Episode 52 – Website Info
Special Guest
Kim Sardo – Senior Director of Business Development for UVI (Beaches/Sandals)
Website: https://www.beaches.com/resorts/turks-caicos/
Social: #BeachesBFF #LIVplusevents
Facebook: @BeachesResorts | Twitter: @BeachesResorts | Instagram: @BeachesResorts
Colleen & Catie’s Picks for Turks & Caicos
Colleen
Accommodations: Beaches Turks & Caicos – Family and Couple-friendly resort, great for girlfriend getaways. All-inclusive, with a 45,000 square-foot waterpark; five magnificent villages. The architecture and ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean and Key West with a 12-mile beach with clear turquoise waters.
Restaurant:
Schooners – Serving a variety of fish, from lemongrass scented Snapper, to a 10 oz. Rib eye, the famous Turks & Caicos mollusk, Conch. Colonial villa setting just steps from the ocean!
Activities:
Scuba diving (included with gear and instructions) – Turks and Caicos has the 3rd largest barrier reef and several top diving spots in the world. Consider getting scuba certified!
Getting around:
Cabs are per person, not per ride.
Many resorts offer free bike rentals.
If you rent a car, keep in mind that you drive on the left side of the road, although most cars are imported from the US and will have the wheel on the right side.
When to Visit:
Weather – The average temperature is between 85-90°F from Jun to Oct and 80-84°F from Nov to May. Hurricane season in the Caribbean is officially from Jun 1 to Nov 30th.
Their busiest season is from mid-Dec to mid-April. Travelers on a budget should consider going June through mid-Dec, when the rates are 40% less than the winter rates and 2/3 less than the holiday rates.
Any Other Tips?
Bring Coral Safe Sunscreen
Some excursions will not allow you to join if you are not using coral safe sunscreen.
An estimated 4,000 to 6,000 metric tons of sunscreen from swimmers’ bodies are deposited into the ocean annually.
Make sure yours doesn’t contain oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), butylparaben, octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate), or 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4MBC).
Bring one 3 oz bottle per person to be safe since sunscreen is not cheap on the island.
Bring Sea Lice Lotion if you don’t want to be stung by jellyfish or sea lice (jellyfish larvae). Also bring bug spray.
Catie
Accommodations: Beaches Turks & Caicos. We loved the butler that came with our suite!
Restaurant:
Kimonos – A vibrant restaurant that serves up the exotic cuisines of the Far East in an interactive way. Enjoyed our meal being prepped with our fun interactive chef!
Activities:
Massage on the beach
Catamaran Cruise
Tips for getting there: We flew Chicago to Charleston and then flew to Turks and Caicos. Nonstop flights available from ORD to PLS (Providenciales).
Any other tips?
If you want to eat lobster, make sure you go between Aug 15 to April 1st. If it is not lobster season, it is illegal to catch them, so you won’t find them in any restaurants.
Don’t overpack like we did. I wore half of my clothes. It’s all about solid clothes and fun earrings!
“What’s” with the “Trip Sisters”
What’s in Your Suitcase?
CAROLINE ZIP TRAVEL JEWELRY CASE by WOLF
$85 on www.wolf1834.com
When traveling, a great way to save room in your suitcase is to pack fewer clothes (preferably solids) and spice up your outfits with jewelry and accessories. This case comes in 4 different colors (black, red, champagne, rose quartz). The storage includes 7 ring rolls, 4 compartments and 3 necklace hooks with pocket. LusterLoc™ allows the fabric lining the inside of your jewelry cases to absorb the hostile gases known to cause tarnishing. Under typical storage conditions, it can prevent tarnishing for up to 35 years. Made of genuine leather.
What’s on your phone?
The Sandals & Beaches App – Free for Android & iOS
Access your Sandals Select membership, stay up to date with current point balance, view membership status and benefits. View upcoming trips and trip details, view your booking information, book vacation extras, and check-in before your arrival. While at the resort(s), use the app to make dining reservations, view resort map, check local weather, manage butler preferences.
What’s the tip?
Things You Must Know Before Visiting Turks & Caicos
They are a British territory, and everyone speaks English. The people who are from Turks and Caicos were originally from Africa and call themselves “belongers” rather than natives. Don’t be that ignorant American that asks if they are from Jamaica. They will be very offended.
The currency is the U.S. Dollar
Pricing is still very expensive. Food at restaurants and groceries are at least 2 times the cost in the States.
Tipping is the same is the US (about 15-20%) Some places already add service fees (ie. hotel service fees are split among all the workers).
You can drink the tap water, but it smells and tastes like sulfur. Bottled water is expensive. Consider bringing your own filter!
Don’t take shells or other natural items you find on the beach home for souvenirs. This is harmful to the environment and local wildlife.
