Use Web to plan trip to Bermuda

Think about getting far away from it all on your next getaway, way out in the middle (almost) of the Atlantic on the island of Bermuda, about 900 miles due east of Charleston, S.C.

Tiny island, nine golf courses, the world's densest concentration, according to Bermuda 4u — http://www.bermuda4u.com/ — where the usual static photo that graces most Web sites is replaced by a slide show of the scenery. Want to tie the knot on this getaway trip? They have links to wedding information on everything from planners and florists to the legal requirements. "Activities" includes golf courses (strict dress codes) plus horse riding, tennis and wet sports including fishing, diving and windsurfing. Check out "Attractions" for parks, gardens, galleries and museums to visit on a rainy day, and beaches. The sand on many of the island's beaches has a subtle pink coloration.

Take a look at the "Transport" section. You're not allowed to rent a car, but just about anyone can hire a scooter or moped, no license required, and they have links to rental companies. And remember, driving is on the left. Then visit Bermuda 4u's "Essential" section for necessary bits on customs, climate (average annual high temperature is 76), taxes, and the ubiquitous Bermuda shorts.

If you don't want to spend all your time golfing or on the water, there's a handy list of sightseeing attractions — http://tinyurl.com/2srtp8 — supplied by the Fairmont Hamilton Princess hotel. This guide doesn't include the attractions' Web sites but most of them are easy to find. The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute — http://www.buei.bm/ — will show you what you'll see if you go diving. Crystal & Fantasy Caves — http://caves.bm/ — provide a cool underground show. And a number of old British forts — http://www.bermuda.com/attractions/forts/ — survive for sightseeing and hikes.

Bermuda's official tourism Web site — http://www.bermudatourism.com/ — can help you find you a place to stay ranging from cozy bed & breakfast inns to expensive hotels, plus "floatels" or yachts that take guests. Clicking on "Travel" will even take you to a guide to travel agents that specialize in things Bermuda. And, of course, "Activities" has still more ideas on sightseeing, shopping for everything from high-priced antiques and jewelry to local arts & crafts, and water sports including fishing and parasailing. Go after yellowfin tuna in April, and marlin fishing revs up in May. Before you move on, go back to "Travel" and look for travel tips on passports, money and clothing (informal but decorous).

It's not the flashiest Web site, but Bermuda Online Travel & Tourism Guide — http://bermuda-online.org/tourism.htm — covers a wealth of subjects. Under "About Bermuda" you can find "Best Buys" including local dolls and jewelry, handicapped access, photography tips, food, traditions and Bermuda shorts. Go down the page to "History" and you can even learn about artists who have done paintings of Bermuda, and Mark Twain's home there.

Want to learn more about fishing in the surrounding ocean? Try the guides from Bermuda-Travel.info — http://www.bermuda-vacation.net/bermuda-fishing.php — or Charternet — http://www.charternet.com/fishers/bermuda.html — and Bermuda Guide — http://tinyurl.com/2nwsw2 — where clicking on "home" will take you to more info on food and other subjects.