Wondering how much we spent on our trip to Turks and Caicos?
Introduction:
Providenciales, a small island located in the Caribbean, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs. However, like many tropical destinations, Providenciales can be quite expensive, and visitors may feel hesitant to plan a trip due to budget constraints. Nevertheless, with some planning and research, it is possible to enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable vacation on a budget.
My wife and I had been looking forward to our trip to Providenciales for months. We had several other trips planned for the year, so we had to be very careful about our budget. However, we still wanted to have a comfortable and enjoyable vacation. After some research, we decided to book a VRBO property and our flights through Expedia at La Vista Azul. You can also find similar deals and properties through other booking services.
At first, I thought that one week would be enough for such a small island, but I was so wrong. There were so many things and activities to do, and we explored the island and neighboring cays every day.
Accommodation:
That property was perfect for us. We stayed in a one-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo that was over 1000 square feet with a private terrace and all the amenities we needed. It was very spacious for the two of us, and for one week, we spent $1900 plus taxes and fees. The total cost for our flights from New York and accommodation was around $2400 including taxes and fees.
La Vista Azul has two pools, a hot tub, a gym, a restaurant, and a wonderful view of the island since it sits on a hill. The only drawback was that we had to walk to the beach for 10-15 minutes or drive there. However, we didn’t mind the walk as we had the whole section of the beach to ourselves most of the time, and it was great for snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming, and offered spectacular views. Our host even provided snorkeling and beach equipment, although I always take my own scuba mask and snorkel pipe.
Transportation:
To save on cabs and transportation, we rented a car for $245 for one week for a sedan and around $85 for full insurance. I always take full insurance for rentals and tend to overpay to have peace of mind. Similarly, we also bought travel and medical insurance for around $250.
We spent around $140 on a ferry to North Caicos and $100 for a one-day SUV rental there with insurance. We wanted an SUV because there are many unpaved roads and remote areas and beaches, and we had to be on time for the ferry back. Even though gas prices in Providenciales are higher than in the US, we didn’t spend much on gas due to the short distances.
Food and Drinks:
Food and drink are expensive, more than in the US. We mostly shopped at the Graceway IGA superstore and used the well-equipped kitchen in our condo to prepare simple meals or bought ready meals. We spent around $400 on food and drink. If you are not up to preparing your own meals or buying ready meals then you can explore some local eateries. When it comes to dining options in Providenciales, there is no shortage of restaurants and eateries to choose from. However, many of these establishments cater to high-end tourists, making it challenging to find affordable options. Fortunately, there are still plenty of affordable dining options on Providenciales that offer delicious food and a great atmosphere without breaking the bank.
Activities:
Providenciales offers a variety of affordable water activities that won’t break the bank. One option is to rent a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak, which can be a fun and inexpensive way to explore the island’s beautiful beaches and calm waters. Paddleboarding and kayaking rentals can be found at various locations around the island, and prices typically range from $30-$50 per hour, depending on the rental location and duration.
Another affordable water activity to consider is snorkeling. Providenciales is known for its crystal-clear waters, and there are plenty of great snorkeling spots to explore. Some of the best snorkeling spots can be found at Coral Gardens Reef, Smith’s Reef, and Bight Reef. It’s also possible to rent snorkeling equipment from local dive shops for around $10-$15 per day. Many of the dive shops on the island also offer guided snorkeling tours for a more in-depth experience.
Most of the other attractions, beaches, parks, etc., were free. We spent around $200, including tip, on a kayaking tour to Mangrove Cay.
Total Expenses:
In total, it cost us around $3800 for seven days for two adults. Some might think it’s a lot, but taking into account that the island is quite expensive and considered to be a luxurious destination, we believe it was reasonable and within our budget. If we hadn’t restricted ourselves, we would have spent much more on dining, drinks, water sports, etc. You can find some much cheaper options for vacations in the Caribbean but Turks and Caicos is a unique place with beaches and waters that cannot be matched by any other place.
In conclusion, Providenciales is a beautiful island in the Caribbean that offers a variety of activities and experiences for travelers. While it may be considered an expensive destination, it is possible to visit on a budget by being mindful of expenses, booking in advance, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities. With proper planning and preparation, a trip to Providenciales can be a memorable and enjoyable experience. The island is definitely worth visiting, and I’d like to return there for a longer stay and do more explorations of the other cays and do more snorkeling and scuba diving. The views and colors of the sea are even more beautiful in reality than in the pictures. Our trip to Providenciales was amazing, and we’re looking forward to planning our next visit.
Some information about our rental property
La Vista Azul is a vacation rental and hotel located in the Turtle Cove area of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. The property offers a variety of accommodations, including studios, one-bedroom apartments, and two-bedroom penthouses with modern amenities and ocean views.
The property’s studio units are perfect for solo travelers or couples, with a king-size bed, kitchenette, and balcony with views of the pool or ocean. The one-bedroom apartments offer additional space, with a separate bedroom, living room, and fully equipped kitchen, as well as a balcony or terrace. The two-bedroom penthouses are ideal for families or groups, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large terrace with ocean views.
All of the units at La Vista Azul feature air conditioning, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and a washer and dryer. The property also offers an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center, as well as a restaurant and bar located on-site.
La Vista Azul is conveniently located just a short walk from the beach and the Turtle Cove Marina, where visitors can book various water activities such as fishing charters, scuba diving, and snorkeling trips. The property is also just a short drive away from the island’s other popular attractions, such as Grace Bay Beach, the Caicos Conch Farm, and Chalk Sound National Park.
Overall, La Vista Azul is a great choice for visitors looking for comfortable and convenient accommodations in Providenciales, with a range of options to suit any budget and travel group size.
Tips:
Below we included some tips for Planning a Budget-Friendly Trip to Providenciales:
Firstly, look for affordable accommodation: Consider booking a vacation rental instead of a hotel. Vacation rentals often have more space, a kitchen, and other amenities that can help you save money on food and drinks. Look for properties in less popular locations that are farther from the beach but still within walking distance.
If you’re traveling in the peak season from December to April, be sure to book your flights and accommodation in advance, as prices can be higher, and availability can be limited.
Second, transportation on the island can be a bit tricky, and taxis can be expensive. Renting a car is a good option, especially if you’re planning to explore the island and neighboring cays. Be sure to check for any damage or scratches on the car before renting and take pictures to avoid any disputes later.
Third, the island is known for its water activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. If you plan to do any snorkeling, it’s best to bring your own snorkeling mask and pipe if possible to save on rental costs.
Fourth, dining out can be expensive, especially at upscale restaurants. Consider cooking your meals in your accommodation or buying ready meals from grocery stores to save on food costs. The Graceway IGA is a great place to stock up on groceries, and they offer a variety of international products.
Fifth, there are many free or low-cost activities to do on the island, such as visiting the Chalk Sound National Park, exploring the historic Cheshire Hall Plantation, or going for a hike at the Northwest Point National Park.
Lastly, consider purchasing travel insurance and medical insurance before your trip. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, it can provide peace of mind in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended to provide general information about the destination and travel. The article does not constitute professional advice and readers should not rely on the information presented in this article as a substitute for their own research. The author does not accept any responsibility or liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information and views provided in this article. The readers are advised to use their own judgment and common sense when traveling to the destination and to conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions regarding their travel plans or expenses.
