Maine or Grand Cayman
 

I know this is going to sound silly to a lot of you but for our 10 year anniversary in July we are thinking about going to Maine or to the Cayman Islands. I know they are completely different but would like some input from someone who's possibly been to both. The cons for us re Grand Cayman is that it's going to be pretty darned hot, and also the U.S. dollar is not strong so it's also going to be expensive. I like the idea of hanging out on the beach and snorkeling with the stingrays, seeing the beautiful botanical gardens and sipping on pineapple rum. Maine was more of my husband's idea. It looks beautiful but I've read a couple of reviews that compared it to the Oregon coast, and I've seen that. My husband doesn't like any type of seafood so the lobster is not going to be anything special to him. We both like the outdoors but I'm concerned that there won't be much excitement going on. My husband is fine just chillin' but I like to go! I would like to be able to grab a cup of Joe and listen to some music, etc., some type of night life. New York is also a thought even though we've both been there before. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

You're right -- it's silly. Incomparable options.

But one thing you need not worry about (unless it's recently changed) is the US dollar. It's fixed against the Cayman dollar.

The Cayman Islands (C.I.) dollar is worth $1.20 U.S. Another way of saying this: $1 U.S. = 80 cents C.I. If you have U.S. currency, you can use it freely in Cayman. You will get change back in C.I. currency, but the stores give the same exchange rate for cash as the banks do. In many establishments, you can use the major credit cards (not the Discover Card). Travellers' checks are widely accepted; in fact, the bank exchange for U.S. travellers' cheques is better than for U.S. cash. ATMs accepting VISA and Mastercard with a Cirrus affiliation are located at the Cayman National Bank and at the airport.

It shouldn't be terribly hot either, but we went (also in the summer) from Savannah and heat is relative. If you live in the north, you might not feel the way I do about Cayman's heat.

What you do need to think about though, is the rainy season which is summer in the Caymans. We had no rain or clouds our first trip in February, but periods of rain most days when we went again in July, and it was longer lasting than the hour long FL afternoon shower. Although the water and beaches surrounding Cayman are beautiful, and the main event here, the interior of the island is probably my least favorite of the Caribbean islands. Sort of scrubby, flat.

I haven't seen the Oregon coast, but Maine is rugged and rocky, much as I picture Oregon. Furthermore, the water is FRIGID. The coastal towns are New England picket-fence-beautiful, but the areas we've been, southern half, are perhaps quieter than you might want as far as nightlife. Perhaps I'm wrong because we are past the age where we might hunt that down, so perhaps it's there and we have just missed it--because we've been sleeping.

These two places are really like apples and oranges. I love both and if I had to chose one vacation over the other, I'd be hard pressed to do so. Do keep that rainy season in mind though--that may be a factor. Generally the earlier in July the better, but remember tropical waves are born around that area and sweep through on a regular basis. These aren't isolated showers but real rain events, and that fact may perhaps influence your decision.

Do you want to swim in water that will make your lips blue and your feet numb, or jump in for a nice relaxing dip, cause there is nothing relaxing about swimming in Maine's Atlantic....although there is nothing quite so refreshing, other than swimming in Palm Beach, when the air is 45 and the water is 75...bipolar experience!

Cayman, definitely. I'd save Maine for the fall. You're right about cost; Cayman is expensive even BEFORE the exchange rate.

It remains our favorite "quickie" vacation spot for times when we can't plan ahead or don't have more than a week (which is often) and we've stayed just about everywhere on the island. If you need input on hotels, just let me know. Better yet, we've rented vacation homes from owners by Rum Point, and the private beaches are beautiful - perfect for an anniversary trip!

Maine and Oregon coasts are not much alike. Both are rocky with cold water but, IMO, OR has much more dramatic scenery (I live in NE)while ME is more quaint with the road lower to the ocean so it would be different. Temps are variable but comparable in both places. Seafood is "it" in ME but everything else is available. You may enjoy Bar Harbor and the national park. Grand Cayman is great too but will be very hot and humid in summer. There are US type supermarkets there so, if you stay in a condo, and rates will be lowest in summer, you could easily eat in and save$$. Summer is high season in ME so lodging and food will be at its most expensive. I think you just really need to decide what type of vacation you want and go for it. To me, GC would be more of a hang-around, relax and swim type of vacation while ME would be more sightseeing along the coast and in villages with more driving. Either way, Happy Anniversary!

we want to go to Bar Harbor from mid-aug to mid-sept.Where would you rent a home or condo? Do you have a website for rentals? What is the temperature?

Portland, Maine

I've been to both and would definitely go back to either. Which one to choose depends on what you want to do.

Maine -- More active: Taking in the sites (the area is beautiful), exploring Acadia Nat'l Park, riding bikes on trails through the park, sailing, hiking, spending time in Bar Harbor. Keep in mind that the water will be cold for swimming; therefore, if want to have a beach/swimming destination it's not the best choice. (Or just stay at a place with a heated pool.)

Grand Cayman -- Great beach vacation destination with excellent snorkeling. Seven Mile Beach is fabulous and the sand is like baby powder (especially at the northern end). It would be more of a relaxing, "hanging out" type of vacation based on beach activities -- swimming & snorkeling. We loved snorkeling with the stingrays. Also, there's not much in the way of night life. The island in general is not as scenic as other islands, but has one of the best beaches. It's also very safe. You do have to consider that it will probably be very hot in July, and there is more chance of rain in July.

Thanks to all who replied. I think I'm leaning more towards Maine due to the possible rain factor and extreme heat. I'd like to go to GC in the spring and New England in the fall but when you have a little one in school you have to go by that schedule. Thanks again. Hmmmmm, maybe Canada?

We've been to Grand Cayman only in the summer and it's our favorite island in the Caribbean, because we really like quiet, non-touristy vacations when we can get away from crowds the best. I've never found it oppressively hot or humid because you're always near a beach and sea breezes.

But keep in mind there really isn't much to do there beyond beach activities (swimming, snorkeling, scuba, etc.). Restaurants, shopping, and movies are all in short supply compared to Maine. This is the place to go if you like spending some evenings of your vacation with a good book, jigsaw puzzle, or board game. On the other hand, there are no crowds anywhere (except if several cruise ships dock simultaneously) and you never feel hurried to do anything.

Both are wonderful places, each with its own charms.

I loved the people of Cayman, thought the stingrays were awesome, and found lots of steel drum music in the evenings. It did rain a little every afternoon (August) - the whole day once. Snorkeling is wonderful - there was a reef right off the hotel beach that we could explore for long periods. Lots of people go there to scuba. We stayed along the Seven Mile Beach at a Marriott and had a fabulous week. Also rented a small car for a day and drove around the island. But most places we just walked or took one of the Cayman cabs (experiences to tell there!)

Maine in July is wonderful, too. It's not inexpensive either. And it rained one whole day. We stayed in Brooksville (old resort) and drove two separate days to Acadia Ntl. Park. Beautiful ocean views and lunch at the Jordan Pond House (known for their popovers!) Other days we drove and explored Deer Isle (eat at Fisherman's Friend), Belfast, Camden, Castine, and -of course - Bar Harbor. Ate lots of fresh lobster at the lobster pounds. It was a lovely, relaxing trip. Probably not exciting enough for a young child if you plan to take the little one.

Hope that helps. Have a great trip.

You might totally hate this idea. Last July, my husband dragged me kicking and screaming to Cancun. I had been there twice before in my 20's and just remember drunken college kids run amok. Well, it has totally changed, there are no college kids in July, and I had a great time. Weather was perfect, in the 80's. Direct flight, 20 minute cab ride to hotel, no brainer. The JW Marriott is stunning, spa is to die for, pool is gorgeous and the beach in front is clean and convenient. People next door also had raves about the all-inclusive club they stayed at. The area has been really built up in the past 15 years. There are plenty of upscale shops and tons of restaurants--even a Ruth Chris! The package deal of air and hotel was so cheap it was almost a joke. Don't even try to compare this to Maine or Grand Cayman, it is just another more affordable option.

I forgot to add that if palapa bars, pina coladas, beach, spa, food, and shopping get boring, you can take a day trip to the Mayan Ruins.

My mom actually suggested Cancun as her hairdresser in a small town in North Carolina said that's where she loves to go. The first thing I thought of was "Girls Gone Wild!" Maybe I should so some research on that too. We are going without our daughter so I'm really trying to make it special as it will be our first trip together alone in eight years. We actually live in California but have relatives in Pennsylvania and North Carolina so it kind of depends who's going to be available to watch our daughter. We don't want to go too far in case someting happens we can return quickly. Italy was our first choice but with so many international flights being canceled these days we don't want to take any chances. I'll keep searching and I'll have to say that Maine sounds more appealing than it did before with all the input. Thanks again.

The thing with Maine is that there are many attractions and great places to visit, but they are very spread out. If you really want to enjoy the experience you'll need to plan on doing a lot of driving to get to and from destinations (a couple hours in between on average).

Portland Maine has some great night life. The Old Port is hopping with restaurants and bars and you can quickly. What the others said about the water is true, it will be frigid compared to GC.

Maine is beautiful, I lived there for a few years. But your vacation will require a lot of planning, mapping out, road trips, etc.. I personally don't find this relaxing. I'd rather hit GC and come back relaxed.

There are two Marriotts down there, so make sure you look at the right one. The nice one is the JW. Grounds are not huge so there isn't too much walking to get to your room from the pool and stuff. Buffet breakfast that was included was excellent.

My advice as a Maine resident, is go to the Cayman Islands....There is not alot to do in Maine, unless you really enjoy boating and fishing, (very boring state) Also Maine is a big state and what ever you want to do is miles apart from each other. Maine is best in fall if you enjoy foliage. Good Luck.