Cayman Islands:
The Cayman Islands are still considered part of the British Empire, which means, technically, you can be in England in the tropics.....
These three Caribbean islands are known as a diver's and snorkeller's paradise, with numerous amazing diving and snorkelling sites. When you're not exploring the reefs and swimming with the fish, you can explore the land, with its mangroves, deserts with cacti, shrubby forests, and beaches. Grand Cayman even has a breeding centre for blue iguanas.
For Canadians, getting to the Caymans is easy; there are direct flights from Toronto that aren't all that expensive. Budget travellers will have to splurge for the Caymans, however; although they are not ridiculously expensive, there are very few places to stay that cost less than about $100 a night (if anyone knows of any cheap accommodation, please email me). Plus, most food is imported, so it's not cheap, either.
The Cayman Islands are also known as a tax-free haven. There are 40,000 companies registered in the Caymans, and this is the place to do your "offshore banking."
This page last updated November 15, 2003.