Bermuda (Ber-MYOO-duh)

Bermuda Flag

Why visit Bermuda?

For their rosy beaches, cricket, deep-sea fishing, golf, nature preserves, sailing, snorkeling, tennis, scuba diving, relaxation, shopping and snorkeling.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Bermuda Gold (liqueur), fish chowder, Gosling's Bermuda (rum), rum cakes, sherry pepper sauce, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Codfish Breakfast, Codfish Cake, Fish Chowder, Fish Sandwich, Glasseye Snapper, Spiny Lobster, Rockfish, and Yellowfin Tuna.
• Local Drink to Try: Dark 'n' Stormy (cocktail). Royal Yacht Club (cocktail). Rum Swizzle (national).

History

• Found in 1511 by Juan de Bermudez the island was referred as "Isles of Devils" because of their rocks, reefs, and shoals surrounding them. 
• The island was used by Spanish and Portuguese ships as a stop for supplies. Not until 1609, did the first refuge take place onboard, "Sea Venture".
• Bermudians prospered as shipbuilders, merchants, and privateers during the American Civil War.
• In 1937, Imperial Airways and Pan American World Airways began scheduling flying-boat services from New York and Baltimore.
• During World War 11, the US Military was located in Bermuda further igniting their travel and tourism in the 1960-1970s.

Photo Credit: Larry White/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Land consists of 181 small islands, the largest of which are connected by bridges and causeways, 20 which are inhabited. Located in the Atlantic, not the Caribbean.
• "Bermuda Triangle", a region of sea according to legends a number of planes and ships disappeared in unexplained or mysterious circumstances.
• There are no rivers or springs.
• Regardless of their small size, they have more than 125 churches.
• Police, Mail Carriers and Business Local wear Bermuda shorts. Ideally, inches above the knee and with long socks turned just below the knee.
• The Princess Hotel in Hamilton opening was inspired following the winter of 1883 upon Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria flee of frigid Canada to a warmer climate governed by her husband.
• Elbow Beach, south shore has been a popular location for over 100 years; said to have a gentle curve similar to a human elbow.
• Popular Island sports: cricket, rugby football and tennis.
• Associated with the biennial event, The Newport to Bermuda Sailing Race which begins in Newport, Rhode Island and finishes at St David's Head, Bermuda with a large party at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
• Calendar of Events: Bermuda Day (May) boasts parades, Queen's Birthday (June), Cup Match (July), Somers Day (August) and The PGA Grand Slam of Golf (October), Boxing Day (December).
• FKC franchise in Hamilton is the only fast-food franchise on the island.
• The title of John Lennon's Double Fantasy album was inspired by the name of a flower he saw in the Bermuda Botanical Gardens. Other gestures include: Bermuda's Story by Island Historian, Terry Tucker; Verdmont: The Story of a House by Diana Chudleigh; Mark Twain in Paradise-His Voyages to Bermuda by Donald Hoffman and 1977 underwater thriller The Deep based on Peter Benchley's novel.
  
• Serves as the global base of operation for Jardine Matheson and the headquarters for Bacardi.
  
• Popular rosy beaches contain two key ingredients; the pink from tiny Foraminifera, which cling to the reefs while alive and color the sands after death and secondly from crystalline quartz, the nonnative mineral transported in the guts of migrating birds.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge Weekend Festival of the Performing Arts, Restaurant Week, Marathon Weekend, Spa Month, (March) Bermuda International Rugby 7s, International Film Festival, Triple Challenge, (April) Agricultural Exhibition, Black Golfers Week, Dive Month, Find Your Flippers, International Race Week, Kite Flying, Peppercorn Ceremony, (May) Antigua Bermuda Race, Convex End to End, Harbour Nights,  USATF Bermuda Grand Prix, (June) Carnival, Heroes Weekend, Marion-to-Bermuda Race, Newport–Bermuda Race, (July) Triple Crown Billfish Championship, (August) Bermuda Pride, Cup Match, (September) Sand Sculpture Competition, St George's Seafood Festival, Swizzle Festival, (October) City Food Festival, Round the Sound, International Gombey Festival, Taste of Bermuda, (November) Butterfield Bermuda Championship,  World Rugby Classic, (December) Christmas Boat Parade, Goodwill Tournament, and National Trust Christmas Walkabout.
• Holidays: New Years Day, Good Friday, Bermuda Day, National Heroes' Day,  Emancipation Day, Labour Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas & Boxing Day.

