Take It Easy — Visit Bermuda

Bermuda proudly displays its colonial heritage with a distinctive British charm and well-appointed details. But don’t let its British refinement fool you; things are easy and laid-back.

After all, this is an island where even formal attire includes the famous Bermuda shorts. It’s where a road trip means hopping on a scooter, which can quickly get you anywhere in this small, intimate destination. And Bermuda’s just 600 miles east of North Carolina, making it a short, easy flight from much of the U.S.

Actually, Bermuda’s not one island, but 138 tiny islands connected by bridges.

It’s definitely not like other tropical islands, starting with its famous pink sand created from colorful coral and waves. Also, its mild ocean currents mean underwater sediment isn’t tossed around, and the waters stay clear. The combination of beautiful coral reefs and clear, quiet, shallow waters create some of the finest diving conditions imaginable — perfect for viewing Bermuda’s 600 species of fish.

In Bermuda, nature’s majesty isn’t confined to the ocean. Bermuda’s vibrant golf culture is an indication of this. There are more golf courses per square mile in Bermuda than anywhere else in the world. The quality of these world-famous courses easily matches the quantity, where fairways and greens overlook stunning cliffs and seascapes (and even the occasional lighthouse). For those a little more rugged, Bermuda’s 18-mile Railway Trail is a nature trail that takes them through the cities of Somerset, St. George’s, and Hamilton, along the way offering some great biking, hiking, and horseback riding.

Bermuda’s “big cities” are more like villages. St. George’s narrow, twisting streets remain the same as they did 250 years ago. Most of its buildings were constructed in the 17th to 19th centuries, and the authorities have tried to prevent development and hide signs of changes.

Hamilton is a town of pastel houses with whitewashed roofs, shuttered windows, arched doorways, small shops, and Old World carriages. There you’ll find pieces of its old naval and colonial heritage enmeshed with modern nightspots, luxury shopping, bustling plazas, and trendy restaurants.

The far western end of Bermuda is a great place to end your island experience, at the Royal Naval Dockyard, the Royal Navy’s headquarters of its Atlantic Fleet for almost 150 years. Whether you walk the Maritime Museum or swim with local dolphins, the nautical and the natural mean your experience will be boldly Bermuda.

For more information on Bermuda, contact your AAA Travel professional or visit www.AAA.com.