small tarp are essential to your survival in the mountain wilderness. Bring along some water purification tablets in case you should need to search for something to drink. A container that can hold water is also a must.

If you do find that you are lost in the mountains and do not know how to return to where you came from, the best thing to do is to stay where you are. If you move around, you will be harder to find when rescue comes. However, if you are near a stream and you feel you must keep moving, head downstream. This will take you towards the bottom of the mountain, which is usually closer to a road or town. If you can find shelter where you are, stay put and get out of the elements. Leave a marker, like a brightly colored jacket or tarp, so that rescuers might find you. Then you need to get into shelter.

Stay away from any animals you might encounter. The animal you will be most likely to encounter is a bear. Whatever you do, do not surprise an unsuspecting bear! Catching a bear off guard is the reason for most bear attacks.

Do not become overly concerned about food. Watch the local wildlife and find berries or nuts that you can eat. Remember that the human body can survive up to three weeks with no food, but it is much more important to stay hydrated, as lacking water can bring you close to death quickly. Make sure you have access to water at all times.
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By: Joe Buchmacher

The Budget Travel site of Joe Buchmacher has more information on Backpacking.

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