Good to Know

• Seasons are reversed from the typical Caribbean Islands.
• Visitors are not permitted to rent cars, only motor scooters. Small cars are only permitted by Residents, one per household. Therefore, their public transportation and taxis are extensive. Ferries are also a bus system supplement.
• The Bermuda Railway Trail runs the length of the Island and is perfect for pedal bikes.
  
• Beaches are found in bays, coves and small strips, rather than stretching for miles along the shore. Waves can be rough except where beaches are sheltered by reefs and coves.
• While Shipwrecks are plentiful, only Certified Divers can explore them via organized and guided dives.
• The Moongate, a decorative circle symbolizes unity, peace, happiness and brings "Good Luck" to couples passing through it.
• Retains British Customs: English Pubs, Afternoon Tea, and Conservative Dress.
• There are no nude beaches or semi-nude beaches. Bare feet is not acceptable.
• Local specialty: fish chowder, shark hash and sweet potato pudding.
• A culture of Native American, African, and European descent.

Photo Credit: Larry White/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 12 months.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

                                                                       

                                                                     Hurricane Season is from June to November.

• Coolest Season: December - March
• Humid & Hottest: June - August
• Peak Season: May - October
  
• Shoulder Season: October - mid-November

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Birdcage, Bridge House, Cabinet Building, City Hall, Crystal & Fantasy Caves, Fort Hamilton, Fort Scaur, Fort St Catherine, Gibb's Hill Lighthouse, Old State House, Perot Post Office, Royal Naval Dockyard, Sessions House, St David's Battery, St David's Lighthouse, Town Hall and Tucker House.
• Museums: Bermuda Historical Society Museum, Bermuda National Gallery, Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Carter House Museum, Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, National Museum of Bermuda, St. George's Historical Society Museum Printery and Garden and Verdmont Museum.
• Popular Attractions: Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo, Bermuda Botanical Gardens, Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Dolphin Quest Bermuda, Queen Elizabeth Park, Somers Garden, St Peter's Church and Walsingham Nature Reserve.  

Photo Credit: Arvid Olson/Pixabay

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                       All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.  

The Bahamas (buh-HAH-muhz)

Bahamas Flag

Why visit The Bahamas?

Beautiful blue and turquoise ocean waters, casino gambling, diving, golf, fishing tournaments, island seclusion, kayaking, luxury, nightlife, rustling palms, sailing, sandy beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling and tropical sun.

Most travelers visit Freeport, Grand Bahama Island and Nassau/Paradise Island, New Providence. Needless to mention, each island offer it's own unique charm.

Photo Credit: richardrohl2/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Jewelry, leather goods, linens, liquor, perfume, and woven goods. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Johnnycake (corn bread). Mollusk (sea snail).
• Local Drink to Try: Goombay Punch (soft drink). Kalik (beer). Nassau Royale (liqueur). Planter's Punch (cocktail). Sky Juice (cocktail). Switcha (lemonade).

Nassau, Bahamas. Photo Credit: neverzola/Pixabay 

History

• An estimated 30,000 Lucayans lived on the islands at the time of Christopher Columbus' arrival on October 12, 1492.
• George Washington called The Bahamas "Isles of Perpetual June", today known as "Isles of June".
• In 1648, Eleutherian Adventurers migrated from Bermuda. The English Puritans sought freedom and survived on "Eleuthera" salvaging goods from shipwrecks.
• During the 18th Century, Nassau was a Pirate Refuge.
• In 1718, Britain made the Bahamas a crown colony under the governorship of former privateer Woodes Rogers.
• In 1807, the British abolished slavery. Before then, approximately 40 cotton plantations existed to employ 1,200 slaves.
• In 1920, the island was a hub for Rumrunners Smugglers.

