I’m taking a well-deserved vacation in September (or possibly October) and wonder which vacation spot to visit.
Barring a hurricane, which island/set of islands would you recommend? I’ve never been to either, so I’m looking to do some sunbathing, sightseeing, slacking and eating.
I’m looking for lots of tropical beauty and postcard-like beaches. To me, Bermuda and the Bahamas conjure similar images.
I’ve been to Bermuda once about 11 years ago. It seemed pretty much geared for sight seeing, shopping, golfing and slacking.
The only Other place I’ve been was Cozumel & Playa del carma (spelled something like that) There seemed to be way more variety as far as things to do, but the atmosphere was more hectic. The weather was much more humid there and there were some sleezy neighborhoods to avoid. (I’ve been to both near the end of august)
I’d go with Bermuda between the two if you’re looking for relaxation.
This september we’re going to San Juan and I think St Thomas. I’ve never been to either yet So…that’s all I can say for now.
Have a good time!
I’ve not been to Bermuda, but I’ve traveled to the Bahamas twice. The first time, I went to Paradise Island, which was lovely. Fluffy sandy beaches, clear ocean water, nice hotel and recreation. The second time, I went to Cable Beach, Nassau, which was even more fun. Casino, waitstaff bringing me drinks on the beach, five restaurants in the hotel, and a fun lounge band. Plus, being in Nassau meant being closer to the touristy stuff, like the markets and deep-sea fishing trips and snorkeling expeditions.
Did I mention that I absolutely LOVE Nassau? 
Bermuda is great. We were there in '98. Note that you are not allowed to rent a car there. Only mopeds. Use them for day-trips. This is a British protectorate, so they drive on the left. Took a little getting used to. Island speed limit is low, so you won’t get side-swiped by maniacal drivers.
Not driving has its advantages, as you typically will be using mass transit (bus/cab/jitney) so drinking/driving issues evaporate. Going out - have a blast!
It’s beautiful but muggy. People were generally friendly.
No “franchises” allowed there either - so don’t expect strip malls of McDonald’s/Hard Rock Cafe/TGIF’s etc. Also, no garish neon signs allowed either.
Am I the only one who after reading the title of the thread automatically thought
Come on pretty mama… 
The Bahamaian dollar is pegged to the US dollar, and then, since it’s an island, things are marked up more. And then, since they are trying to fleece the tourists out of as much money as they can, they mark it up some more out of the sheer entertainment value of it. Then they sometimes just flat out rip you off.
Example. I learned quickly that you negotiate taxis before you get in. But then asshole taxi guy gives you a quote while loading your bags into his trunk. He then agrees on a price, shuts the trunk, then adds that there is a three dollar a bag charge, then threatens to leave with your baggage when you balk.
The outer islands don’t suffer from that mentality, but everything is expensive because they are remote. I thought the Bahamas sucked.
Never been to Bermuda.
Bermuda is certainly way different than the mainland US vegetation- and other-wise, has great beaches, and is a wonderful change of pace, but if you’re in search of tropical forests to wander around in, it’s really not the place. I think you have to go to the carribean for that sort of thing. There are little pockets of woods and gardens of course, but there’s nothing like where you walk under the forest canopy to the remote waterfall splashing into a pool or that sort of thing. It’s still a great place, though.
No, you’re not the only one.
I’ve not been to Bermuda but I’ve heard from many that’s it’s very nice and superior to Bahamas.
The Bahamas are not all that, IMHO. Atlantis resort on Paradise Island is great and way over the top in many ways. The beaches are average but who needs beaches with the pools and man made rivers they’ve got covering each square foot of the resort. Plus huge slides, fish and shark aquariums, restaurants, casinos, water sports, etc…
Have you considered the British Virgin Islands? Now that I can highly recommend.
Bermuda is actually the same latitude as North Carolina, I believe, so it’s not exactly “tropical”. However, it is lovely and very relaxing, with nice people and good sights to see. It’s a very small island, you can see a great deal of it in a week. The beaches are superb as is the snorkeling, etc. Not sure about the nightlife, if you’re interested in that, I suspect it is more laid back than the Bahamas.
Been to both - six of one, half dozen of another…
So what’s wrong with Key Largo, or Montego?
Ow! Stop hitting me! It’s Ludy’s fault!
Go to the Bahamas, and take the ferry to Harbor Island. I think there’s a swanky resort there, but also at least one total fleabag hotel (if you’re more into walking around/beach than room service). It manages to have the vibe of an isolated island (roosters walking around through yards, homey little restaurant) while still having a couple nice shops and the aforementioned resort.
Plus gorgeous pink sand beaches and a shack to buy conchburgers.
You might be bored after two days (or not) but worth a couple of days there.
Mr. Pundit and I took a cruise from NYC to Bermuda way back in June of 1990. We docked in two ports (Hamilton and, um, some town on the other end) though it was unnecessary to change ports IMO because the island is so tiny. You could easily transverse the whole island on your moped in about an hour, IIRC. Bermuda was very low key but clean, safe, and lovely. Not much of a night life back then, though there was more to do at the Hamilton end because of the hotels which were in close proximity.
If you’re not into beaches, not sure there’s a whole lot to occupy you for an entire week. We stayed four days on the island, and honestly that seemed like a sufficient amount of time. I’m not a beach bunny, though. I remember touring a light house, visiting the perfume factory, and spelunking.
Bermuda doesn’t have the tackiness that other tourist traps have…no neon signs, no tacky t-shirt shops. But it also didn’t have an abundance of activities either. Or perhaps we couldn’t afford them. It was 15 years ago.
I think I’m against the flow, here, in that I know Bermuda but not the Bahamas!..
It’s a fantastic place. Really really friendly, and very much content to be how it is (neon lighting of any kind is outlawed, and KFC is the only fast food chain in town because the laws were changed after its arrival to prevent any others appearing).
Unfortuantely, there’s a very real risk of getting hit by an idiot Bermudian driver. Keep attention on the road at all times!
Granted. But the greatest natural appeal of Bermuda is underwater - reefs that you can paddle out to are present on many beaches.
If you’re in to history, or in to outdoor (i.e. water-based) stuff, there’s a lot to do. But make sure you research it in advance, because the locals don’t shout about it (or about anything)