6 Things to Know Before You Go to Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is the kind of place that inspires you to get out of bed early just so you can draw back the blinds and take in the view. Its waters are a magnificent display of vibrant blues, perhaps only rivaled in beauty by the colorful Moroccan city of Chefchaouen. And while there are many Caribbean beaches worthy of a visit, the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) offer unique experiences — both luxury and local — that can't be missed. Here are six things to know before you go:
1. It's Easy to Get There From the US
When your flight touches down, you'll land on the gateway island of Providenciales — or Provo, as the locals call it — which will serve as your entry point to the archipelago. Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is the islands' only international airport, with daily and seasonal nonstop flights arriving predominantly from the US and Canada — JetBlue, Delta, United, American and Air Canada are among the most commonly used carriers, and Southwest will be adding nonstop flights from Ft. Lauderdale this fall. Note that a valid passport is required for all travelers coming from the US; some international travelers may also be required to present a visa.
2. Don't Forget to Visit Both Bays
Many travelers heading to Turks and Caicos will spend their time on Grace Bay, known for its tranquil waters and beautiful sunsets. Many of the islands' luxury resorts and shops are located along Grace Bay Beach as well, while some restaurants, like Solana, are just steps from the white sand and offer the option to dine al fresco. Perpendicular to Grace Bay is up-and-coming Long Bay. While lesser-known but equally stunning, Long Bay Beach presents the ideal conditions for water sports thanks to its trade winds and shallow waters.
3. Treat Yourself and Stay at a Beachfront Villa
With a variety of options ranging from budget to luxury, I chose to stay off the beaten path at the newly built Long Bay Beach Club. Live like a king (or queen) at this trio of modern, beachfront villas that offers perks like airport pick-up and 24/7 staff, as well as additional luxury services like your own private butler, on-call chef or in-villa spa treatments. Guests can also take advantage of those aforementioned Long Bay trade winds and take the club's kayaks, paddle boards and kite boards out for a spin. Or, if feeling the breeze in your hair from the comfort of the pool is more your speed, each villa is equipped with a private infinity pool. The villas offer three- to five-bedroom accommodations, so they're ideal for large families or group getaways, like bachelor and bachelorette parties. From $2,000 per night for a three-bedroom villa or from $2,400 for a five-bedroom villa, each with a three-night minimum stay required.
4. Consider Casual Dining
While there are a number of great fine dining options to try, the best food experiences I had in TCI were on the casual side. For starters, make sure you pencil in the weekly Fish Fry, which takes place every Thursday at Provo's Bight Park and is your opportunity to sample fresh cuisine prepared and served by the locals themselves. Note that credit cards are accepted by some vendors, but bring some cash along just in case your favorite food stand doesn't do plastic.
For the best conch in the islands, visit Da Conch Shack, a TCI staple that offers casual dining directly on the beach, or on the porch if you're seeking shade, while the conch you ordered is harvested from the ocean right in front of you. No matter how you ordered it, as fritters — my fave! — on a salad, in chowder or ceviche-style, pair it with a glass of rum punch. My local friends assured me that Turks rum is the best locally sourced souvenir to bring home, so here's your chance to sample it — trust me, you really only need just one.
5. Be Prepared to Drive — or Pay for Rides
If you didn't take my advice on ordering just one rum punch, you're going to need some help getting back to your digs and your first inclination might be to call a taxi. But if you chose to take one from the airport to your hotel, you already know how expensive this option can be. The local taxi union has an exceptionally strong presence and therefore, rates are fixed and drivers are well-protected.
Private cars are also available for hire, but should be arranged in advance — your hotel concierge can help you with that. Unsurprisingly, Uber hasn't made its way to TCI yet, so for a more cost-efficient means of getting around, your best bet is a rental car (as long as someone in your group avoids the rum punch). Just be aware that many of the roads outside the main towns are unpaved and can make for a slow and bumpy ride.
6. Where to Party With the Locals
Once you've arranged your car and had your fill of conch, you're probably ready for a big night out. Locals and tourists alike favor nightlife hotspots Danny Buoys and the Sand Bar for their dancing and drinks. The two bars are located across the street from each other, so when one spot dies down, don't fret, just head across the street to the other — just like the locals do.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Turks and Caicos? Tell us about them, below.
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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.