Get Your Passport Ready

Grand Cayman getaway: Beautiful beaches, spectacular diving in the Caribbean

There’s something about Seven Mile Beach that makes you want to book a flight, stat. Maybe because it is regularly ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of the Caribbean.

The water has a kind of blue that most beaches could only dream of after about 25 photo-editing filters, but this beach, situated on Grand Cayman Island is the stuff dreams (and glorious Instagram accounts) were made of. (Also, did we mention that the average winter water temperate is 80 degrees?)

Another thing that makes Grand Cayman such a unique travel destination is the genuine authenticity and culture that can be seen and felt in every crevice of the island. The island has a population of about 55,000 and more than half are from Caymanian descent, which helps create the authentic culture adding to the overall experience.

What to do in Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is one of the most sought-after diving destinations, no matter what skill level you are.

The nightlife in Grand Cayman is a tad tamer than your typical Cancun Spring Break, so plan to go all out during the day, taking advantage of the beautiful water and white sandy beaches, and opt for a more low-key night. The accessible and shallow reefs make this a great spot to take in an afternoon of snorkeling at Stingray City, so be sure to check out the Waverunner Snorkel Safari so you can get fast adventures and a snorkeler’s paradise in the translucent waters all in one day.

Camana Bay is also a great option for entertainment while on the island complete with shopping, dining, adventures, a movie theater and even a wine bar with state-of-the-art Napa Technology WineStations. Pretty much all of the hotels in the area offer a free shuttle to Camana Bay, so it's easy to get to.

You should also make a point to stop by Calico Jacks Bar and Grill for happy hour and hang out with a sun-kissed mix of tourists and locals.

Travel pro tip for carry-on items: The TSA folks at Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) are painfully tough. They are major sticklers on one small Ziploc bag and you will be stopped, so pack cautiously. Even if you got into the country with it in your carry-on, odds are you won’t be able to leave with it.

A $50 million panoramic view

The newly renovated Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa is the biggest and most expansive beachfront hotel, with a $50 million panoramic view from the new lobby and the largest fresh water pool in Grand Cayman, with an energized swim up bar to keep the vacation vibes going. Check out the resort’s fresh new look and indulge yourself in the island’s culture in a beach side cabana, a waverunner adventure, snorkeling expedition, a diving tour or something more.

Crystal clear waters aside, it also offers great dining at The Beach House, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant, as well as classic and unique cocktails at the resort’s Catboat lobby bar, perfectly setup with a beachfront view. While you’re at the resort, don't miss the Beach Side BBQ on Friday nights. It’s an intimate yet casual dining experience – you guessed it – on the beach. No need for shoes, but you will need reservations.

The bartenders are about as friendly and inventive as one could hope for, and make the perfect resource for all things related to the island, whether you are on the hunt for nightlife entertainment (like at Camana Bay), diving tips or other beach activities.

The water has a kind of blue that most beaches could only dream of after about 25 photo-editing filters.

Photo courtesy of Marc Babin

The water has a kind of blue that most beaches could only dream of after about 25 photo-editing filters.

vacation

Texas traditions

5 essential tips for tubing on Texas Hill Country rivers this summer

Floating the Guadalupe River is a quintessential Texas summertime activity.

Tubing is one of the ultimate summer activities in Texas. Floating down the Guadalupe or Comal rivers while enjoying the scenery and the cool water is a perfect way to spend a hot afternoon. Thousands of people travel to New Braunfels, San Marcos, and the San Antonio area every year to tube, but it's not without dangers, rules, and guidelines that should be observed by regular tubers and newcomers alike. Here are five essential tips to heed before you set off down the river this summer.

Disposable food and beverage containers are illegal
The image of a Texan bobbing down the river with a six-pack of beer in a floating cooler might be emblematic of the state, but it's also no longer legal in New Braunfels. The city's Disposable Container Ordinance is in full effect, and those who break it risk a $500 fine. The ban includes aluminum cans, plastic water bottles, fast food containers, napkins, and anything designed to be thrown away after a single use. Instead, tubers should use insulated bottles, reusable food containers with snap-on lids, and canteens. Keeping the rivers clean from trash is how future generations will get to enjoy tubing.

A reminder: beer bongs do not count as reusable drinking devices.

Do not bridge jump
Yes, we know Steve-O jumped off a River Walk bridge in 2014 and was more or less physically fine, but he was very lucky. The rivers are only a few feet deep in some places, and may have sharp rocks lurking just below the surface. It's illegal to bridge jump, and it can cost a $500 fine if you do it. Steve-O faced several criminal charges for his stunt. Only enter the river at safe docking points.

Consider a professional tubing company
Legally, you can tube down any river and launch from all public access points. That said, tubing can be dangerous for weak swimmers or the inebriated. The best way to ensure your safety is in numbers and with good equipment provided by professional tubing companies. Several are around Central Texas rivers, including Texas Tubes, 444 Tubing Company, and Texas State Tubes. Better yet, they offer shuttles to get you back to your car after the tubing is done.

Make sure sunscreen's waterproof
River water is colder than a Winter Olympic judge's heart, but that doesn't mean the sun is not still something you need to be wary of. Climate change means hotter summers and brighter days in Texas, and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports sunburn and other sun damage to skin is on the rise, particularly in younger populations. Unprotected skin and eyes can result in painful burns and even skin cancer. Make sure you bring sunglasses, hats, and waterproof sunscreen.

Waterproof your electronics
It's an age of social media clout, and what looks better on Instagram than an idyllic float down a river? Capturing that perfect video is not worth losing your devices and polluting the river. Invest in floating, waterproof cases, and get a lanyard so they can tube on down the river themselves if you drop them. Just as many theme park accidents happen when guests wander into dangerous areas looking for dropped items, splashing after a device in a panic is a good way to make potentially deadly mistakes. Plan ahead, and a trip on the river can be much safer and more fun.

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