Photo Credit: Forest Simon

Fun Facts

• Consists of around 700 islands and more than 2000 Atlantic Ocean islets.
• The name Bahamas derives from Spanish "baja mar", which means "shallow sea".
  
• On 7/10/73 they gained their Independence from Great Britain but remained a Member of the British Commonwealth. 
• The country's highest point (207 feet) is Mount Alvernia on Cat Island.
• The Bahamas is one of three countries to officially use the word "The".
• In 1907, "Cable Beach" was born after the transatlantic cable was laid under the sea connecting Nassau to Jupiter, Florida.
• "Lyford Cay", is a private gated community northwest of New Providence known to be home to celebrities and the wealthiest people.
• In 1998, the popular mega-resort Atlantis opened.
• More than 1,000 wrecks are thought to lie on the ocean floor from the great era of gold-transporting sailing ships.
• The Abacos is known to have more boat mooring points than hotel rooms.
• Eleuthera boasts some of the world's sweetest pineapples.
• Andros Barrier Reef is the world's sixth longest.
• According to local lore, there are two mythical creatures on Andros. Lucas, half-octopus, half shark a gigantic who swallows vessels in their entirety, and Chickcharney, a feathered three feet tall with one eye and three-toed claws.
• You may enjoy reading, The Old Man and the Sea and Islands in the Stream, written by Ernest Hemingway.
  
• You may be inspired by movie scenes such as James Bond in For Your Eyes Only, The Spy Who Loved Me, Thunderball, and Never Say Never Again, or the diamond thieves After the Sunset (2004).
• The famous "swimming pigs" reside on Big Major Cay. They were rumored to have been left by Sailors who never returned for them after their shipwreck.

Exuma, Bahamas. Photo Credit: Yolanda Rolle/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Junkanoo, New Year's Day Sailing Regatta, (February) Mid-Winter Wahoo, Farmer's Cay Festival, (March) Bacardi Billfish Tournament, Sea Level Music & Arts Festival, (April) Bahamas Family Island Regatta, Bahamas Billfish Championship, Bahamas White Marlin Open, Tortuga Music Festival, (May) Long Island Regatta, (June) Bahamas Summer Boating Fling, Eleuthera Pineapple Festival, (July) Annual Racing Time, Independence Week, (August) Cat Island Regatta, (September) All Abaco Sailing Regatta, (October) Great Bahamas Seafood & Heritage Festival, North Eleuthera Sailing Regatta, (November) Annual One Bahamas Music & Heritage Festival, and Bimini Big Game Fishing Club All Wahoo Tournament.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Majority Rule Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Labour Day, Independence Day of Bahamas, Emancipation Day, National Heroes Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Photo Credit: Ralph Häusler/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• ​On some islands, a car rental may actually be a golf cart.​
  
• Freeport is the island's city and free trade zone.
• Southern Islands are less frequently visited, drier and more desert-like.
• Junkanoo, is an annual street festival with lots of music, dance, art held on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Other popular festivities include: Pineapple Festival (Eleuthera), Crab Festival (Andros), Fishing Tournaments & Regatta (Abacos), National Out Island & Cruising Regattas (Examus) and Fishing Tournaments (Biminis).
• ​Swimming with dolphins is popular in Nassau, Grand Bahama or Bimini​.
  
• Beyond the major tourist islands bank services may be limited.
• It's illegal to sunbathe nude on beaches. Only a few select resorts permit topless. 
  

Eleuthera, Bahamas. Photo Credit: Lisa Codella/Pixabay 

Hurricane Season is June - November.

