Traveling to the Camen Islands with a Sixteen Month Old

Updated on April 27, 2009
L.J. asks from Palatine, IL
8 answers

We will be traveling to the Camen Islands for the first vacation with our son who will be sixteen months at the time. Being a first time mom, traveling is causing some stress. My main concern is getting him around the island safely. We are not that keen on the idea of renting a car because you drive on the other side of the road. We need to get to and from the airport. We will also be traveling around the island to explore and dine. I am thinking we can just take buses because then you don't need a carseat. This also makes me a little nervous with him not being straped in. My concern with bringing our own carseat is that we might not be able to install it quickly into a taxi cab which can also be designed differently being a different country. Any advice would be wonderful! Thank you!

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N.O.

answers from Chicago on

Hi L.,

We just got back from a week's vacation (our babymoon) in Grand Cayman - we arrived back on Thursday.
We stayed with friends and borrowed their car each day while they were at work - and driving was not a problem. It is on the other side of the road, but just drive slowly and take your time and after a while my husband was driving on that side like it was second nature. The speed limits are pretty slow on the island and they are VERY strict in enforcing them. Also, the drivers are so laid back, they will stop to let other cars in, they'll stop for pedestrians to cross the street (no crossing necessary!)so you truly can drive at your leisure. I'd say the biggest thing in driving is making sure to drive slow enough so that if a pedestrian does decide to just start walking you have time to brake :). Especially the folks off the cruise ships - Tues-Wed it's a madhouse with all the tourists, and sometimes they just don't look both ways. On that note, if you don't like crowds, Friday - Monday will be the times for more quiet. We went to Rum Point on the Monday and it was glorious, just enough people for some atmosphere but otherwise it felt like a private beach.
However, if you still don't feel up to driving, I'm sure a cab driver won't mind your taking the time to ensure the car seat is properly fastened. Lots of young families were on the island so I'm sure they're used to it. And it's island time, no worries!!
Couple restaurant recommendations just in case: We had a wonderful romantic dinner at Luca (Caribbean Club) one night - bit pricey but stunning. Menu is online.
Guy Harvey in the harbor has specials each night - Friday was a 10 dollar steak dinner from 7pm. Pretty good - busy spot though.
Sunset House has a great terrace for watching the sunset (very lowkey, it's a diving hostel type place) - and apparently the best burgers on the island. Also apparently the best curry/Indian food.

All the best as you plan your trip. Enjoy!

R.S.

answers from Chicago on

This Thursday night the Lake County Babywearing group is meeting at Grayslake library. If I was traveling with a 16 month old, I'd bring an Ergo baby carrier and maybe a mei tai carrier too.

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V.L.

answers from Chicago on

I'd reconsider based on the Swine flu epidemic right now...

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V.H.

answers from Peoria on

Hi L.-
I, too have been to the Caymen Islands and I agree with the other responders that the driving on the opposite side of the road is not near as bad as you think. There aren't many roads to drive on anyway and you really aren't as overwhelmed as you think you will be once you get going. Once in a while I had to say to my husband "Keep Left", as he turned a corner. I am sure you will be spending most of your time at the resort or hotel and maybe won't be out doing excursions as much as you might like to--especially with such a small child. He will definitely dictate your ability to travel around with his nap schedule, moods, feeding times, etc. The Caymen Islands is such a relaxed, stress-free environment--you will absolutely enjoy yourself if you don't worry too much about things and just get down there and see how the locals do it! Enjoy--I'm jealous, I'd love to go back!!

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G.H.

answers from Chicago on

Most hotels own their own shuttle vans to pick you up from the airport and/or get you to the places you're going on the island. Set that up before the trip (while booking the trip would be perfect).

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D.T.

answers from Chicago on

Hi L.,
I travelled several time with little ones....it's easier than you think. Since your not renting a car maybe call the place your staying at and ask them what they suggest..Also not sure if you were thinking of other things you might need I found this website for you in the camen islands...rental for baby stuff. I used babies away several times and loved it..I even rented high chair , crib , stroller! They even have exercausers. We usually stayed at family or in a condo at the beach!www.ecayman.com/local/baby
Most likely the Camen islands has no laws for child seats! you could even hold him if all else fails.. or seat belt him between you and your husband. I know in the carribian most cabs don't even have seat belts. Hope this helps!
D. T

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L.D.

answers from Chicago on

We actually went to Grand Cayman last April with our then 16 month old son. We stayed in a condo near the Westin on 7 Mile Beach and did not rent a car. We took a taxi van from the airport and I just held my son on my lap for the short ride. I was a little uneasy about that, but it was fine. We took a stroller and walked to dinner and the stores. Everything is pretty centrally located so you can easily get around without a car. The beach is so beautiful there! We are actually going back in 2 weeks and plan on doing the same thing - no car, just walking. Have a great time!

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N.P.

answers from Chicago on

I went to Caymen Brac as a nanny back in the early 90s. We were traveling with 3 kids. We rented a car and brought the carseats for the kids. The dad and mom mostly did the driving but there was one day I did and it wasn't that bad. On that island there is only one road really, lol. So if you started right it was fine.

I know when we went to islands that you drove on the other side the driver just paid special attention to the side of the road. When I had to drive that one time they put a note on the steering wheel with an arrow saying which side to stay on. Hey, I was a young 20something!

I think renting a car won't be as bad as you imagine. I would do that safety wise over a bus or taxi. With a toddler you really want to have the convenience of being able to do things on the schedule YOU need, not on a bus or taxi schedule.

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