4 Reasons to Visit Turks and Caicos | 30 Before 30

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions, my theory is if you don't make 'em, you can't break 'em. So, to avoid disappointment and commitment because I'm super lazy, I've created my 30 Before 30 list instead, giving me just over 5 years to get things ticked off.

Number one on my list has to be to visit the Caribbean. Ever since I watched Disney's POTC I've wanted to visit - I know most of it isn't even filmed there, but the idea of more than 7,000 tranquil, natural and utterly breath-taking islands are just half way round the world, sitting there waiting to be explored is the reason I just need to go. A must-visit for me are the islands of Turks and Caicos, alongside the obvious destinations like Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Barbados and the Bahamas to name but a few - there’s so many!

You will definitely need to do some research into where to stay as the Caribbean is generally hella expensive. Whether it’s one of the many luxury private Turks and Caicos rentals the 40+ islands have to offer, or an all-inclusive hotel on the shore, getting the best price possible is key to allowing you to make the most of your stay on the Islands whether it’s for a romantic break or a trip with your siblings.

Before you start any of your research on flights, accommodation and activities, I first need to convince you to go in the first place, mainly to justify the price, so here’s 4 things about the islands that first made me want to go.

 1.    Sun, Sea, Sand

Located 575 miles southeast of Florida, Turks and Caicos boast a hot, sunny and dry climate that doesn’t get a lot of rain. The islands only see around 21 inches of rainfall per year over just 15 days, in comparison, the UK pretty much rains non-stop for 133 days of the year, so you’ll be very unlucky to find weather that’s not in the mid to high 30s year-round. Being islands, you’re utterly surrounded by ocean, in every direction. Just thinking about the never-ending blue gives me wanderlust like you would not believe. Palm trees, white beaches and crystal clear blue water – what more could you ask for in a Caribbean holiday.

2.    Wildlife

As an animal lover, I would legit go somewhere just to see the animals that live there. I frequent zoos, have a deep longing to visit Galapagos and adore Attenborough’s wildlife series, as well as never being without a pet (or ten!). I think there are many wonders on this earth, and beside humans – I mean come on, we’re a pretty amazing species (well most of us) – animals are pretty spectacular too (except insects and spiders, I do not care for them). Turks and Caicos’ on-land wildlife is limited, but thankfully they are still home to a range of stunning butterflies, iguanas, geckos, snakes and blue land crabs but is wholly redeemed by its abundance of sea-life including whales, dolphins, parrot fish, rays, sharks and hundreds of other barrier reef dwellers that make this one of the top two diving destinations in the world. I’ve always wanted to swim with sharks so this would be the perfect place!

3.    Carnival

Junkanoo is the biggest carnival held on the Turks and Caicos islands, attracting tourists and residents of neighbouring Caribbean islands for its renowned vibrancy. Costumes for Junkanoo begin the moment the previous year’s celebration ends, taking months to complete - incorporating bright colours, feathers, beads and glitter. This is a great way to spend your Christmas/New Year’s holiday while the festivities are happening.

There are several other events across the islands throughout the year including a fishing tournaments, pub crawls (yep, it’s a national event!) regattas and beach parties – definitely sounds like my kinds of place!

4.    Relaxing & Exploring

There’s plenty of opportunity to get some R&R and go on an adventure whilst on the islands of Turks and Caicos. With so many things to do off-shore, including scuba diving, snorkelling, boating, sailing, fishing and other water sports to keep you cool while the sun beams down on you, and more physically demanding activities such as mountain biking, hiking and a visit to the 5* 18-hole championship golf resort, you'll find it hard to be bored. If you’re more of a beach bum, you’re simply spoilt for choice as some of the last remaining true tropics, the islands boast 12 miles of pure white powdery sand for you to perch and dream your worries away in the sun.

Between 13 and 26 hours from London depending on your stops, the islands of Turks and Caicos leave me dreaming of the wonders that await me when I finally have enough dollar to get there. With return flights in peak season (Dec to Mar) from about £560 each and a stopover in Miami, you can actually find some good deals online flights with one or two stop overs. You can even arrange it so you get a few hours in Florida to explore, visit Disney etc. if you plan it right! For the ultimate luxury Caribbean experience, a 5* beachfront all-inclusive resort will set you back more than £7,000 for a two week stay for two of you – an amount that almost makes my eyes water, but I did say it’s something you need to consider before you visit. However this cost goes for any Caribbean island, it’s their stunning natural beauty that attracts over 25 million tourists every year, so you can kind of forgive them for being so expensive, they're worth it!

All in all, the Caribbean islands of Turks and Caicos are a must visit for me and having only done a ‘mini moon’ after my wedding in June, these islands are definitely on my list of potential honeymoon destinations once we’ve bought a house and saved up enough money to splurge on a luxury holiday.  

Have you ever been to Turks and Caicos? Or another of the Caribbean’s 7,000 islands? We’d love to hear your experience :)