• Coolest Season: November - April
• Humid & Hottest: August 
• Peak Season: Late November - Mid April
  
• Rainy Season: May - October
• Shoulder Season: September

Photo Credit: Robin Smith/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Attractions: Abaco National Park (Abaco), Ardastra Gardens Zoo (New Providence), Botanical Gardens (Nassau), Inagua National Park (Great Inagua), Lucayan National Park (Grand Bahama Island), Mount Alvernia (Cat Island), Port Lucaya Marketplace (Grand Bahama Island), Queen's Staircase (Nassau), Royal Victoria Garden (Nassau), Straw Market (Nassau)
• Beaches: Harbour Island (Eleuthera), Taino Beach (Grand Bahama Island), Treasure Cay (Great Abaco Island)

Photo Credit: cgordon8527/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Atlantis Bahamas, Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas. Photo Credit: schliff/Pixabay

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.   

Honeymoon

Photo Credit: farryn8/Pixabay

Congratulations, on your engagement!

The history of a Honeymoon?

The honeymoon was originally the period following marriage, "characterized by love and happiness", as attested since 1546. Alluding "the idea that the first month of marriage is the sweetest".

The custom originated during the early-19th-century in Great Britain. Upper-class couples would take a "bridal tour", sometimes accompanied by friends or family, to visit relatives who had not been able to attend the wedding. The practice eventually spread to the other European countries from the 1820s onwards. 

The most popular honeymoon destinations at the time were the French Riviera and Italy, particularly its seaside resorts and romantic cities such as Rome, Verona, and Venice. Then, honeymoons would typically start on the night of the marriage, with the couple leaving midway through the reception to catch a late train or ship. Today, many couples do not leave until 1 - 3 days after the wedding ceremony and reception.

Traditionally, the Bride engrossed in planning for the Wedding Day, the Honeymoon planning was left to the Groom and paid for by the Groom's family. Today, so many couples share this responsibility and cost.

hoto Credit: Anthony Delanoix

Benefits of a honeymoon?

After months of stress and preparation for your nuptials amongst family and friends. A honeymoon is your time to reconnect with your partner! As a newly married couple embarking on: adventure, relaxation and romance. A great way, adapting to any adjustments with the onset of togetherness. Also, your time for privacy and intimacy. After all, "time" is the greatest gift you can give anyone; no amount of money can buy it nor can it be recaptured once it's passed.

  

Honeymooners usually seek exotic or romantic places, therefore popular destinations include:

• Fiji
• France (Paris)
• French Polynesia (Bora Bora & Tahiti)
• Greece (Mykonos & Santorini)
• Hawaii
• Indonesia (Bali)
• Italy (Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Florence, Lake Como, & Tuscany)
• Jamaica
• Maldives
• Mexico
• St Barts
• St Lucia
• Tahiti
• Thailand (Phuket Island)
• Turks & Caicos
• US Virgin Islands (St Croix, St John, & St Thomas)

In selecting a destination it's also important to identify your goals to include: Activities, Adventure, All-Inclusive, Honeymoon Packages, Local Season and Romance Options.

Photo Credit: svklimkin/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Honeymoon & Destination Specialist combined with our connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Safari Outfitters, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers, Rail, Car Rental and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Photo Credit: Наталья Коллегова/Pixabay 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.   

Destination Wedding

Photo Credit: Sandy Millar

The history of a Wedding Day?

A ceremony where two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of marriage vows by a couple, presentation of a gift (offering, rings, symbolic item, flowers, money, dress), and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or celebrant. Special wedding garments are often worn, and the ceremony is sometimes followed by a wedding reception. Music, poetry, prayers, or readings from religious texts or literature are also commonly incorporated into the ceremony, as well as superstitious customs originating in Ancient Rome.

The use of a wedding ring has long been part of religious weddings in Europe and America. Believed, when couples wear their rings, their hearts are connected.

The exit from the wedding ceremony, "send-off", often includes throwing rice to symbol prosperity and fertility.

