Hawaii or Bermuda?
 

My family lives on the East Coast. My husband travels frequently for business and isn't keen on all of the travel, so I thought a trip to Bermuda might be easier. I thought a cruise might be a good choice also. Hawaii would require a longer trip and more air travel. Is it worth it?

In order to help you, it would help to know what things you like, how long your trip will be and what time of year you're going away. I love Bermuda and think it's a great idea for a week, especially if you enjoy golf and/or tennis.

Cruising is a whole other thing and might be a good antidote for a weary traveller who's sick of packing and unpacking and just wants to stay in one place but might get bored in one place.

Hawaii is a very long trip. I personally wouldn't consider it for less than 10 days and I strongly recommend making a stop in each direction.

We would go to Hawaii for two weeks or a week in Bermuda. I've heard that both places are beautiful. I've been to Bahamas, Jamaica, St. John, St. Thomas, San Juan and St. Maarten. Is Bermuda any more different than these islands?

We like both but prefer Bermuda for a number of reasons - we like the british influence, mopeds, beaches are nicer (just my opinion), just a different type of place. the shopping is really good - lots of duty free. From the east coast, you're much closer and won't have the time change to deal with as well.

haven't been to all the islands you have, but I'd say the big difference b/w Bermuda and the others is the English influence and the climate. Bermuda is slightly more temperate b/c it's not as far south as the others. Knowing you've been to so many islands, I wonder what sort of cruise you'd consider as many cruises stop at the places you've been.

You still haven't said what you like or what time of year you're going, but do you realize Europe is actually closer to the east coast than Hawaii? There are some great beaches in Spain and Portugal.

The sand is pinker in Bermuda. You are not permitted to drive a car there. I've been to both Hawaii and Bermuda (and others you named). Hawaii has more geologic varity, is far less congested, and is prettier, in my opinion. Jamaica and the Bahamas have the British colonial influence, though they seemed to have let go of all the good things the British left behind.

Hi mwoysh--coming from the East Coast Bermuda is certainly an easy flight, 2 hours from Philly. Bermuda has a terrific bus system that makes it easy to get around the island; you can't rent a car but you can rent a moped. This January we returned from our second trip to Hawaii--from Dallas it was a looong flight--two weeks would make it worth your time and you could visit several islands. I don't think you can compare the two and should look into what it is you're looking for in a vacation to help you decide--crunching numbers may help, too, if that is an issue. Both are wonderful experiences--have fun planning! :-)

I just got back from Hawaii last night, so it's fresh on my mind. I love it. Realize it is more complex than Bermuda (a single Caribbean island) - made up of the various islands, colorful history, native local culture, etc. But for only two weeks, coming from the East Coast, with a partner not keen on too much travel... no I am guessing it would not be <worth it> to you right now. Save it for later if/when you are all truly just dying to go, really interested in seeing and appreciating Hawaii for what it is. Then it would be worth the travel.

I've been to Hawaii several times, and took a cruise to Bermuda once. Both were great. The Bermuda cruise docked in Bermuda for 3 days, and was at sea the rest of the time (except for a stop in Norfolk). I think that's standard. So, a cruise will not get you much of Bermuda. Overall, I think there's more to do in Hawaii (particularly if you don't golf), but it certainly is a longer trip. Hawaii also offers a good bit more variety, particularly if you're willing to hop islands or even change sides of islands.

We would be going in late July. We enjoy sightseeing, relaxing in the sun, and dining out. We're still pondering what to do, but all your advice is helping. Thanks!

Have not been to Hawaii, but ten times to Bermuda by cruise ship, yes 10. There are several ports on the East Coast that have cruise ships going to Bermuda. We leave Boston at 5:00 on a Sunday and arrive on Tuesday at noon. We use the buses and ferries to get around.. Several of the other ships go to St. George (our favorite), the Dockyard and Hamilton...

dcespedes--

How long is the flight from Dallas to Hawaii? My husband and I are debating whether or not we want to try Hawaii this summer and that's most likely where we'd fly from. I appreciate the info on this thread--it will help with our decision too!

Hi. I travel to both Hawaii and Bermuda frequently. Hawaii offers more options for an active person, great hiking, surfing (year round), biking. Hawaii also wins on the geologic variety (volcanoes, mountains, cloud forest). Bermuda is gorgeous, too. I go to Bermuda more often because it is so close. I really hate those long flights unless I am in business...in which case I just "dislike" them. Bermuda is clean, easy to get around, absolutely one of the most picturesque places I have visited, and offers a number of hiking options, great beaches (swim only May-October in the ocean) and excellent mild temperatures. Both have a wide variety of restaurants and good shopping. I think Hawaii wins on the plant varieties and cultural opportunities. On one point, I would definitely not cruise to Bermuda. If you want to see Bermuda, fly there and spend all your time in that gorgeous place. Which ever destination you choose you will find plenty to interest you.

Hi Lee4--from Dallas the flight took 8 hours and 45 minutes. On the return travel time was reduced to a mere 6 hours and 30 minutes thanks to a tail wind. I flew American and think if they would use a wider body plane, like the ones used going to Europe, it would be a bit more comfortable but hey, nothing a Mai Tai at sunset can't cure! ;-)

When we needed a relaxing vacation, we took our first cruise. It turned out to be a fantastic vacation. We totally relaxed from the stress of jobs. For someone who travels frequently for business, your DH may just need some time to de-stress.

You can do any of the variety of planned activities aboard ship or just chill out by the pool or on a deck (or your own balcony) and look out over the beautiful ocean. The port stops were perks where we were able to get off the ship, walk around the town or rent a car for the day (or rent a cab with driver) and tour the island. Many of the cruises will stop at their “own” island for a beach day so you can have time on the sand.

As some posters said, there are ships that leave from East Coast ports to Bermuda if you wish to do both.

dcespedes--Thanks for replying about the Dallas/Hawaii flight time! I dread the long flight but I'm sure I could handle it, knowing Hawaii is at the end of it!