turks and caicos
 

We are going to turks and caicos for winter break with our teens. Can anyone give me some suggestions of great things to do while there? Someone told me today that a friend of theirs went and it was outrageously expensive. Is that true?

I would not say T&C is outrageously expensive but it is not cheap. Grand Cayman is more expensive. The most expensive island I have been to was St Bart's (lovely just the same).
Things to do T&C: water sports (excellent snorkeling, diving, sailing, fishing, beach walking)

Did you have fun there? Where did you stay?

My family is returning in 3 weeks for our second vacation to Provo. I disagree that the island is "outrageously" expensive. We found the prices to be as expected when visiting an island where virtually all items are imported.
The advantages so outweigh the inflated costs of imported items you just try and spend wisely. For example, stock up at the IGA so you can do breakfast and lunch in your room. Dining options are varied and we thought reasonable.
We think Provo offers the finest beach and water we have experienced.
If your teens like water activities they will surely enjoy this island. There is a nice golf course as well but little else which is why we ENJOYED our first trip there SO much - PURE R & R!

TG - I think you misread JMM's message. He/she said T&C is not outrageously expensive. Sounds like a wonderful vacation either way.

Thanks TG for your reply, especially having kids. I already booked our airfare and suddenly got a stomach ache thinking that my kids and husband would end up blaming me for a rotten trip. We went to Caneel Bay a few years ago and had a fabulous time just snorkling and spending time in the water. Since they were full I read that T&C had one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. How bad could it be. Where did you stay while in T&C?

On our first visit we stayed at Ocean Club West. This year we shall be staying at The Sands. It is a similar property to OCW in that it has a nice, meandering pool. But they both share the same wonderful beach and beautiful ocean. Enjoy!

What is the weather like in the T&C in January? We are planning a trip from the 9th to the 15th. Thanks!

Turks and Caicos is wonderful. It is not outrageously expensive. There are some quite expensive restaurants, but not all. If you like water and water sports, you are in for a great treat. We stay at The Sands--- check their site and thesandsresort.com, you can book through there.
We have been there three times over various months and the weather was pretty much the same all the time--- nice breezes keep it from being hot.

Our favorite on Provo is Coral Gardens. Lovely suites, but the best part is the beach. Right on Grace Bay, where the sand is like sifted flour, and the coral reef starts literally just a couple of feet off shore. Snorkeling is incredible, and the water is always very calm. Certainly not cheap, but well worth it.

TCI is not expensive. We found it a little dull, not much nature to see there, although if you do go, the one AWESOME thing we did was rent a 4 wheel drive - YOU CANNOT DO THIS IN A CAR - and go down Malcolm road (you can find it on any map) all the way to the end to the beach. this a real treat. There used to be a french Polynesian game show there and they built little Tiki huts which still stand (although not in super great condition), but the water is just gorgeous here. Not many people do this for some reason, so it's quite private there.

Overall, TCI's snorkeling is not that great, the coral isn't great and there's not much fish action. For snorkeling, we found Grand cayman to be much better than other islands.

Hello vkb2,

Boy do I have to dispute this last post... we found the snorkeling to be wonderful. We thought the fish were fabulous. Although we did take two snorkeling excursions - we also went out in front of Coral Gardens numerous times each day and were delighted with all the fish activity - plus swimming along with the turtles:) was alot of fun. Yes, I would admit the nicer restaurants are a bit pricey but there are many very good casual dining spots too. If it is a real concern - pack some breakfast bars etc... but overall I think you will think it was all well worth it. It's a great island and very easy to navigate. I can't wait to go back!!

ML