What to Pack for Your Vacation in Turks and Caicos

Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a long-awaited tropical vacation in Turks and Caicos! Once the flights and accommodations are secured, the planning doesn’t end there–you still have to pack for your trip. What to bring and what to leave behind will depend on a host of factors including the climate of where you’re visiting, the activities you’ll enjoy when you’re there and the duration of your vacation.

Here’s a list of what to pack to be best prepared for your upcoming vacation in Turks and Caicos.

In Your Carry-On Luggage

Antibacterial Wipes:

Hand-sanitizer is good, but a few packets of anti-bacterial wipes are even better. This is because you can use them to sanitize your hands and other commonly-shared surfaces such as arm rests and tabletops during your flight. They also come in handy for beach picnics during your trip. 

Reading Material or Media:

Many flights offer Wifi and/or in-flight entertainment but a good book, e-reader or iPad will also come in handy while relaxing poolside or at the beach. Don’t forget your earphones or earbuds!

Charging Cables:

We’re mentioning these because they are so easy to forget! It’s good practice to keep all your charging cables together, along with your earbuds, in a small zipper pouch or Ziplock bag so you don’t forget them anywhere.

Chewing Gum:

Cleans your teeth between meals and helps when changes in cabin air-pressure affects your ears.

Pen and Paper:

A pen will save you time when you’re at the airport–filling out those luggage tags–and comes in handy for jotting down directions and suggestions of places to visit during your vacation in Turks and Caicos.

Good Sunblock

It goes without saying that you’ll need a sunblock on your vacation in Turks and Caicos. Not all sunscreen products are created equal. There’s a few things to consider when shopping for your sun protection:

Broad Spectrum Sunblock That Is SPF 30 or Greater:

When sunblocks are tested to give them an SPF rating, the products are applied in a thicker, more even coating than most people wear. Being as most of us apply sunblock less generously, using an SPF 30 (or greater) will help ensure that you’re getting at least half of the protection. Bonus Tip: Protect your pout! Your lips need sun protection too! Don’t forget to pack a lip balm with SPF.  

Reef-Safe:

Mineral based sunblocks aren’t only better for the coral, they’re better for your skin, too! Reef-safe sunblocks use active ingredients which are mineral-based such as zinc, titanium and iron oxide instead of synthetic-chemical sunscreens. This makes the sunblock safer for the delicate coral reefs, but it doesn’t stop there. Mineral sunblocks tend to offer broader sun protection (from UVA and UVB rays) and are often more suitable for sensitive and break-out prone skin. 

Buy a Water-Resistant Formula:

Look for a sunblock that states it is sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes or more. You’ll certainly want to enjoy the pool and a dip in the clear, turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos beaches without having to worry about burning. Just keep in mind that vigorous towel drying and sand will remove your sunblock and reapplication as recommended on the product is required. 

Sunglasses and Lens Cleaner

Polarized sunglasses are the-very-best sunglasses you can pack for your vacation in Turks and Caicos. polarized lenses will cut the glare and reflection from the white sands and water, thereby enabling you to see what’s going on below the surface of the water from shore. You’ll be spotting turtles, fish and dolphins that make their way into the shallows.

Sunglass Lens Cleaner Will Save You Frustration: 

Sunblock and sea-spray will leave their mark on your lenses that a quick wipe with your cleaning cloth won’t remove. This is why we strongly suggest that you bring along some sunglass lens cleaning spray or pre-moistened wipes. Never clean your expensive sunglasses with dish soap – doing so can easily cause irreparable damage to your lenses.

Bug Repellent

Mosquitos can come out at night–especially near long grass and beaches or after a rainfall. If you intend on enjoying evening walks, golfing or sitting out on a restaurant patio past sunset, a little insect-repellent will ensure the little “no-see-ums” bypass you for an easier meal.  

You’ll Love Our Screened-In Porches:

All suites at the Tuscany on Grace Bay come with a spacious screened-in porch that overlooks the idyllic oceanfront of Grace Bay Beach, allowing you to sip your wine and enjoy tropical evenings in comfort.

Vacation Wardrobe

If your accommodations have laundry facilities, you can pack extra-light. Here a few pieces that you’ll need to feel prepared for everything your vacation in Turks and Caicos has to offer.

Long-Sleeved Shirt and Pants: 

Hopefully, you won’t need to wear these, but it’s always a good packing strategy to include a long-sleeved shirt and long pants made from a light, woven fabric such as cotton, bamboo, hemp, silk or linen. They’ll come in handy if you get a bit too much sun on your legs and shoulders.

Shorts, T-Shirts and Tank Tops: 

Tanks, short-sleeved shirts, shorts and light sundresses will be your go-to wardrobe essentials during your vacation in Turks and Caicos. Choose pieces that are light coloured, machine washable and that can be thrown on over a bathing suit. This includes casual wear that is suitable for fitness and activities such as golf, tennis, fishing or any other activities you anticipate enjoying.

Bathing Suits: 

Frequent travellers to tropical locales often pack more than one bathing suit. You’ll likely wear a bathing suit on every day of your vacation in Turks and Caicos, so packing two or more will ensure you always have a dry one that’s ready to wear. 

Sarong or Beach Coverup:

Many of the beaches in Turks in Caicos–especially Grace Bay Beach–are within steps of beach bars, shops and restaurants. An easy sarong or beach coverup is perfect for going from beach to dining to beach again without having to bring along a complete change of clothes.

