Grand Cayman Island - The largest of the 3 Cayman Islands

Imagine:

 You are sitting in a pool at the swim up bar that over looks the Caribbean Sea at sunset mingling with your new found drinking buddies planning what the night has in store. The soft, salty breeze cooling off your sun kissed skin while you sip an island cocktail to the lullaby of steel drums. 

Can you handle that??  

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I have been to Grand Cayman twice both times via cruise ship.  If I could go again I would fly and spend a week there.  You can fly for around $500 round trip/per person into George Town and then bunker down for a whole week of R&R!  Cruises are great and I love them but sometimes you just need to stay in one place and marinate :) 

For those of you who have no visited the island, you are in for a real treat.  The island is colorful, full of sweet melodies that will take all of your worries away, heavenly food and drinks, and more activities than one can do in week.  

Land lovers and Seaman welcome!

Land lovers feel free to hang out on land the whole time if you like, you will not be bored. You can do any of these activities:

1.  Horseback Riding

Ride along the blue waters of pristine beaches or trek through the islands tropical forest.

2. Explore the wildlife on land

Have you ever seen or heard of a Blue Iguana?  No, not the drink - the lizard.  Well, it is the longest living species of lizard that is now endangered and lives on Grand Cayman.  If lizards are not your thing, head into the tropical forest for waterfalls, birds, and plant species!  

3. Pedro St. James National Historic Site

For the history buffs in your group head over to what the locals call "the castle" to learn about the first legislative assembly and take in panoramic views of the sea. 

4. Seven Mile Beach

This beach has been called "one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean" aka West Bay Beach.  It is the perfect setting for land lovers and small children because of its sandy bottom and calm, clear water.  If you are wanting to get away from the crowd pick a part of the beach that is away from the large resorts and you will find solitude.  

5. Wreck of the Ten Sails Park

This site is the exact location that Queen Elizabeth II visited and dedicated a memorial to always remember the tragedy that happen on February 8, 1794.  A convoy of 10 ships traveling from Jamaica to the United States and Britain wreck on the reef - hence the name the Wreck of Ten Sails. 

6. Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park

7. Rum Point Beach

This is where the locals hang out and usually arrive by boat to partake in adult activities at the Wreck Bar and Grill.  This beach is great for swimming and has changing facilities, public toilets, and showers.  

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Now for the sea going folks - ya'll are in for a fantastic vacation if you do any of these activities:

1.  Underwater submarine adventure

Grand Cayman's underwater scene is far more spectacular than their land but lets face it - not everyone wants to "dive on in".  Diving and snorkeling can be intimidating so that is why the island offers a submarine adventure that lets you views the colorful coral canyons, fish, sponges, sharks, sting rays, and sea turtles from the comfort of a sub.

2.  Catamaran Cruise

Head out on the reefs via Catamaran either on a private boat or a group rented one.  You can set sail for a dinner cruise and dine with the setting sun or spend the day snorkeling or rocking with the ocean.

3.  Snorkeling in Sting Ray City

Trust me, this is not as scary as it sounds; the whole Steve Erwin thing has given sting rays a bad rep.  Head up to the North Sound that offers shallow sand bars to snorkel with these gentle rays.  

 4.  Fishing

Now this is what my husband would spend the entire vacation doing because Grand Cayman is one of the best locations in the world for blue marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo and tuna fishing.  You can either head off-shore or stay on the reefs for a trip you will never forget!

5.  Cayman Turtle Farm

Now this is where you would find me, I LOVE sea turtles!  At this farm you can swim with green sea turtles and other marine life while sliding down the Turtle Twister Water Slide.

6.  Kayaking Eco Tours

Take a guided tour through the mangroves during the day or a night time tour to see the bioluminescence of the Caribbean Sea. 

7.  Snorkeling and Diving

Break the surface and dive under to see the real Grand Cayman.  The reef system there is magnificent and you can take a diving trip or snorkel on your own!  

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If you have ever visited Grand Cayman and would like to add to the post, please leave me a comment.  I would love to hear from you!!

xoxo Allie 

Top Honeymoon Destinations

Let United Military Travel send you on the honeymoon of your dreams!

Ever since I was a little girl, my honeymoon was something dreams were made out of.  I think the destination changed at least 100 times but the one thing that stayed constant was that it was a going to be a BIG trip.  

