Caymanian Staycation: One Family’s Story

By: Flynn Bush

This summer being the first totally open-travel summer since the lockdown, many Caymanian families have been heading off-island to vacation. Some though chose to stay on-island for their time away from home. This is the story of one family.

Michael and Ria Webster, parents of three young children, decided to rent a vacation house in Cayman Kai. Their primary goal was a bit of family time and relaxation. The staycation ended up fitting the bill, and more. As Michael explains, “A lot of tourists every year pay thousands of dollars to come here to our country so, obviously, we have a lot to offer here.”

As we sat and discussed his family’s staycation experience, Michael expounded on many aspects that made the time a memorable one. For example, the hours of family time spent in the residence and the accompanying pool, and the dinner at the Kaibo restaurant. The ability to cook their own meals, exactly as they liked was a plus.

Additionally, the North Side area has many nature-centred attractions. The Crystal Caves, Botanic Park, Rum Point Retreat, and Starfish Point are but a few. The ability to visit, or not visit, these places at your own leisure and pace is what appealed to Michael and Ria. “As soon as we got out to the house, we could feel the stress start to melt away” Michael stated. “That is what our tourists experience, too. No wonder they love to come to Cayman.”

When asked if he would recommend that other families do what his family did, Michael was emphatic. “Just like I think everyone here should go away and experience something new, I believe that we should all make it a point to explore our own country and the beauty that it offers.” A very wise statement, and a call for more staycations, all wrapped into one.

When I asked him what he would most cherish about the staycation, Michael stated, “Family time. Definitely, it’s family time. Like the day we went fishing from the shore. It didn’t even matter that we didn’t catch anything. Those are just the times that will always be with us.”

From the time the lockdown happened, and travel restrictions were put into place, Caymanians have been craving to experience overseas destinations, like we were accustomed to before Covid 19. That desire for travel will always be there, and we will always yearn to see the sights of other countries.

However, there is much to be said about enjoying our own little corner of the world. Michael, Ria and their entire family did just that. “By choosing a staycation this year, long-lasting memories were made and we grew closer as a family,” said Michael. Perhaps, more Caymanian residents will consider the staycation option the next time they are looking for a summer break from everyday life.