Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands offer that postcard-perfect appeal travelers expect from a tropical island getaway. Boasting crystal blue waters, white sandy beaches and a laid-back attitude, travelers are pretty much guaranteed that the lingering concerns carried over as excess baggage will stay on the plane and go back where they came from. Whether for a honeymoon, a family escape, a solo diving adventure, or just one of those rare weekend getaways, the Cayman Islands are a versatile paradise that allows travelers to choose their own adventure.

The Cayman Islands' economy greatly depends on tourism, so its pristine beaches and staggeringly clear ocean are considered valuable resources and are protected (if often crowded). For all of the Westernized modernization of George Town, its capital, the whole of the Cayman Islands (including Cayman Brac and Little Cayman) is home to some 50,000 residents, and lush green areas are plentiful within just a few minutes′ drive from the town centers. Divers will delight in the natural lagoons and reef walls that populate various points around the island. Hikers will enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies of the Mastic Trail, an old trading route from the early 19th century. And those looking to laze on the soft sands of Seven Mile Beach (or innumerable other equally lovely stretches of coastline) will have no trouble staking their temporary claim.

Travelers with a little more time on their itineraries will want to trek east to Cayman Brac and/or Little Cayman. Both smaller islands offer less touristy and less developed areas to visit. While most popular with divers and nature enthusiasts, they have strong appeal for any kind of traveler willing to commit to a day trip. On Cayman Brac, the Bluff offers world-renowned scuba diving and snorkeling, while on Little Cayman, the 22 diving sites of Bloody Bay Marine Park are impressive as well. Bird watchers will be enthralled by the Booby Pond Nature Reserve, home to a large colony of red-footed booby birds and swooping frigates.

The versatility of any Cayman vacation is perhaps the greatest appeal. The beautiful natural surroundings can be the heart and soul of a vacation, but equally so can a week of retail therapy amidst the boutiques of downtown George Town. This abundance of things to do makes the traveler's job easy, and if the Caribbean can teach us anything, it is that life is best taken easy. The world back home, and the stresses it holds, can wait.