Turks and Caicos
Bringing My 31st Birthday In With Beauty
My solo birthday trip to Turks and Caicos! While this trip was not supposed to be solo, things just happened to be this way. Turks & Caicos is known to be a very expensive Caribbean island, so I was stressed to go by myself. So, how did I do it, especially during the Christmas season? Well, let’s just say it wasn't typical. But, I just knew I wanted to enjoy my birthday even if I was by myself. So, I said, “FUCK IT, I AM STILL GOING!”. This was not my first trip by myself to a new place or country, it’s just I knew the Turks and Caicos islands were expensive, especially for accommodations. The only thought I could do rather than booking a resort or hotel, was to do it Airbnb style! Usually, when you think of the Caribbean islands you think of beautiful resorts or 5-star hotels with a beautiful beachfront, all-inclusive style, and about 10 different pools that you never have the chance to try. I just knew me getting a room for the cheapest of $900 to about $2,500 PER NIGHT was out of the cards for me. Did I mention that I also had this trip booked on my birthday? Yes, December 15th-20th. Christmas time! So, the rates were even higher since many people go down the islands around this time, which is perfect since it’s after Hurricane Season. So, I knew I had to be quick and fast! While looking on Airbnb, I knew I wanted to be in the Providenciales area since this area is easier to explore, book excursions, and one of the best beach areas. Well, I found it and boy was I started getting excited! To me a perfect studio apartment with a pool, gym, walkable restaurants, a parking lot, and a 5-minute walk to the beach! All under $1,000 for 5 nights??? BOOKED! Fast forward to the time of my flight and I realized First Class seats were open, so I upgraded my American Airlines ticket! First class from Philadelphia to Providenciales was worth the upgrade and my flight was only 3.5 hours nonstop. While the food was decent, it most certainly wasn’t on Delta’s level, but the seats were extremely comfortable and I had no one on the left of me. While looking at the rainy weather outside, we started to take off while I sat back to relax. Turned on The Woman King starring the phenomenal Ms. Viola Davis and enjoyed my meal. Before I knew it, I was seeing the most beautiful crystal blue waters I have ever seen in my life.
I have arrived… and I’m so ready for the beach!
As I checked into my Airbnb, the host was extremely detailed and helpful. I was able to quickly find my apartment and got right adjusted in. In the first hour, I met the most wonderful person in Turks & Caicos by the name of Flo aka Auntie Flo. She was helping the host of the Airbnb and was there for anything that I needed. She was extremely warm and felt like an auntie to me during this entire trip. I decided to not get a car for my trip and went the taxi route. But, this taxi company was female-owned and highly recommended. I felt extremely safe by myself and I was ready to explore. The first stop was Simone’s Restaurant which was right by the Airbnb. The food was okay but wasn’t my favorite. By the time I was done at the restaurant, it was dark and I decided to just take myself back. Did I tell you this trip for once was a relaxing trip and was in no rush to do anything? Haha! I haven’t done this type of trip in a long time and I needed it. I stayed in, unpacked, and watched TV until I was exhausted. I knew the next morning, I booked something fun and exciting.
My 6 a.m. alarm went off the next day and I really excited to try something new and out of my comfort zone. I booked myself a drone photoshoot for my birthday. I mean Turks are pretty known for this drone photoshoot and have about 20 different companies within a 10-mile radius that do the same thing. But, the company I chose not only had the drone photoshoot but also an Eco-Friendly Turtle Kayaking Tour. I was picked up by the company’s driver and taken about 20 minutes to their location. As soon as we arrived I was around a beautiful and peaceful scene. Barely any waves and the clearest water I have ever seen. The owner/photographer with two assistants was already ready for me once I got there. With their help, I was able to capture some gorgeous images and felt extremely confident. Right after the photoshoot was done, I went on their turtle kayaking tour. I am not the best kayaker, so they arranged for me to go with the guide. We learned so much about their turtles, how Turks & Caicos take care of their sea life, and the importance of everything that they preserve. The tour was an hour and it was so amazing to see the turtles and a sea snail called “conch”. Conch is extremely popular to eat in the Caribbean islands, especially in Turks & Caicos. After both adventures, I was dropped off at my Airbnb and got dressed to right back out. This time I went to the legendary, da Conch Shack. This restaurant is extremely popular because of the atmosphere, the food, and the beachfront. My auntie Flo joined me while we just talked and enjoyed each other’s company. I ordered jerk chicken with rice and mac & cheese. The food was good but not going to lie, I didn’t know that down in the islands they usually put veggies in the mac & cheese. While I ate, I enjoyed the beautiful sunset while a relaxed dog approached and sat right by me. The usually packed restaurant was quiet, especially on a Friday night but I enjoyed it and bought some souvenirs from the locals. Thanks to Auntie Flo for teaching me how to negotiate lol.
