Caribbean Vacations: Cayman Islands vs. other tropical destinations

For many people around the world, a dream Caribbean vacation means leaving the daily grind behind for a few days or a few weeks and flying off to a little corner of paradise – and with the development of a strong Caribbean tourism industry, this has become a dream that actually comes true for millions of vacationers each year.

Soft sandy beaches, warm blue water, the sound of waves splashing on the shore and palm trees gently swaying in the breezes – these things are intrinsically soothing, the ultimate in total relaxation. From all parts of the world, vacationers set off to find a tropical haven in the Caribbean where they can unwind, slip into the slower pace of island life, do a little fishing, diving or just soak up the sun – and regain their sanity.

Grand Cayman Car Rental at the Airport in George Town

Many of the well known rental car agencies are represented here along with several local-only operations. You will find a wide variety of rental cars, 4-wheel drive vehicles, vans and minibuses, as well as scooters or motorbikes. In order to rent a car you will need to present a valid drivers license from your country and purchase a Visitors Driving Permit.

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Air travel service to the Cayman Islands is available from several countries, with flights from Canada, US, UK, Honduras, Cuba and Jamaica. Cities served by regularly scheduled flights or seasonal charters include Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Charlotte, Houston, Miami, New York, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Tampa, London (England), Kingston & Montego Bay (Jamaica), Havana (Cuba) and Toronto (Canada). There are over 100 commercial flights into the Cayman Islands each week and the most popular gateway is Miami International Airport with over 70 flights per week.

What to take:
Considering the size of the islands almost everything you could possibly want or need is available, so bring your flexible friend. The main things to remember are: beach paraphernalia, swimwear, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Unless you are planning to attend a particularly smart event the dress code is smart-casual with an onus on ‘wear what you feel comfortable in’. It is a good idea to pack a light sweater as indoor restaurants and bars can blast the a/c. All sport supplies are catered for on the island and the dive shops are particularly good.

Where to Stay:
You could be excused for thinking that a stay on Grand Cayman will cost you a fortune. With the dramatic increase in the opening of luxury hotels and condos over the past few years there are, indeed, fabulous places to stay, be it for a vacation or on business. The accommodation, facilities and service match anything you can find anywhere in the world. But there is also a wide selection of modern and well-equipped accommodation to suit all pockets, from guest houses and condos to villas and cottages where you cater for yourself.

Health and Safety:
The Cayman Islands are safe and relatively crime free; take the usual precaution against opportunist crime and you will have a safe and happy holiday. There are very few ‘touts’ that will try to coerce you and as the expression goes, ‘the natives are friendly’.

Taxes
A mandatory Government room tax of 10% is standard and is added to your room charge. A departure tax of CI$20.00 or US$25.00 per person is normally included in the cost of your airline ticket. Otherwise, the Cayman Islands do not have: capital gains tax, Corporation Tax, withholding tax, property tax, payroll tax, or income tax payable by employees.

Family Travel Tips:
For a family vacation, it would be hard to make a better choice. There is a huge range of activities for everyone to enjoy and the safety, both on and off the water, will ensure you have a hassle-free vacation and be able to relax and reconnect as a family. Most of the hotels and condos can arrange child-minding services enabling the adults to have a late (or romantic) night out, safe in the knowledge that the children are in capable hands.