Daily Daydream: Sandbanks and Shady Banks Attract Equally Here

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto: "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at cteel@smartertravel.com.

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Whether you just won the MegaMillions lottery jackpot, need an offshore financial center, or just like a good beach vacation, Grand Cayman is for you. Although the island has obtained a bit of a shady rep, due to the more than 500 banks that make Grand Cayman the unofficial offshore bank of choice for tax dodgers, it’s also a haven for scuba divers.

Ancient woodlands aren’t what you’d expect on a Caribbean island, but Grand Cayman is home to Mastic Trail, a 200-year old foot path that winds through a more than two-million-year-old forest in the center of the island. Hike it on your own, or take a guided tour if you’d prefer to have someone identify the botany for you.

If you’re looking for something more classically Caribbean, head to West Bay Beach (nicknamed Seven Mile Beach) for white sand shaded by palm trees. The aptly named beach is large enough that you can find a secluded spot, and the clear water draws in snorkelers. Divers would be hard pressed to find a bad spot to swim—the many coral reefs around Grand Cayman attract a good show of underwater life.

Where Is it? In the western Caribbean. Fly to Owen Roberts International Airport (check prices).

Where to Stay? At the Caribbean Club, a luxury hotel with 37 three-bedroom, three-bath villas on Seven Mile Beach.

What Else Should I Know? Steer clear of the port areas where crowds of cruisers congregate.

Who’s it for? Lotto winners, snorkelers, yacht-owners

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