On a Budget

If you would like to visit one of the world's most beautiful beaches but feel you can't afford this expensive destination, there are ways to save money in the Turks and Caicos and still have an enjoyable trip. Online agents Travelocity, Expedia, and Orbitz can save you a few hundred dollars on a vacation package that combines airfare and hotel (and perhaps a car rental). Traveling during nonpeak seasons, when many resorts offer free nights and extra perks, is another way to save. The discount season coincides with hurricane season, so consider purchasing travel insurance. If you don't mind being a block from the beach, you can even save more.

Once on the island there are other ways to save. Most resort rooms and condos have refrigerators and microwaves, so you can stock up at the supermarket. Graceway IGA has awesome rotisserie chicken and prepared pasta and potato salads. Airlines will allow you to bring a cooler of food as long as perishables are frozen and vacuum sealed; despite airline charges for checked bags, this strategy could save you some money, especially on meat.

At restaurants, dinner might be more expensive than for the same entrée at lunchtime, so arrive 15 minutes before the switch-over and order from the lunch menu. Mango Reef offers four-course prix-fixe meals for a reasonable price. Every Wednesday night at Tiki Hut the $13 ribs are a bargain. You can also pick up food at Pizza Pizza and have a balcony picnic. The best excursion is free: snorkeling off the beach at Coral Gardens.

A good source for events and specials is www.TCIEnews.com.