Hopefully, you will only have one honeymoon in your lifetime and I believe that you should make it everything you have ever dreamed of. 

United Military Travel sends a lot of couples of their dream honeymoons each year.  It is something they are skilled in so the best advice I can give you to help off set the expenses is take out a travel loan that will allow you to pay it back over time. 

Take a look with me at the top 8 honeymoon destinations!

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1.  East Africa and the Seychelles

From what I can tell, a beach-safari honeymoon is the hottest thing for this year since sliced bread.  Africa is getting more and more popular - their safaris have always been their main attraction but now beaches too? The Seychelles are in the beautiful, crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean so you can feel like you are in the Caribbean but then take off to Africa to witness the Great Migration!

   

  

2.  Brazil

Brazil is not only a fantastic honeymoon destination but a killer vacation spot too.  The country is so diverse and offers a traveler the chance to mark multiple items off their bucket list in one trip.  They have super sexy beaches, nightlife that rivals Las Vegas, and pristine jungles.  Start your honeymoon off by celebrating in Rio de Janeiro, then relax on the beaches of Bahia, and finish by taking a river boat cruise through the Amazon.

  

3. Rwanda and Mauritius

It is becoming more and more common for people to create multi-destination trips, especially for their honeymoons.  If you are looking for an eye opening trip choose this combination and you will be searching for wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda then relaxing by the Indian Ocean at a Mauritius resort. 

4. Java, Indonesia

If you want a trip where you can stay in one spot and be completley satisfied, Indonesia offers some of the world's best beaches, private islands, cuisine, and ancient temples.  You can stay at a romantic resort and still be as adventurous as you want to be.  If it were me, I would travel to Java just to go to the deserted island of Kura Kura.  There are only a handful of beach cottages and pool villas so you can be as private and romantic as you want to be!

5. The Maldives

We already know that I am a fanatic for the Maldives and if I could die and go to Heaven, it would be here.  This is the ULTIMATE honeymoon destination, who wouldn't want to travel to an exotic island with their partner to wake up to fish swimming under your bed and stepping onto your balcony to your own private swimming area.  You can also watch the dolphins play on a sunset cruise, spend a day on a deserted island, or book a night time snorkeling adventure!  These are the things I would do :) 

  

6. Marrakesh, Morocco

My style is very bohemian so Morocco appeals to my inner self.  Between the rollings desert, ancient markets, belly dancers, and snake charmers, this city will make you feel like you are on a movie set not a honeymoon.  The whole idea of Morocco is very sensual to me, you can be wandering the markets or watching the belly dancers and feel the romance but be sure to keep it private as public displays of affection are frowned upon!

7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Lets get domestic again for a minute, I hate to leave out destinations in our own back yard.  Jackson Hole is a great place to visit year round and for many reasons.  Spending your honeymoon here is something a lot of folks do.  According to The Knot wedding website, the town offers many "honeymoon" like activities year round.  Like taking sleigh rides through National Elk Refuge or staying at Rustic Snake River Lodge and Spa to enjoy honeymoon specials.    

8. Argentina

Just thinking of Argentina makes my mouth water for their fabulous food and wine!  Buenos Aires can offer you delectable food while taking in some of the most impressive architecture anywhere. Then to work off the calories go dance the tango, walk through the city markets or travel to Mendoza - the wine capital of Argentina!  If cities are not you idea of a honeymoon, the country offers glaciers and mountain ranges where you can choose your favorite outdoor activity and do them for the duration of your stay!

  

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I am curious as to where my followers took their honeymoons.  Leave me a comment on the details of yours, I would love to hear about them!

2014 Top Rated All-Inclusive Resorts

What is important to you when booking a vacation?  

Is it this:

 An all-inclusive resort is a holiday resort that includes a minimum of three meals daily, soft drinks, most alcoholic drinks, gratuities, and possibly other services in the price. Many also offer sports and non-motorized watersports and other activities that are included in the price as well.

If so then check out this years most coveted all-inclusive resorts to help plan your next vacation through United Military Travel. 

