6 Reasons Why I Love Turks and Caicos
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With over 7,000 individual islands in the Caribbean, it may be hard to decide where exactly you should go. But, as I've discovered recently, you can't go wrong with Turks and Caicos. This was my second trip to the islands — and I know many more are in my future! The archipelago of about 40 islands is home to white sandy beaches, delicious seafood and plenty of family fun, nightlife and beach relaxation. Here are six of the top reasons why I love Turks and Caicos and can't wait to return.
It's easy to get there
Southwest recently launched seasonal nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Providenciales International Airport (PLS), meaning you can get from a number of other US cities to the archipelago with just a brief layover in south Florida. JetBlue also serves PLS from both FLL and New York (JFK). As both of these airlines have revenue-based rewards programs (meaning the cost of your award ticket is tied to the cash price), the amount you can expect to pay in points vill vary.
American Airlines flies from both of its Southeastern US hubs: Charlotte (CLT) and Miami (MIA). If you're able to find saver awards, you can expect to pay 12,500 AAdvantage miles each way in economy or 25,000 each way in first class. Delta flies nonstop from Atlanta (ATL), and while the carrier doesn't publish an award chart, we're seeing award tickets from 20,000 SkyMiles round-trip in coach and from 70,000 in first class. United operates flights from Newark (EWR) and seasonally from Chicago (ORD), with tickets starting at 17,500 miles each way in economy and 30,000 in first.
It's hassle-free
I mean this in a practical way — Turks and Caicos uses the same electrical outlets as the US and also uses the US dollar as its currency, making it easier logistically. I love the ease of traveling internationally without having to exchange money or dig out my converters.
There are great hotel options
This time around, I stayed at the Shore Club Turks and Caicos, a relatively new resort on Long Bay beach in Providenciales. The stay was fantastic, as the hotel has beautiful rooms and a luxurious spa. My stay a few years back at Amanyara was also wonderful, and I've also heard great things about Grace Bay Club, too. Stay tuned for a full review of my three-bedroom suite at the Shore Club.
It is unfortunate that there aren't any points properties on the islands, but you can use the Citi Prestige Card’s 4th Night Free perk, which gets you a complimentary fourth night on paid hotel stays. Or, use your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to get 10x miles on purchases made at Hotels.com through Jan. 31, 2020. This means is that you’ll receive 10% back on hotels booked at Hotels.com since Capital One points are worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed for a statement credit against travel purchases. Venture cardholders will have to book and pay through a special URL, Hotels.com, to receive the 10x miles.
It has a little bit of everything
Now that I'm in my thirties, trips with my friends look a little different than they used to — I still want to have fun, but quality relaxation time is necessary. The island is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a serene beach, lively nightlife, watersports, getting off the beaten path into nature and more. Turks and Caicos can be anything and everything — a spring break spot, a honeymoon spot or a family holiday in the sun. You can opt for fine dining (Coco Bistro) or savor a plate of conch at a no-frills beach shack (Da Conch Shack was my favorite). I also enjoyed spending an evening at the Casablanca Casino, which had friendly dealers and a low-key vibe.
Many islands in the Caribbean are known for catering to a specific vibe, but on Turks and Caicos, you're able to spend an evening out on the town, but then go back to a quiet resort for a full night's rest.
It's paradise
Turks and Caicos is truly paradise. Seriously, though. Its fine white sand beaches and crystal blue waters are exactly what come to mind when you're dreaming of a tropical escape. The islands have about 230 miles of white sandy beach in total, and it's a haven for those who love to snorkel and dive. The islands actually boast one of the largest reef systems in the world. I rented a boat with Big Blue Collective (formerly Big Blue Unlimited) and had a relaxing day exploring, diving and just hanging out. I spotted a sea turtle, a shark and lots of other interesting marine life during my dive — it was definitely worth it. On top of all of that, the breezier long bay area is tailor-made for kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking or paddle boarding.
It's quirky and fun
All the locals I interacted with had a great sense of humor, and everyone was super friendly — including the marine life. There's actually a dolphin named JoJo that happily interacts with humans and is often spotted swimming beside people in Grace Bay. The government of Turks and Caicos has even declared JoJo a national treasure. I loved to see how proud the people are of their islands, and already can't wait to head back.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.