Turks and Caicos is truly amazing. We've traveled all over the world, and it is still our favorite place to visit. That said, it is not a cheap trip. Our first vacation to Providenciales we stayed at Seven Stars Resort. We had an incredible time, but it was pricey (and that was spring of 2021 when no one was traveling). We wanted to continue visiting the island, but we had to figure out how to do it on a budget. Here are our cost saving travel tips to vacation in Turks and Caicos on a budget:
Off-Peak Travel
There are better times to go to avoid the masses and that associated demand. When you choose to visit during the off-peak or shoulder seasons, prices for accommodations and flights are much lower. Avoid peak tourist months for better deals. September through November is a great time to visit Turks and Caicos. The weather is still great, but the island is quiet. Kids are back in school and not many people are traveling. If you have kids, check out district-specific in-service days to avoid missing school.
Pro Tips: 1) Some restaurants close during the low tourist season so make sure you call first. 2) It's still also hurricane season, so be sure and get travel insurance so you can pull out if needed.
Flexible Travel Dates
Use search engines to find the cheapest days to fly. Being flexible with your travel dates can lead to significant savings. Many of our trips to Turks and Caicos don't include a weekend. We find flights Monday to Friday (leaving early Monday morning and returning Friday afternoon). Not only are they less expensive, but you also avoid the weekend crowds at the airport. It's not easy for people to take a full week off work, we understand. But if you have any type of remote working situation, there are vacation rentals that have amazing workspaces and your boss will never know the difference!
Pro Tips: 1) Find yourself with a "dentist" appointment on Monday late morning so you can grab your airline's Wi-Fi until it runs out (when you fly over the Atlantic) and get back online when you check in. 2) Some airlines let you purchase Wi-Fi ahead of time which is cheaper than when they have you prisoner on the plane.
Flight Deals and Alerts
Sign up for fare alerts from various travel websites and airlines. We use Hopper, Google Explore and Google Flights (which allows you to see when ticket prices have typically been lowest based on your selected dates and destination). Fare alerts provide real-time updates, ensuring that you're informed about price changes as soon as they happen. They help you save money by notifying you when flight prices drop. This is especially useful for budget-conscious travelers who want to secure the lowest fares.
Pro Tips: In our obsessive search for bargain process, we've found that flight prices are lower on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The middle of the night is a good time too (as demand drops).
Accommodation Options
Consider staying in budget-friendly hotels or vacation rentals. We've stayed at VRBO's many times and saved a ton of money. Apartments and condos are easily a third the cost, if not more. Resorts on the island can get very expensive, and you're likely paying for things you don't use (aka: the gym). However, there are quite a few budget-friendly options. Also, consider booking in advance as that can often lead to better rates. Check out some of our favorites!
Pro Tips: Once you establish yourself at a place and have a good rapport with the owner or desk, they are more willing to work with you on price as they love your repeat business (unless you go Russell Crowe on the room and then that's another story).
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Local Food
Explore local markets and restaurants for affordable meals. The island has so many delicious, local places to eat that are much cheaper. That's because most restaurants charge a 12% tourism tax, but those that cater to locals are given an exemption. One of our favorites is Sweet T's. It's a little spot close to the airport that has impressive fried chicken and fries, by the dollar! Enjoying local cuisine can be a delicious and cost-effective way to experience the culture.
Pro Tips: Ask a local where they like to dine out. We bet Patty's Place, the deli counter at Graceway Gourmet, Banksi's, and Turk Kebab make the list.
Cooking Facilities
Buying groceries is always cheaper. Choosing accommodations with some range of kitchen facilities gives you the opportunity to cook at your vacation home. So staying in a rental, with a full kitchen or BBQ, will allow you to cook dinners. If you've chosen a hotel, many rooms have small kitchenettes which can accommodate some light cooking. At the very least, breakfast and lunch preparation will save you a ton of money. It's easy to get coffee, cereals, deli supplies and snacks to ensure 2 out of 3 meals are budget friendly.
Pro Tips: 1) Hit a Graceway Supermarket or Caicos Bakery on the way to the beach and pick up some sandwiches. 2) If you're traveling with a large family, it's not uncommon for people to check a full suitcase worth of food to save on grocery costs. 3) Duty Free is your friend for all things alcohol. Be sure to leave space in your carry-on to stow any purchases on your flight over.
Free and Low-Cost Activities
Research some free or low-cost activities on the island. Let's face it, there is no shortage of amazing beaches in Turks and Caicos. And they are all public and free! You can snorkel, swim and sunbathe on any of these beaches. A few of our favorite beaches are Sapodilla Bay, Taylor Bay, and Leeward (Sunset) Beach. Check out more affordable things to do on the island.
Group Tours
If you're interested in excursions, look for group tours or activities that offer discounted rates for larger groups. Group excursions often have a fixed cost that is divided among participants. So going with a group of 20 at $1000 (or $50/person) is better than a family of 4 at $1000 (or $250/person). It's much more affordable than booking a private tour or activity. Check out some of our favorite activities.
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Water and Snacks
Carry a reusable water bottle and light snacks (nuts, chips) to avoid overpriced store / hotel items. The water bottle also doubles as an adult beverage container (here is our favorite). Buying your favorite bottle(s) of spirits ahead of time, whether at Duty Free or at a local liquor / grocery store definitely helps bring down costs.
Travel Insurance
While it might seem counterintuitive, having travel insurance can save you money in case of unexpected events, such as flight cancellations or medical emergencies. During the pandemic, travel insurance was required to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands. Although, it is no longer mandatory, we still opt to buy it when we travel there or anywhere else.
Travel Rewards and Miles
If you have travel rewards or miles, consider using them to offset flight or accommodation costs. We've literally flown to Turks and Caicos for free using miles. And again, rates are much cheaper for mileage usage during off-peak times.
Group Travel
If you're traveling with friends or family, consider joint accommodations on a larger condo or villa. We recently traveled to Turks and Caicos with another family and cut our accommodations costs in half by sharing a villa and car rental. We not only got to try a new, bigger place, but it ended up being cheaper with more people.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Beach Gear)
Pack your beach essentials to avoid rental fees or buying it for 5x the cost there. We always bring our own snorkels and masks when we travel to any beach location. Although there is a cost to purchase the gear, it's something you can use time and time again. Our list of beach gear includes: sand sifters, dive bags, sand-resistant beach blanket, sun-screen, hats, and rash-guards (to name a few).
We know that money can be tight, especially in uncertain times. And travel costs have ballooned over the last few years. We also know that sometimes you need to get away for some much-needed self-care and to tend to mental health. But there's a way to get to Turks and Caicos in a cost-effective way, while enjoying all that the island has to offer.
Conclusion:
Exploring Turks and Caicos on a budget is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding, with opportunities to experience the island’s natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and authentic flavors without breaking the bank. By choosing affordable accommodations, enjoying free or low-cost activities like beach days and snorkeling, and dining at local eateries, you can have a memorable island getaway that balances adventure with value. With some planning and the tips in this guide, you’re all set to enjoy the breathtaking beaches, warm hospitality, and unique experiences that make Turks and Caicos a dream destination for travelers on a budget.
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Visit our Viator Shop for a curated list of the best Turks and Caicos Excursions!
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