Turks/Anguilla v. St. Vincent & the Grenadines
 

Just wondering if any one could give me a brief explanation of the differences between Turks/Anguilla v. St. Vincent & the Grenadines. My husband and I would like to take a trip to the Carribean in May and so far Turks or Anguilla seem to be the best fit but The Palms in Grenadine caught my attention. I really don't know anything about St. Vincent & the Grenadines so any help would be appreciated!!

The most relevant difference for many people is the time it takes to travel to the islands. Provo and Anguilla are both quick hops from the US (Anguilla being a bit more difficult because you have to go first to either Puerto Rico and then take another flight or to St. Maarten and then a ferry). To get to Palm Island, you first have to go to Union Island via at least 2 different airlines and a minimum of 3 legs (booking independently in most cases), from which you take a boat; getting to Palm is an all-day affair. Getting to Provo or Anguilla is about a 4 to 5-hour trip. Palm is very secluded, private island---do look for comments elsewhere on this board about the beach---and it's a very different experience that Provo and Anguilla, both of which are for jet setters (and regular folks), but certainly not quiet, distant places.

I've been to all 3 numerous times.
Anguilla and T&C are flat dry scrubby islands. Blinding white sand and bright turqiouse waters, with long stretches of beaches. Fairly upscale islands, with terrific restaurants, but not much more to do. It's all about the water there.
I assume you mean Palm Island in SVG.
Small island with just the 1 resort on it. It has beautiful views from their main beach, looking at Union Island almost looks like a minature Bora Bora. You can island hop through the Grenadines, but other than that not much to do either. Pretty beaches, although more in coves as opposed to long stretches. Alot of sailors around the Grenadines. Not much restaurant choices, as to only one resort on the island. Completely different from T&C and Anguilla, but if you like off the beaten path, still nice.

Travel to St. Vincent is an all day affair fromthe US. 10-12 hrs from Pittsburgh, Pa usually to JFK, San Juan or Barbados and then onto SVG via Liat or Caribbean Star/Sun.
Have never been to TC. Anguilla I have visited but agree with blamona on travel time and the island itself.
St.Vincent proper is mountainous with lush green valleys, rain forest and great for communing with nature. Palm Island is not like the Mainland.Was originally a scrub island as well but John Caldwell had a vision and made good on it. Planted all the palm trees hence the name. According to the story the island was leased from SVG for a certain # of yrs I believe for the sum of $1. There is a book written about his vision and dreams. Caribbean Travel and Life a number of yrs ago also wrote an article about the island and how it came to be what it is today. It is a beautiful island and quite amazing. Beaches are what most people are looking for although not a wide spanse of beach such as Anguilla. Not much in the way of nightlife, very quiet. You will feel like you have escaped the rat race if that's what you're looking for. I prefer some of the other islands to Palm. Mayreau comes to mind and Salt Whistle Bay. Bequia as well which is part of the chain. Different types of accomodations to meet anyone's budget. Airfare can be quite expensive. I believe American Airlines has a special they run to palm Island. you might want to check it out. For day trips all the islands in the chain are with in easy travel distance. Tobago Cays are great for snorkeling. Visit Caribbean travel forums and look for listings regarding Anguilla TC and SVG. There are pictures on the site for SVG, would give you some type of idea to compare.