The Turks and Caicos Islands are one of the most beautiful beach vacation spots in the world. With its jewel blue waters and kilometers of sandy beaches, it attracts visitors who are looking to experience the pristine waters and best beaches in the world. While planning a beach vacation is one of the easier trips to plan, there are a few things to look out for when planning a visit to the Turks and Caicos.

Whether you plan to visit Providenciales, Grand Turk, or one of the other islands in the Turks and Caicos Islands read this guide before you go so your visit to the Turks and Caicos will be perfect!

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Trip to the Turks and Caicos

Mistake #1 When planning a trip to the Turks and Caicos is planning on local public transportation

Expecting good local transportation on the Turks and Caicos Islands is a big mistake. Local public transport essentially does not exist. When visiting, unless you are spending the whole time on an exclusive beach resort like Beaches and have round trip transfers included in your itinerary, you should rent a car to get around.

There are limited taxis, and the other way to get around besides renting a car is with a tour company.

Click Here to get car rental rates for Turks and Caicos 

Mistake #2 Packing too Much

Packing too much for your visit to the Turks and Caicos is a common beach packing list mistake.  While you may be used to a warm climate and think you will want an assortment of clothing, the humidity makes everything sticky! Even jean shorts are quickly uncomfortable in the Turks and Caicos. Opt for men’s amphibian shorts and bring a thin pair of dress pants (for fancy evenings) and for women, opt for sundresses. Don’t forget to bring Spanx or something else for under your dress. Your thighs will thank you!

If you are staying in a resort, especially one like Beaches, their souvenir shops have EVERYTHING you need clothing wise if you do find that you do not have the right clothing.

Do make sure you have your camera or your phone handy though! There are plenty photo worthy moments all over the Turks and Caicos Islands! Then check out these vacation captions for Instagram photos! It will give you the perfect quote for your photos!

Mistake #3 Americans attempting to visit without a Passport

The Turks and Caicos is not the same as the US Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico and passports are required for US Citizens wanting to visit the country. Advance visas are not required and are issued on arrival for most nationalities. Proof of onward travel is required in order to check-in for a flight to the Turks and Caicos from most airlines.

The official currency of the Turks and Caicos is the USD. Maybe that is why some Americans mistake it for a US Territory. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, grocery stores etc, but it is still very much a cash based island. Bring some cash with you or get some out at an ATM on arrival.

Now knowing that you are visiting an international destination, ensure you have proper travel insurance.

I highly suggest travel insurance and a good policy. I personally never travel without it, and I even checked into my policy about care for my children if I am ever in an accident or hospitalized. There are just too many things to think about.

You can find out more information and buy your travel insurance here.

Mistake #4 Not bringing a hat and sunscreen and sunglasses.

The sun is very hot and burns quickly. Lots of sunscreen is available on arrival. Look for reef-safe sunscreen if you plan on going in the ocean. Wearing a long sleeve rash guard while snorkeling etc is a good idea.

While you are packing, being comfortable shorts that will not chafe your legs. Chafing cream is a good idea!

Mistake #5 Drive on the “wrong side” of the road

I like it joke that it is the wrong side of the road, locals refer to it as the “left” ( most countries drive on the right).

If you plan on renting a car, ensure you are aware that you will be driving on the left. Take note of the windshield wipers and turn signal as you are likely to hit the wipers a bunch of times!

While there are plenty of places to stay on the island, we recently returned from Beaches Resort and it was by far, the best family resort we have ever visited. I love that tips are not accepted and they take care of any need you can think of! I will have plenty more info coming soon!

Mistake #6 Not Considering Beaches

Beaches Turks and Caicos is a must when you are visiting. Check out everything you need to know about staying on the most beautiful piece of beach in the world here. Once you see what Beaches offers, you will not want to stay anywhere else. And trust me, it is worth it!

Mistake #7 Not Researching AirBNB’s

Traveling is different for everyone. Some want a house on the beach, some want a resort experience. There is no real wrong way to travel. Staying in an AirBNB in the Turks and Caicos gives an opportunity to rent a home, have your own kitchen and have a self-contained unit.

Pools and Views for a Couple or Large Group

When I visited the Turks and Caicos Islands I chose a perfect little place that works for couples or families. It was called Maddy’s Cottage and is a couple’s oasis on Providenciales. While the cottage slept just two, Terry also rents out the main house for larger groups. Guests have access to the pool, snorkeling equipment, beach towels and a swimming pool overlooking the water.

If you want the perfect couple’s getaway, check out Maddy’s by clicking here to see it online.

If you have a larger group, Terry also rents out a 4 bedroom home. It is stunning! Check it out here for large families for couples traveling together!

Beach Luxury

If staying on the beach is on your Turks bucketlist, you will want to stay at Villa Capri. Tucked into a crescent of beach on Sapodilla Bay and beautifully appointed with Carrara marble, the one-bedroom villa is like your own resort. Thanks to a location just minutes from the airport, you’ll have your toes in the sand before you know it. Villa Capril has everything you need to take full advantage of its spectacular location, from lounge chairs and paddleboards to kayaks. Spend the day sunbathing on the terrace next to your private pool, then cook up local seafood on the barbecue and watch the waves as you enjoy a meal at the al-fresco dining area.