travelinwifey

Hi folks, thanks for the help thus far. My parents are now very excited about visiting the Grand Cayman. While researching here I learned that driving is on the opposite side of the road. This would be something completely new for my Mom (54 yrs) and I am concerned obviously about her drifting to the wrong side of the road. I should mention that they live in a small town and when she visits me will not drive on the highway. Are the roads single lane? How is traffic? How are the other drivers? I suggested the idea of them taking a bus but they would still like to see some sights on their own. Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

mlw

I am about your Mom's age, and when my daughter and I were there a few years age, we rented a car for a few days. I let her do the driving, but if I had to, I could have. The roads were mostly 2 lane that we went on, around the island. It just takes some concentration;if your Mom is easily "rattled" when driving, I would say skip it, otherwise take a drive. We only had a car for 2 or 3 of the 5 days and that was enough. Buses come right by the hotels on 7 mi beach,you can take one into Georgetown or to another part of the beach.

Traveler

Driving in Grand Cayman is pretty civilized, but there is a large volume of traffic at times in spots and the signage and opposite issue can be disorienting for some. If she won't drive on the highway at home, then she probably shouldn't plan on driving in Grand Cayman.

I would suggest she ask for recommendations where she is staying for a guide, who will pick them up and take them wherever they want to go, providing narration and suggestions along the way.

chidoo2003

Driving on the left takes concentration. We were a little nervous, but we were fine and it was well worth our time and money to see the island, esp. the Rum Point area. We made sure to get a car with the steering wheel on the RIGHT SIDE. Though most cars on Cayman have the steering wheel on the right, some rental cars (Jeeps, especially) are left-hand drive, just as they are in the US. We found that if the driver is sitting on the RIGHT-hand side, it is an automatic reminder that "something is different here" and helped us to remember to drive in the left lane!!

jkurtiak

The driving part didnt see, to be as difficult it was the turning and staying in the correct lane. I am a great driver (thats what they all say) used to driving in cities and on very busy highways and I was alittle hesitant. I didnt want to ruin our trip by getting in an accident. We took taxis everywhere, we took the ferry out of the Hyatt to go see the North end (Rum Point) and other then that we where content with just being in the wonderful water. When we did a snorkel trip, they picked us up at the hotel and dropped us back off. When we return I am sure we will be old pros because we are going to USVI/BVI for our honeymoon, I am nervous about it already!
Good luck, and they will love Cayman, it is one of the lovliest vacation spots I have ever been

travelinwifey

Thanks all for the responses. I'm leaning towards having a car rental for them for a day or two if they're up to it. As mentioned above, some tours will pick them up direct at the hotel. I was going to Priceline a car for the week but I think I'll wait till after they arrive. Again, thanks everyone for the help.