juli

I know that everything is expensive and I have prepared for that in advance, or at least I have tried to clear some space on my credit cards. We will only be there for 3 1/2 days 4 nights. Have already paid for our snorkel trip and are trying to cut as many corners as possible. Probably arent going to rent a car, and if we do it would only be for 1 day. We are staying at the Hyatt which we know is totally overpriced (got a great deal) and dont plan on ever eating there. Will hit The Wharf, Lone Star, Chicken!Chicken! and The Blue Parrott for dinner. Other then that I am just looking for a roud about general idea of how much people have spent just so I dont run out of funds after 2 days and have to charge everything.
Thanks to everyone for al lof your help.I appreciate it so much and cant wait to go on this trip, everyone has made it sound like heaven. I promise to come back to this site and help others once I actually have some expert advice to give.
Thanks Again!

CJ

Julie, hi again. The one thing I can say is even though I knew everything was pricey, we still exp. sticker shock a few times...but also we don't live in a big city are so New Yorkers or those from LA may not find the prices unusual. One thing to remember is $125 US dollars is only worth $100 as soon as you step off the plane. On top of that CI prices are also high. Chicken Chicken, for example, is "fast food" but still about $15 per person with a beverage. Also, very few places have free refills (Chicken Chicken does and so does Lone Star) and since the beverage (coke or tea) price is high anyway ($1.75 to $2.50 CI), you can do some damage. We ate at The Wreck grill at Rum Point, two chicken sandwiches, fries, and drinks with a refill each and it was $35 CI / $43 US...the food was only okay and would have been a $15 purchase, even at concession prices, in the US. Example, if you forget shampoo, it will cost you $5 CI. My advice is always charge everything and hold on to your cash for when you absolutely need cash. Also, check your lobby for coupons (like Capt. Dexter's sting ray outing) which will ususally save 25% on activities. They do have a Wendy's with regular prices if you want a cheap lunch. Also, rental care prices are pretty good compared to other islands to cost should't be a deter. from renting. Have a great time.

juli

CJ:
Thanks for the warning. I know we will be in shock from the prices but now is a good time as ever to start dieting. We have no problem eating fast food to save money. And I think since its been so hot there we will be drinking alot more then eating. But I understand how pricey that gets as well. Since I live in central NJ, I go into NYC often and so I am used to pretty high prices already. So hopefully it wont be so bad.
I knew going in that it wasnt the cheapest place to visit and I am sure it will be well worth the money, I just hope my friends that I am dragging along with me agree.
Thanks again for all your great advice.
I am sure we will love it

mols

Bring as much as if you were going to NYC for the same amt. of time, and for the love of god, skip the Blue Parrot!!! What a dump.

Sandy

Juli,
I don't know if you and your friends are drinkers, but if you are, make sure you take booze with you from home. Your allowed one litre per person going through customs. That can help save a little money!! Drinks on the island can be expensive!!
Sandy

juli

As always thanks for the tips. I hadnt heard that the Blue Parrott was a dump. But I see you feel strongly about it so I will take that into advisement. Any other suggestions on outside dining? We will think about bringing some liquor in with us, I am sure that will go a long way to strech our budget.

Thank you so much so everyone's help, only 6 days until we leave!!!!!!

Sandy

Juli,
Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and in 6 days your going to be in Heaven!! Your vacation will go great, don't worry about sharks or anything else!! I've been going down every 6 months for the past 10 years, and that should tell you everything! It's Heaven!! Have a fabulous trip!! Make sure you post a trip report when you get back!!
Sandy

Lori

Juli, It sounds like your really prepared. You abviously know not to eat at the Hyatt, Westin, ect. as you will be paying their prices. Go to the local places for food such Crowes Nest, Cracked Conch and even Seaview Hotel for happy hour drinks. A great place for lunch right in Georgtown is called Paradise Bar & Grill... it's right on the harbour overlooking water (outdoor restaurant)- you can snorkle right from from there too. They serve OK lunch with a great view and caribbean atmosphere. We had two Paradise Chicken Sandwiches with fries (basically grilled chicken with bacon and swiss cheese, lett & tom) and two diet cokes. Only $21 US - not bad for lunch. Chicken Chicken is also great, as you've already heard. We bought some for supper and a bottle of wine and enjoyed the sunset at our condo. We paid $22 US for an whole roasted chicken which was absolutely delicious, two side dishes and for large pieces of caribbean corn bread. A lot of food for only two people.

For drinks try Seaview, Big Daddys, Treasure Island and Comfort Inn & Suites. The last two offer daily two for one drink specials. Another really neat place for drinks right on the beach and listening to reggae is the Royal Palms. Fun place ocean side on the beach. You can even lay on the sand and start a drink tab. At night they have live music and dancing under the stars... not sure what nights.

Have a great vacation and post your trip report when you return.

Lori

juli

Thanks again for all the info, I have my running list. As you can see I am a detailed planner and dont leave much to chance even though I plan I change everything in the moment but feel more secure being over prepared.
Sandy , thanks for the encouragement. I cant wait to go....3 more days, and I am sure I will be anxious to get back once I return home.
I promise to let everyone know how it went. We will be back on Monday so look for my post on Tuesday. Thanks again

JK

anon

Another silly question. Where are you going? What island are you talking about? Just curious.

juli

Going to Cayman Islands