The Wedding Ceremony is often followed by Wedding Reception or a Wedding Breakfast, in which the rituals may include speeches from the groom, best man, father of the bride and possibly the bride, the newlyweds' first dance as a couple, and the cutting of an elegant wedding cake. In recent years traditions have changed to include a father-daughter dance for the bride and her father, and sometimes also a mother-son dance for the groom and his mother.

Photo Credit: Tú Anh/Pixabay 

Traditionally, Wedding Day Etiquette Costs Applies to Whom?

Parents of The Bride:

• Invitations
• Church, Synagogue, Sexton and/or Organist
  
• Bride's Dress, Veil and Accessories
  
• Floral Arrangements for the Ceremony & Reception
  
• Photographer & Videographer
• Reception Food & Decorations
• Transportation

Parents of The Groom:

• Rehearsal Dinner
• Marriage License and Officiant Fee
  
• Groom's Outfit
  
• Bride's Bouquet, Boutonnieres (for men) and Corsages (women)
  
• Honeymoon
• Entertainment (Band/DJ) & Reception Alcohol

Bridal Party:

• Attendees usually pay for their own attire
• The Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids host the Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party
• The Best Man and Groomsmen host the Bachelor Party

Photo Credit: Julie Rose/Pixabay 

Who Pays for the Destination Wedding?

While the traditional "dowry" and associated responsibility has evolved some couples opt for a Destination Wedding. Generally speaking, Destination Weddings usually are more intimate with a much smaller guest in attendance which equates to affordability and extends your joyous occasions longer amongst family and friends. That being said, the associated costs as mentioned above may still apply but today varies by couples, their families and financial means. 

Destination Wedding etiquette with the exception of the Bridal Party is that invited guests are responsible for their own hotel rooms, transportation to and from the destination and any activities and meals outside of wedding events. It's a kind gesture, to offer guests a Welcome Gift, Welcome Dinner and Departure Breakfast.

Group Rates can also help you and your guests to keep costs down. In addition, to All-Inclusive Packages and Cruise Lines. Do be mindful, some invited guests may not have the necessary funds to participate in your Destination Wedding. Are you willing not to have them there? Would you book them at your expense to attend?

Now, considering the additional cost imposed onto your guests you may not receive the traditional Wedding Gift value of:

• $100-$200 range from a Family Member
• $50-$75 range from a Colleague or Friend

Instead a kind gesture gift. Some couples prefer that Guests pay for an "experience" in their honor to heighten the couples local destination enjoyment.

Photo Credit: adamkontor/Pixabay 

Destination Wedding?

• What is the desired length of your Destination Wedding?
• Where would you like to go?
• When do you wish to get married?
• Any important family traditions?
• What if your preferred Wedding Day is not available, then what?

In planning a Destination Wedding it's imperative to know the local Legal Requirements in any particular destination. In addition, consider:

• Waiting Period (Varies by Country)
• Passport Requirement
• Certified Birth Certificate (Copy)
• Administrative & License Fees
• If applicable, Proof of Divorce Decree or Death Certificate
• Tourist Card/VISA
• Health Certificate
• Blood Test
• Witnesses
• Authorization Letters
• Certificate of Consular Inscription
• Proof of Church Membership 

While the current "Top 10 Destination Wedding Destinations" vary year to year. These popular destinations tend to hold their positions year after year as industry leaders in the market:

• Hawaii
• Las Vegas
• Jamaica
• Mexico

The more direct conversations (who, what, when, where and why), you have upfront with your partner will aid towards minimizing frustrations and avoid awkwardness with your loved ones and guests. Like with anything there's always Cons and Pros.

• Con: Attendance, Church Availability, Distant Planning, Entertainment Cost, Guests Cost, Legality, Legal Requirements, Guest Affordability, Options Available and Wedding Date Availability
• Pros: Destination, Group Rates, Economically Affordable, Honeymoon Included, Intimate, Ongoing Celebration and Package Offers

Photo Credit: Pexels/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Honeymoon & Destination Specialist combined with our connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Safari Outfitters, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers, Rail, Car Rental and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Photo Credit: pixki27/Pixabay 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.