This brings me to what Bermuda, which was discovered in 1505 by Juan de Bermudez, is known for. Its pink sandy beaches. The pink comes from tiny bits of coral which contrast beautifully with the light blue, turquoise waters of its beaches. Coves are found all over the place on the island and make for romantic privacy - something not too common further south among touristy, Caribbean beaches. The island is more pricey than most islands down south, but this makes it a plus with tourists who want privacy. It's not at all unusual to come across a beach all to yourself. You will discover designated beaches for tourists, but there are also smaller sized beaches that have public access.

The island has 64 miles of coastline encircling it, you can rent a scooter and drive from one end of the island to the furthest tip in less than a half hour. Scooters, by the way, are the best and most convenient solution to get around. They can take you where city buses - yet another economical way to get around - cannot. Keep in mind though, as an English colony, people drive on the left side. It is simply manageable once you're on a scooter as opposed to a automobile. Two lane highways sometimes can make you follow a slow driver, but one is permitted to pass on the right. Auto rentals are not allowed, as far as I remember, due to the island's small size. There is a limit on how many cars can be allowed and the priority is given to the natives.

Bermuda has wonderful hotels and a beautiful price tag to go along. Some are located inland on hill tops, while others sit directly on the beaches like the Coco Reef Beach Resort. This little boutique resort offers 64 rooms with every single one having an ocean view. Visitor houses and B&B's abound everywhere as well. Some having been former residences. Usually, these places include breakfast and are not as much economical than major hotels. I personally have stayed in both types. On www.vacationsrentals.com or www.vrbo.com, you will find residents that will rent out apartments that sit on their property. While many would not be straight on a beach, they would be close to public transportation. This would be the least expensive form of accommodation. One of the hotels I personally know is the Grotto Bay Beach Resort. It has its very own beach and 2 secluded coves on an enclosed bay. It sits on 21 acres of hibiscus, oleander and bougainvillea gardens. It also has two grottos - hence the name - and a 500,000 year old underground cave. There is also a bus stop in front if you'd like to take public transportation, or if you walk out to the main road and go to your left, you will lease scooters for one or two people at a daily or multiple-day rate. They have an all-inclusive package deal available, that most other properties offer and the food is fantastic and fresh. Remember that, although, Bermuda can be expensive, your hotel will most likely include a fridge which makes it handy to buy groceries at a nearby market and save on expensive, restaurant meals. Down the street from the Grotto Bay is the famous Swizzle Inn, known for its signature drink called the Rum Swizzle. The national rum is probably the most potent I have ever drank. In fact, it has a 150 proof version that is practically illegal to take on board a plane. Take caution once drinking this rum, because it gave me amnesia one time. It's used for the island's renowned drink, the Dark and Stormy. Several sips of this and you will know why they gave it this name. Flying fish and Bajan fish are local delicacies and might be found on most restaurant's menus. I often prefer to try the small mom and pop eateries that locals go to. This is another benefit of renting a scooter.

The island is divided into 9 parishes. It has two municipalities: Hamilton and St. George. Hamilton is the largest city on the island and you may see the well-known Bermudian shorts that are worn for both business and casual occasions. Even the policemen (or bobbies) wear them. 80% of the tourism comes from the states while the rest comprise of English and Europeans. Most arrive by cruise ship or plane. The airport has no jet bridges to access large aircraft. You leave your plane by a flight of stairs. This maintains its island feel I believe. It's not as if they really don't have the funds to get jet bridges built. The island has no poverty and has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. There are no four year colleges on the island, but you can get certification or an Associates Degree. There are private, public and single sex schools.

A vacation to Bermuda would be well worth the short 1 1/2 flight from the east coast of the US. Having been to most of the islands in the Caribbean, this island has some of the most beautiful beaches that I have ever seen in my life. Remember to check the forecast before you go because the last time I was there, a hurricane came through and canceled most of the flights. It took me two days to get out. I think June or July should be secure enough to avoid a hurricane. I'd highly recommend this wonderful place. Never let the expensiveness discourage you. You'll find ways to get around it when you do a small research. ENJOY. Sincerely yours, Rodney Lorenzo

About the Author:
Bermuda is one of those islands that many Americans do not imagine in the similar sense as they'd a common Caribbean island. The fact is, its latitude is similar to that of Savannah, Georgia, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. I would highly suggest this stunning place. Do not allow the expensiveness discourage you. There are ways to get around it if you do a little analysis. ENJOY.

Each year, a large number of individuals make the decision to book a cruise ship getaway.  When it comes to vacationing aboard a cruise ship, you are presented with an unlimited number of options.  There are a large number of cruise lines that operate numerous cruise ships.  In fact, there are so many cruise ships available that many individuals, maybe even yourself included, do not know where to start.

The first step in planning a cruise ship vacation is making the decision to take one.  Traveling aboard a cruise ship can be a fun and exciting experience, but it is not for everyone.  Cruises ships often require residing in close corridors for an extend period of time.  If you have a difficult time dealing with crowds or you are looking for an overnight vacation, you may want to reexamine your decision to schedule a cruise ship vacation. 

If you have already decided that a cruise ship vacation is what you want, you will need to find a cruise ship that interests you. This is where many individuals develop a problem.  As previously mentioned, there are a number of different cruise lines. Each of these cruises lines operates a number of different cruise ships.  Each cruise ship is likely to travel to different destinations and offer different activities, services, and facilities. 

When searching for the perfect cruise ship, you have numerous options.  Many travelers automatically start searching for the cruise ship of their dreams. Searching for a cruise ship is, in a way, different than searching for a cruise line.  If you do not have a preference as to which cruise ship line you’d like to travel with, it may be easier to search for cruises based on themes, destinations, or onboard activities.  A standard internet search is a great way to educate yourself on the cruise ships available. 

If you prefer to travel with a specific cruise line, you will want to research that particular cruise line.  You can visit the cruise line’s online website to further educate yourself or else you can perform a standard internet search.  If you are unaware of the cruise line selection you have, you can easily familiarize yourself.  There are a number of travel websites that offer information and links to the websites of popular cruise lines.  Performing an internet search with the keywords “cruise lines,” is likely to produce a large number of results. 

In your search, it is likely that you will come up with popular cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruse Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, and much more.  Once you are able to view the online website of each cruise line, you can begin to search for cruise ships with reservations still available.  When browsing through each cruise ship, you will likely be presented with standard information. This information may outline the activities available onboard, destinations, travel stops, and the cost of reserving a cabin. 

The Disney Cruise Line is one of the most well-known and sought after cruise lines for individuals vacationing with a family.  If you are interested in scheduling a Disney cruise, you will see that the two cruise ships used are named Disney Wonder and Disney Magic.  Each ship has onboard Disney characters and beautiful décor.  The main differences between the two ships are the character statues found onboard.

Carnival Cruise Lines is well-known among frequent travelers.  They offer a wide range of cruises; however, their main focus seems to be on “fun” cruises.  When researching Carnival Cruise Lines, you will see that they have over 20 “fun” ships.  These ships target cruise goers who are interested in socializing, partying, and having an adventure over the water.  Popular cruise ships include, but are not limited to Fantasy, Ecstasy, Celebration Fascination, and Sensation. 

Royal Caribbean is another one of the many well-known cruise lines in the world. They are famous for their international cruises.  Just a few of their many cruise ships include Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas.  With twenty-one cruise ships, you are sure to find what you are looking for with Royal Caribbean

Researching each cruise line and cruise ships, individually, may take time.  If you are pressed for time you can seek the assistance of a travel agent.  Whichever method of research you select, research is important. It is the best way to find the perfect cruise ship for you and your family.