Beautiful Sunset at da Conch Shack
The next morning I was ready to enjoy the beach and hit up the most popular beach on the island, Grace Bay Beach. While I enjoyed the sunshine and people-watching, one thing that stood out to me compared to the other islands I visited was that Turks and Caicos people really are just different. Even when they tried to sell me products on the beach, they were not pushy at all, gave so many natural compliments, and asked me how I generally was. I learned the following day how there are so many people from different islands that came here to just work and then go back to their island later in the month to bring back their money. Everyone has different accents and dialogue, it’s truly beautiful. I walked up to the Pelican Bay Restaurant & Bar after laying out on the beach for a few hours. Even though I enjoyed the usual cheeseburger and fries, I looked at everyone else’s plate and realized that I was. the only person who didn’t order anything seafood. Yes, you heard me correctly… I do not eat seafood, which is heartbreaking, especially on the island such as Turks and Caicos. After my beach day, the sun really took a toll and I went back to the room to take a quick nap. Once nightfall hit, I got redressed and went back out to try another legendary restaurant called Sharkbite. Sharkbite is a walkable distance from the Airbnb, which is safe to walk to during the morning and afternoon but supposedly not at night. So, I took a quick cab and I was there in 3 minutes. Honestly, a waste of money because I ended up walking right back after dinner and was fine. But, Sharkbite was such a delight! I was going to try a local plate but I was told the Blacken Chicken Alfredo was amazing. AND IT WAS! It was the best alfredo I have ever tried and honestly, I am not even an alfredo kinda girl. I let my waiter know that my birthday was tomorrow and I received a happy birthday with free ice cream :). A perfect way to end my night and I was all smiles walking back to my Airbnb.
My last full day on the island and I was ready to learn more about the island while also relaxing. Didn’t I tell you this trip was all about relaxation? haha! Well, my Auntie Flo wanted to drive me around to teach me more about the island, the local spots, and everyday activities on this island. While teaching me I began to fully understand the differences of each village and area of the island. When it comes to vacations, especially for us Americans, we really don’t see anything outside the resorts and hotels. So, it’s honestly really refreshing to get a place like an Airbnb because it helps dig deeper into the area we are staying in rather than just going to the beach every day. She took me to different beaches and told me which beach was better. While this tour was going on, she let me dine by myself at another legendary restaurant called Mr. Grouper’s Restaurant. It is a must-stop restaurant on the island and I see why, the BBQ chicken was delicious! I was then dropped off at a local beach that Auntie Flo recommended. The beach was full of locals, food, and drinks! Even though Grace Bay is well known, something about the other side of the island beaches is just different. This beach is about 35 minutes away from my Airbnb. I was able to get free shots because it was my birthday! I was able to relax and was there until the sunset! I absolutely loved it and was not ready to go home at all! Just being around amazing people, being in an ocean where I could see my feet at the bottom, and having beautiful weather would make anyone fall in love with a place.
Goodbye Turks and Caicos
Well, my vacation was over and I was completely saddened but truly grateful. Ugh! I really wasn’t ready to go back home yet, but it was about that time. My flight was at noon on a Tuesday which meant there were barely any lines at the airport. So, I did not rush for this flight. I slept in and just packed up my luggage and went to the airport. So, Turks and Caicos is still owned by the British and honestly, that is why the majority of everything is expensive. Absolutely almost everything is imported to the island. It truly is hard for locals, so while on this trip I bought a good amount of cash to tip and give appreciation. Even though I did not stay at a 5-star resort, I really felt like I stayed in the best place possible. I felt extremely safe, protected, and a community of people. I spent some money but honestly, this vacation was under 2k for me. I had an amazing American Airlines deal of $250, plus my room was $910, and excursions, cabs, and souvenirs. I enjoyed being able to eat with everyone, to cook at my Airbnb and to honestly just go at my own pace since I was by myself. Honestly, this vacation was needed and enjoyed. I can’t wait to go back to Turks and Caicos, I really have my own little family down there that I still talk to on WhatsApp today. Happy 31st Birthday to me :)
