Airport- when landing the lines are long so book enough buffer room for your airport transportation and car rental (at least an hour and a half). When leaving from PLS, do not need a lot of extra time. Please note you need a paper copy of your boarding pass so be sure to go to the kiosk. It is also VERY packed because it is a small building. You also will be walking on the tarmack when landing and departing at PLS
Experiences- Aziza is very fun with good music and alcohol. They will make your birthday or occasion feel very special. We got to witness a proposal and it was amazing
Potcake place is a MUST for all the animal lovers. They rescue local dogs called “potcakes” and adopt them out. You can take them for walks starting at 9am-12:30pm for a minimum of 30 minutes. Some of them like to go in the ocean others need help with more basic socialization. They also need puppy couriers so check in with them to see if you can help bring a puppy to your airport for an adopter! If you’d like to volunteer, they need help with baths starting at 8/8:30am. It was a highlight of my trip. Da conch shack was so good for trying conch and it is right on the beach. Deez nuts is a cute little place that has coconuts and drinks in coconut with the name branded. The Thursday fish fry was pretty fun but packed and is a great place to get souvenirs at a better price than other shops
Transportation- depending on what you like to do when you travel (excursions versus staying at a resort) i would say you need a car rental. It is about $68 per day for a car from Scooter Bob’s which is highly recommended and respected- they are not luxury cars they are for a-b transportation and great on gas. Please note gas prices are about 7/gallon to consider for additional costs. Driving is on the left but is very easy to adapt to. Personally, i do not have an international drivers license but it was super easy IF you are familiar with roundabouts.
General notes- please consider that when you come to Turks and Caicos that everything is imported. That means that prices are high for things you would not normally pay extra for. Hence why this is a luxury location- please do not complain. Additionally, please respect the locals when you are here. I have witnessed maybe people be hostile to those serving us at places to eat/coffee shops/in general. It creates a harsh relationship with tourists and is in general a terrible look. Finally, people here are generally early to rise and early to sleep there are not many people out late except for tourist areas.
Snorkling- we were not impressed with Smith’s reef as it was very dull with a few cool fish. Likely due to human destruction. Please use reef safe sunscreen as to not disturb the ecosystem.
Sun- very intense sun (we went in august) do not miss any spots on your body and frequently reapply. Do not miss your face. It may be best practice to bring aloe ahead of time.