How to Experience Turks and Caicos for Less
This small 23 sq mi Caribbean island is just over a one-hour flight south of Miami yet remains relatively unknown. Even by those familiar, it is quickly assumed that the island is simply too expensive which is why we’re here to share with you how that is not entirely accurate.
With this all said, the first step to a budget friendly trip to Turks and Caicos is to take advantage of any airline sales. American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United and Westjet all offer direct flights from many major cities including Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Montreal, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Washington.
When booking, you can opt for a package deal (i.e. purchase flight + hotel together) or you can book each separately. Typically, a package will offer the best rates, however, you may be missing out on some of the hotel’s direct booking benefits which offers more value. Some of these value items can include free cancellation, less upfront payment, room upgrades, frequent stay awards, cash back, free breakfast, etc. When booking with Ports of Call, we work with you to personalize each value-add so that we can ensure you get the most out of your stay.
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From the very start, booking, Jade (daughter of owner) was so helpful, nice, and thorough, taking us through all options and helping with questions around COVID travel. Next was Martime, our first impression as we stepped into the resort, who welcomed us so warmly like her own family she had missed. She was also so thorough, attentive to detail, and very helpful. We felt this throughout our stay… Our next impression was Joseph at the bar, who did such a great job to set the island relax vibe, treated us to excellent tasty drinks (start with rum punch), made us forget all about our 9-5s on the first night. Couldn’t have asked for a better welcome. Next Sandy was at the front desk, and her efficient attentiveness was reflective of her experience, she was on top of things just like the rest of the folks we had already met. Watson was the bartender that night, and he shared so much island wisdom we just might need to come back on a business trip next time! He really knows the who’s who and can provide very insightful suggestions. Then we met Flo – and she wowed us even more. Going above and beyond is an understatement. She single handedly arranged our full day trip to Middle Caicos, and we never felt far from her warm reach, even though we were across a good sized body of water in a foreign country, we were meeting with people we knew we could trust because she had set us up for it… thank you Mercedes and Millamie for taking care of us every morning, making sure we were nourished the way we wanted to be before tackling the day. Paul was outstanding security too. What a great guy. I felt very safe knowing he was keeping an eye on things while we slept, and he was great to chat with too. Martine and Paulo were also great, making sure our rooms were clean and cozy every time we came back from being out and about”.
– Frank F (TripAdvisor Jan 2021)
Your second point to consider are the costs involved once on island. Dining, excursions and entertainment is similarly priced as to what you would pay in North America. Ports of Call, like the majority of resorts on-island is not all-inclusive, however, daily breakfast is included in the rate. Lunch and dinner can be enjoyed at any of the three on-site restaurants or the 20+ others within walking distance of the resort. For added savings, many of our guests purchase items from the grocery store (located next to us) and dine at the beach or around the resort pool. For convenience, the resort has complimentary use of microwaves and barbecues. Ports of Call guests are encouraged to take advantage of the resorts policy of allowing store bought alcohol to be consumed around the pool during any hours the poolside bar is closed.
Most of the island’s best restaurants, shops and tourist attractions are within walking distance of the resort, however, you may want to take a taxi tour or rent a car/motorized scooter to explore the island.
The majority of our guests have found that a one or two days rental is sufficient to explore the island. Average daily rental rates are $60 – 100 but guests of Ports of Call enjoy discounts when booking with Caicos Wheels, our on-site car rental company.
One minimal cost activity I recommend is snorkeling at the Bight Reef. The Bight Reef is a roped off reef less than 30-yards from shore and is no more than 10-minutes by car or a 45-minute walk along beautiful Grace Bay Beach. Snorkelers simply swim around the roped off circle to see an assortment of beautiful fish, turtles and eagle rays. You can bring your equipment from home or rent it for $18/day at Dive Provo, our on-site Dive Shop. It’s also recommended to see some of the other island beaches as well as the incredible private villas. Driving around the island is safe. There is not a lot of traffic and it will be very easy to adopt to driving on the left side of the road. You can drive the entire island including stops for lunch and snorkeling in less than a day.
I hope the above has been helpful in assisting you plan to enjoy this incredible island for less. If we can be of any help to further explain on information that is unclear, please don’t hesitate to contact our incredible team who will put your best interests first.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far is the hotel from the airport?
Ports of Call Resort is a mere 15-minute drive from the airport. Taxis are readily available after exiting customs with regulated fares at $33 for the first 1 – 2 passengers and $16.50 each additional person. If you are traveling in a group of 4 or more, you may be able to save costs by renting a car. When inquiring, we recommend contacting Caicos Wheels. for rates. Parking is included.
2. When is the best time of year to visit?
There is never a bad time to visit Turks and Caicos as the weather is great year-round. Winter temperatures (November through April) average in the high 70’s/low 80’s and summer temperatures (May through October) average high 80’s. Since the island is flat, there is little rain, although a little more so in the fall months.
3. What amenities are included?
Everything you can imagine and more! To name a few, the rate includes daily breakfast, housekeeping, WiFi, 24-hour front desk concierge, welcome drink, security, pool/beach towel service, beach chairs, umbrellas, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, pool and hot tub,.