Hermitage Bay, Antigua

Staying here you will experience a true luxury all-inclusive resort that offers 25 cottages resting in their 16 acres of rich tropical forest with views of the picture perfect, caribbean beach.  Hermitage Bay offers casual dining with a luxury feel by making sure the guest is waiting on hand and foot.  And for the ladies you cannot miss out on their world class Garden Spa for an ancient Eastern treatment. To find out more visit their website.

Beaches - Turks and Caicos

If you are looking for a family friendly destination, look no further than the all-inclusive resort at Beaches in the Turks and Caicos.  They know what it takes to entertain all ages so they offer endless distractions for all ages.  Seriously, you can mingle with Elmo and his gang, sip sarsaparillas while listening to the top 40 at the teen disco, spend hours at their water park, or get out on the beach and enjoy the different water sports.  Don't worry mom and dad, you can spend your days at the spa, golfing, lounging by the pool or beachside, or dine at each of their 19 restaurants. Check out more of their activities here!

Amanyara, Turks and Caicos

I would suggest this luxury resort to the couple who wants to truly experience the Caribbean in a "holistic" way.  Amanyara provides secluded lodging on some of the most pristine reefs in the Caribbean and borders the Northwest Marine National Park to give their guests an ample diving opportunities.  The resort itself is open to all the elements - the sun and its reflection off the water, the sea breeze and the sights and sounds of the ocean.  This would be the ultimate honeymoon destination for me if I could do it all over again! 

Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef - Australia 

If wildlife is what you are looking for, look no further!  The island provides access to an abundant amount of exotic fish, wallabies, and kookaburras.  It also is a great place for adults and kids so feel free to bring the whole family along!  I know some people are the "get up and go" type while others rather "hang low" and try the local cuisine.  Well, Hayman Island provides both - it is a place where world-class winemakers and chefs display their talents and how could you not find something to do on the Great Barrier Reef!   And for the kids, they can take guided tours of the island, sailing trips or play on their very own beach.  See for yourself!

Howie's Homestay -  Chiang Mai, Thailand

I am in love, Howie's Homestay is impressive to say the least!  This is a place where only one group, family, or couple can book at a time so you will have the place completely to yourself.  It offers exquisite gardens and rooms with antique Thai furnishings that are world re-nowned.  Nestled against the Himalayans you will have access to all the distinct Thai activities you would anywhere else.  Wait no longer to check out what this American expat has made abroad here!

Mii Amo Spa - Sedona, Arizona

This American spa actually is more of a wellness resort with 16 suites that offer whatever kind of "well-balance" you are looking for.  Some people travel here to lose weight, tone, become one with nature, discover ways to reduce stress, or learn how to live a healthier lifestyle.  Whatever the reason one would chose to go to a "wellness resort", Mii Amo can cater to everyone by offering cooking classes, tennis, yoga or spa treatments and psychic healing.  Namaste.  

Nizuc Resort and Spa - Cancun, Mexico

Since its opening in September of 2013 it has remained the "most luxurious" resort in Cancun to this day.  If you are looking for suites or villas that come equipped with their very own infinity pools or multiple multiple high-end restaurants to choose from look no further.  But you do not have to stay tucked in your room all day, the resort is nestled against lush foliage of mangroves and beaches to offer you all the privacy in the world....even in Cancun. Their motto is "A Mexican Spirit. A Mayan Soul." 

Travaasa Hana - Maui, Hawaii

If you are traveling to Hawaii and would like to stay in an all-inclusive resort beware that you will not find many among any of the islands.  Travaasa Hana became the first all-inclusive resort on the island of Maui so it draws a lot of visitors each year.  Unlike the other resorts listed so far, here does not offer flat screen televisions or devices to check the time.  You will stay in a rustic, island cottage, get pampered in a outdoor lava-rock pool and do yoga against the Pacific Ocean while humpback whales play in the background.  What else could you want out of a vacation in Maui??  

ME Cancun - Cancun, Mexico

This adult-oriented luxury resort is a great place to get away from the kids and reconnect with the activities YOU like to do best.  In order to stay in you only have one choice, and that is to book the "complete experience" package - they do this because their primary goal is to make you feel "human" again.  It is a large resort with 417 rooms that either view the ocean or sunset lagoon and when you are not in your room you are swimming in on of their two pools, using their 24/7 fitness center, reading in their library, or getting pampered at their YHI spa.  Check out their website here.