Turks and Caicos Family Travel Guide presented by
Winter-Spring 2013
An introduction to
Turks and Caicos Presented by
Thomas Cook Kids First Family Vacations A selection of all-inclusive family resort vacation packages designed to provide the ultimate holiday experience for parents and children.
Cover images courtesy of depositphotos.com.
Turks and Caicos With fewer than fifteen rainy days each year, it’s not difficult to see the attraction of the Turks and Caicos Islands. White sand beaches, a modern infrastructure and incredibly low crime rates all combine to make it one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. There’s also the small matter of taxes, you don’t pay any. Should you find yourself dreaming of clear blue skies, here are a few important facts about the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Good to Know • In total, the Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 40 small islands and cover a length of 37 miles. • Despite generally being referred to as a Caribbean destination, the Turks and Caicos Islands are technically located in the Atlantic Ocean. • While only 30,000 people live on the islands permanently, the islands receive over one million visitors annually. • The currency used is the US Dollar and the spoken language is English. • The islands are a zero tax jurisdiction. This means that nobody pays tax, on anything.
Climate The Turks and Caicos Islands have a Marine Tropical Climate. Temperatures in summer typically range from 81 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures, on the other hand, typically range from 73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. On average, the islands experience a staggering 350 days of sunshine each year. Hurricane season officially lasts from June until November but direct hurricane hits typically only occur once every seven years.
When to Go The year round sun in the Turks and Caicos Islands has made them a year round holiday destination. Due to the far less pleasurable climate of North America however, the islands are significantly busier between December and April. Time your vacation outside of these months and you can expect to pay as much as forty percent less for both your airfare and accommodation.
Main Attractions The primary attraction of the Turks and Caicos Islands is always going to be its tropical climate. Contrary to popular belief however, there’s more to the country than sipping cocktails by the pool. Here are some of the best things to do on the country’s most populated island, Providenciales. • Marvel at Chalk Sound: Considered by many to be one of the most memorable sites in Provo, Chalk Sound is a small lagoon made famous for its striking blues and jagged rock cliffs. • Go scuba diving at Bight Reef: An underwater paradise of shining coral reefs. • Ride Horses with Caicos Corral: There’s more than one company offering horse rides on the island but this is the only one with three acres of private beach. • Tee off at Provo Golf Club: If you like to combine your golf with idyllic scenery, this eighteen hole golf course is likely to be right up your alley.
Where to Eat From four-star dining to delicious street food, cooking is very much optional when you holiday in the Caribbean. Here are three of the best restaurants in Provo. • Coco Bistro: Delicious Caribbean food, huge portions and a surprisingly friendly cat named Coco. Frequently rated on Trip Advisor as the best restaurant on the island. • Lemon Café: Specializing in tapas and Mediterranean style dishes, the Lemon Café might be hard to find but it’s certainly worth the effort. • Las Brisas Restaurant: Famous for its view of Chalk Bay, Las Brisas offers excellent value sea food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Outside Provo While there’s no denying the beauty of the main island, Provo, no vacation to the Turks and Caicos Islands would be complete without exploring some of the other 39. • North Caicos is a short ferry ride from Provo and its primary attraction is simply that it remains largely undeveloped. Lush scenery, empty beaches and genuine island life all await those looking to escape the crowds of Provo. • Middle Caicos is situated to the East of North Caicos and is arguably the best island to purchase souvenirs. The Co-op at Conch Bar has a vast selection of handicrafts created by over 60 different artisans. Products include model sailboats, bags, paintings and crafts. • Little Water Cay, also known as Iguana Island, is a short trip from Provo. As its name suggests the primary attraction of the island is its rock iguanas. The island is the only place in the world where the endangered species can still be witnessed in their natural habitat.
Staying Safe The Turks and Caicos Islands are officially one the safest destinations in the Caribbean. Despite this fact however, common sense should still be exercised. • Don’t leave valuables in plain sight. • Always lock your doors. Like anywhere else, break-ins do happen. • Take special care when crossing the road, the islands are home to some truly reckless drivers.