Travel feels different now than it did a few years ago. Prices move quickly, flights fill up fast – and for people living in Bermuda, getting off the island can feel like a bigger decision than it used to.
According to Leila Wilson, owner of Bermuda-based travel agency Trip, many would-be travellers feel stuck between wanting to go and worrying about cost.
“Ever since Covid, it seems like travel has been crazy. Everyone just wants to go,” she said.
For Bermuda residents navigating an unpredictable travel landscape, practical, informed and realistic advice may be the difference between staying home and finding a way to go.
Although sales offered by BermudAir and other airlines are not always obvious or easy to time, residents are fortunate that the local airline “has a lot of deals”, Ms Wilson said. This has helped make travel more affordable, but an agent’s knowledge can be helpful in navigating what’s available.
“So you go and you book on BermudAir. But how do you know that you get the best deal? How do you know when to book to get a great deal?” she asked.
For people who do not want to spend hours comparing prices, Ms Wilson believes professional help offered through Trip still matters.
“Seeing a travel agent will allow you to get the best deal. Because we’re looking at every single airline, so we would know the best price and the best route for what you want to do,” she said. “If you’re just going to one airline, you don’t see the variety of options of everything on offer.”
Consider the big picture
Cost becomes an even bigger issue for families. When budgets are tight, Ms Wilson often encourages people to think less about individual components — flight, hotel, food — and more about the overall structure of the trip.
“Cruises are a good way to not break the bank, because everything’s included,” she said.
Cheaper options for Bermuda residents involve travelling to Florida or Newark and cruising into the Caribbean.
While she has seen prices as low as $2,000 for four people, costs can vary widely depending on the ship, depending on preferences and timing of booking; however, the range allows families to choose what fits their budget.
“There’s brand new ships, and there’s older ships, which still have good entertainment and good food and everything,” she said.
“Royal Caribbean has an option out of Newark. In my eyes, they are probably the better cruise line, overall, for everyone to have something to do.”
Flights to the northeastern United States can also be more manageable outside peak travel periods.
“A ticket to Newark could be just under $400. And then you can cruise out of there going south,” Ms Wilson added.
Even then, timing is important.
“It’s really based on availability, and it just depends on when you book,” she said. “So, school breaks are out of the question. Summertime fares are also higher.”
Families, she added, have less flexibility than couples.
“For families, it’s kind of hard to balance and get a good price in that period. A couple could get a really good rate by avoiding those dates.”
Plan ahead
Airlines, she noted, anticipate demand far in advance. “Anytime there’s a school break, it’s like the airlines know about it already, and the prices are already up, whether the flights are full or not. They just know.”
For travellers overwhelmed by that reality, the travel advisor offered a practical suggestion.
“I think the best advice is to use a travel agent, because we know the ins and the outs. Many people think they’re going to spend a lot and that might not be the case.”
That assumption often overlooks how an agent’s guidance can help manage costs and avoid unnecessary spending.
“It’s nothing compared to what you’re going to get,” Ms Wilson said.
Prices can be as low as $30 for booking a flight, rising to around $100 if a full itinerary is involved.
With advice, it is possible to get off the island without being limited to a cruise. All-inclusive resorts can also make sense, although they are more common in Mexico and the Caribbean than in the United States.
Ms Wilson cautioned against trying to save money by waiting until the last minute, because booking earlier can provide more flexibility.
“People tend to think that last-minute deals are better sometimes, but sometimes they’re not. If people book today for a cruise in December and in March, the price is lower, we can adjust it to that lower rate,” she said.
Early booking, she added, also helps spread out costs.
“So, a cruise is a nice option and even an all-inclusive hotel because it allows you to put a deposit down and it allows you time to pay on it, which also is good for budgeting.”
Europe is not always as expensive as people assume. Post-pandemic pricing has shifted expectations.
“Sometimes a trip to Europe can pan out to be the same as a trip to the Caribbean, depending on when you go.
“I have done quite a few European cruises and trips that are comparable in price. The main difference was once that the flights were a lot higher. But, post Covid, everything is crazy. A trip to Jamaica now could cost you $1,500 which is the same as for London.”
People can no longer expect that routing through US hubs will bring down costs.
“Most times, it’s not cheaper than British Airways,” Ms Wilson said.
For more information visit trip.bm