Dressy/Casual:

Bringing along an outfit or two that are suitable for an elegant evening out will complete your vacation wardrobe. For men this can be a light pair of pants or linen shorts and a short-sleeved, collared or button-down top. For women this can be a light sun-dress or capris and a blouse.

Hats: 

Depending on the length of your stay in Turks and Caicos, you may want to bring more than one hat. Hats tend to get damp with sweat and sunblock, so having more than one in rotation will allow the previously worn hat to dry before wearing again.

Light Scarf: 

Packing pros often bring along a light scarf (linen, silk, cotton) that can be used as a shawl, worn around the neck and face or sprawled across areas of the body that have had enough sun. It’s a versatile item that doesn’t take up much space and will come in handy for sunbathing.

Light Jacket: 

Evenings in Turks and Caicos can cool off and become a bit breezy. A light jacket, hoodie or windbreaker may come in handy.

Note the Tote

Hands-Free Bag:

A crossbody bag, fanny-pack or small backpack that allows you to be handsfree will come in handy during shopping expeditions. 

Beach Bag:

You’ll want to pack a good-sized beach bag that can at least fit two beach towels, sunblock, and a few refreshments. The best beach bags are water-resistant and have a few useful compartments for your phone, keys and sunscreen, such as these ones. 

Footwear

Light Runners or Canvas Shoes: 

Bring along a pair of comfortable shoes that would be suitable for walking, bicycle riding, boating, golfing or a long day of shopping and exploring. 

Sandals:

You’ll wear sandals on most days of your vacation in Turks and Caicos. So, packing along a pair of sandals that are versatile enough to wear to dinner, along with a pair of rubber flip-flops that won’t get damaged by the beach or pool are your best options.

Toiletries

Consider including these items along with your usual skincare, haircare, shaving and dental care products.

Swimmer’s Shampoo: 

While not necessary, if you have light coloured or processes hair, you’ll benefit from packing a small bottle of clarifying shampoo that specifically removes chlorine and mineral deposits from hair.

Exfoliant: 

Another non-essential item that often comes in handy between beach days. Water-resistant sunblock can build up on skin, and if you have a spray tan or use self-tanners, a decent skin exfoliation will come in handy for smoothing things out between reapplication.

Aloe/After-Sun Lotion:

Whether or not you get too much sun on your shoulders, nothing beats the refreshing feeling of applying aloe gel or a super-hydrating moisturizer to your sun-kissed skin. Bonus Tip: For an extra cooling treatment, keep your aloe gel/after-sun lotion in your suite’s fridge between use. 

Multi-Purpose Ointment:

In the event you suffer a bug bite or blister, a little over-the-counter antibacterial ointment or anti-itch lotion can come in handy.  

Other Optional Items

Stevia/Non Sugar Alternatives: 

If you have specific dietary restrictions that require you to avoid sugar and carbohydrates, you may want to bring a few packets of you favourite non-sugar-sweetener to enjoy with your morning or afternoon coffee.

Over-the-Counter Medications and Electrolyte Tablets:  

It’s never a bad idea to include a few rescue-aids that you hopefully won’t need to use during your vacation. Over-the-counter pain-relievers and electrolytes come in handy if you’ve had too much sun or happy hour! And a decent motion-sickness preventative is an excellent carry-along item  if you don’t have your sea-legs yet and intend on boating. Bonus Tip: Candied ginger and ginger ale work as great and natural, anti-nausea remedies, too!

Camera:

You’ll want to capture memories to share with your favourite people back home, so don’t forget to bring a good camera, Go-Pro (or enough space on smartphone for more photos) and charging cables.

iPod:

Music makes everything better! And if you’re staying with us during your vacation in Turks and Caicos, every suite at the Tuscany on Grace Bay comes with complimentary Wifi internet access and an iPod docking station! So, load up your iPod with a vacation playlist of favourite songs to enjoy in your suite. Don’t forget your earbuds or headphones for enjoying your music and media on the go and during your flight! 

Reusable Beverage Bottle: 

You’ll have access to plenty of bottled water on your vacation in Turks and Caicos, but a reusable water bottle or coffee canteen–that isn’t made of glass–comes in extra handy for transporting your favourite bevies to the beach or pool. Bonus Tip: While the tap water in Turks and Caicos is safe to drink, a filtered water bottle will improve the taste. 

Ziplock Bags:

Packing your toiletries in a well-sealed Ziplock bag will save your garments if one of your products leaks from air-pressure during the flight. During your vacation in Turks and Caicos, Ziplock Bags will be perfect for transporting snacks and wet bathing suits to and from the beach. Bonus Tip: Ziplock bags are excellent for protecting your phone and other essentials from exposure to water and sand while at the beach, boating and kayaking!  

Don’t Worry Too Much If You Forget Something!

From clothing and sunglasses to toiletries and over-the-counter medications, you can find a lot of these items throughout the shops in Turks and Caicos. The aim is to feel well prepared and worry-free to enjoy every minute of your vacation in Turks and Caicos!

Your Luxury Accommodations in Beautiful Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Enjoy the comfort and conveniences of home while enjoying luxurious accommodations situated on the best beach in Providenciales and voted one of the best beaches in the world! Choose between 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites and enjoy all the comforts of home during your stay with us. 

The Tuscany on Grace Bay offers spacious and comfortable one, two and three bedroom suites. Every suite at the Tuscany is oceanfront and includes a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen, laundry facilities and a screened-in porch that overlooks idyllic Grace Bay Beach.

Stay at the Tuscany anytime between September 1st through Dec 19th and save 40% off on all room types!

Click here to learn more.