I've not traveled internationally in about 10 years. I've just found out that my honeymoon will be a trip to the Cayman Islands. While I've done some prelimenary research and found that its supposed to be one of the safest locales in the Caribbean, I'd love some safety insight from anyone who has ever been there.

I'm planning on taking a FAK for two, my standard PSK materials and knife (in checked luggage), ponchos and other appropriate clothing for the tropical climate. I don't think there are any poisonous snakes on the islands, so maybe I can leave my Sawyer extractor at home, and I'm looking for photos to identify the dangerous plants. Any additional PSK ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Good questions. I'd say think about carrying back-up cash, the usual photocopies of all your documents, phone card, maps & sunscreen. As a side note ask for a lower floor hotel room...easier egress.

TRO

Christina,

My father has gone to the Caymans every year for the past 20 years or so, but cancelled this year because of the devastation from the hurricane last fall. If you remember the news from that period, there were no reports of damage or loss of life released by the Cayman government because they were afraid of what it would do to tourism there. Every day the media and others complained that no info was being released to them. The Cayman gov't refused to let "outsiders" and disaster relief personnel in to access the damage. My father told me last month that the hotel they stayed at every year was completely leveled and a lot of phone systems were still out.

I would do a good background check on the area you are going to and wouldn't trust any info provided by the Cayman goverment. Other than that.... have a great honeymoon!

Check out this link and remember it is provided by the Cayman tourist industry. Even though it sounds bad enough, I'm sure they are sugar-coating it a lot. web page

Take care, George

I spent a day there last month. (Cruise ship port of call)

The damage from the hurricane(s) was still evident.

The water is amazing.

Cayman PSK?

A hat, beach chair, SPF 30+, a rum and coke....
that about covers it.

Have fun.

I would second the idea of trying to get INDEPENDENT information on where you are planning to stay, because all the Caymanian government really cares about is getting you there, and then keeping you there long enough to separate you from all but the $20 departure tax you need in order to leave.

That said, was there in 1995 and had a wonderful time. The diving and snorkeling has to be seen to be believed. And you simply MUST go to Hell ... <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />