Packing, Travel and Diving Tips for the SURGE to Cayman Brac
Well, we are getting closer ScubaBoard SURGE 2017 to Cayman Brac!!!!!
I thought we could touch base on some of the great ideas that everyone has
on preparing, packing, travel, and dive-related tips.
For some this is old hat, so share your knowledge.
I’ll get things started… Here are some of my tips.
Anytime you are traveling outside of your normal area, it's good to checkWell, we are getting closer ScubaBoard SURGE 2017 to Cayman Brac!!!!!
I thought we could touch base on some of the great ideas that everyone has
on preparing, packing, travel, and dive-related tips.
For some this is old hat, so share your knowledge.
I’ll get things started… Here are some of my tips.
CDC Destinations/Travelers Health Info
FYI if you're interested -
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism website
PACKING AND TRAVEL TIPS
DON'T FORGET These Items when Packing!
Airline tickets/info for going and return flights
Bay Adventures Travel Vouchers for the Resort and Diving Reservations.
Passports (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry on)
Driver’s License or if you don’t have one, some other form of picture ID.
Diving Certification Cards (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry on)
Here's a link to the Waiver for Diving Reef Divers Cayman Brac. The Medical Statement form is ONLY for those who are receiving certification from Reef Divers.
DAN and Health Insurance Cards
Credit Cards or ATM Cards (call you card company, let them know when and where you’ll traveling)
(FYI Some CC companies charge an extra fee for transactions when out of the country)
ATM's are very hard to come by in Cayman Brac.
You can charge your drinks, tips, gift shop, and any excursions through the resort to your room.
The American dollar is widely accepted, just know the exchange rate if prices are listed in the Cayman dollar.
The Cayman Islands Dollar & the U.S. Dollar: At the time of this writing, CI$1 = US$1.22.
The Cayman Islands Dollar & the Canadian Dollar: At the time of this writing, CI$1 = C$1.19.
The rate between the CI$ and the US$ is permanently fixed as part of an international banking agreement, the ratios between the CI$ and other currencies fluctuate, based on frequently changing financial and political factors. Visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com for current rates for those traveling other than from the US.
Small Bills (1’s, 5’s, 10’s and 20’s go a long way) (Some of the restaurants or shops don't accept credit cards or $100 bills if you plan on venturing out on the island.)
Prescription Medication (keep it in the prescription bottle with your name on it)
And always bring a few days extra in case you have travel delays along the way.
Over the counter medications and first aid items that you may need.
Please keep in mind, we are on a very small island and many items are not readily available.
Especially allergy medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction.
I have a med pack for traveling with items such as band-aids, sports wraps, Benadryl, Imodium, Advil, bug bite cream, etc.
FYI Did you know that if you put hand soap on a bite right away and don't scratch it, many times it will alleviate the itch and swelling.
Sunscreen (Try to use products if possible for the coral reefs health)
I found this wonderful line of reef safe products Stream2Sea | EcoConscious & Biodegradable Sunscreen.
Sunglasses and an extra cheap pair for the boat (polarized are better for gazing into the water)
Hats
Bug spray (If the bugs find you tasty. Near sunset and sunrise are the worst time for mosquitoes and no-see-ums.) Here are a few products Cactus Juice, www.reefsafesuncare.com.
Water All the water at the resort is safe. You can bring flavor packets or liquids to flavor your water for variety. I like to bring flavor packs for my coffee too! I do strongly suggest drinking only bottled or can drinks when outside the resort and wiping any moisture from the tops to avoid having any health issues.
You should always be conscious of what you are eating and drinking when you are outside of your normal routine and country.
Personal flashlight, You may want to bring a small personal flashlight.
Woolite or those all-in-one washer sheets if you plan on washing the funk off your clothes or dive wear in the sink/tub. Especially great when you're staying longer than a week. Don't forget some close pins too. They help when hanging items up for drying and to keep them from blowing off the balconies.
The guest rooms are equipped with
- Patios or Balconies.
- Individually controlled air conditioning, as well as an overhead ceiling fan
- Tiled or carpeted floors
- Color cable television
- Radio/alarm clock
- IDD telephone
- Hairdryers
- Irons & ironing board
- Coffee centers
- Room service
- Drying lines and laundry services available to all guests.
- Free Wifi.
Good thing to start packing early, in case anything needs to be repaired before you go.
I like to be organized (can’t you tell) so I have a travel checklist on file that I printout. Here's my list if you like or use this as a jumping-off point for making your own list. View attachment 124688
That way, I don’t have to think too much about remembering what I need. The list includes everything that might be needed. If something's on the list that doesn't apply to this trip, I just cross it off. I also include things to do like stopping the mail, newspaper, contacting your cell provider if you want service there, and calling the credit card companies to inform them that I will be going out of the country so they don't cut you off in mid-trip.
CARRY ON ANY ITEMS THAT YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE.
Check with your Airline for specific rules as to what's accepted, size and weight limits for luggage and procedure for checking in, as these seem to be changing constantly.
For anything in question or in liquid form, check with your airline.
Carry on -
IDs, Credit Cards, Cash, etc.
Prescription Medication
Glasses/Contacts
Jewelry/watches
Any Cameras/Electronics/housings
Rechargeable batteries in individual cases or bags
Your Regulators
Dive Computers
Dive lights (take batteries out or for rechargeable lights, put in locked mode.)
Making the most of the luggage weight restrictions and packing
(Don't forget, Men and Women are allowed to have a personal item purse/backpack/briefcase/man purse in addition to their carry on. Make the most of it!)
I have a large purse that I use just for flying. The personal item is not weighed, so it's great for a few heavier items. Just make sure the items you put in your personal item can be carried on and not needed to be placed in checked luggage. ( Again always check with your airline.)
Think about lightweight items when packing. Inexpensive t-shirts (like Hanes or fruit of the loom) are very lightweight, come in multiple colors, are great for shore diving cover-ups and can be left behind if you shop too much in town. Lightweight dresses, shorts, and tops are great for the ladies. Think khakis or other lightweight fabrics over jeans.
Shoes can weigh a lot also. Even tho it's a pain at the airport, I'll wear my tennis shoes as they weigh the most. (You will want your tennis shoes to protect your feet if you go to the caves or other island excursions)
And if taking a light jacket, it goes on the plane with me as well. (Many of the airports and sometimes the planes can be very cold.)
A personal travel hand scale is an invaluable tool so you don't have surprises when getting to the airport on your flights.
Put your name, address, and phone number in all your bags including your carry on and personal item in case they become lost or separated from you.
Put some of each person's items in each checked bag. That way if one of the bags gets lost, you still have some of your things.
If a solo traveler, try to fit in at least 1 extra of your undergarments in your carry on. Outerwear is easier to purchase if your bags arrive late or are lost, but trying to find undergarments for purchase can be more difficult.
Travel from Airport to Hotel
Round trip airport transfers are included in your package to and from the airport to Cayman Brac Beach Resort. You should find the details in your travel vouchers from Bay Adventures.
Weather Forecast to help you decide what to pack
On land, daily lows/highs around 76°F to 84°F throughout the month of January.
Any new info to this post will be in Green!
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