This Island Was Just Named Fall’s Top Trending Destination in the World
Updated: Jan. 05, 2023
Looking for the perfect tropical getaway? This Caribbean hot spot is the place you'll want to be.
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It’s got clear turquoise water ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, some of the best beaches and best all-inclusive resorts in the world and fantastic weather year-round. So it’s no surprise that TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, just named Turks and Caicos fall’s No. 1 trending destination. Wondering if you should book a room at one of the dreamiest Turks and Caicos resorts right now? If you’re looking for an amazing getaway and love the idea of a Caribbean island trip, the answer is yes!
“A combination of luxury, a wide variety of accommodation options, excursion opportunities and beautiful landscapes makes Turks and Caicos a hot destination,” says Tammy O’Hara, a corporate and leisure travel experience creator with Million Miles Travel Agency. Keep in mind that while Turks and Caicos technically refers to a series of islands in the Caribbean, most people visit Providenciales, which has the biggest selection of resorts.
We’ve got the details on the best Turks and Caicos resorts and everything else you need to know before visiting. One important note: Make sure to book soon to secure a spot at one of these top Caribbean all-inclusives! Also check out the best time to buy flights to get the best possible deal and make your vacation even better.
What is the No. 1 fall destination in the world?
This year, as noted, that honor goes to Turks and Caicos. This once-sleepy destination had the biggest increase in search demand over the past year on TripAdvisor, beating out other travel hot spots such as Singapore, London, Bangkok and Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and it’s the only Caribbean destination that made the top 15 of TripAdvisor’s list. Las Vegas, New York and Orlando, FYI, took the top three spots for the most-searched domestic destinations.
What makes Turks and Caicos so amazing? For starters, this tropical spot is relatively easy to get to from most spots in the United States, with direct flights from Miami, New York, Boston, Fort Worth, Atlanta, Charlotte and Philadelphia. Plus, it’s a really quick trip for those on the East Coast—just a three-hour flight from New York and one and a half hours from Florida.
And let’s talk about the beaches. “The sand on Grace Bay is like baby powder, and the beaches are massive on that side of the island,” says Mandy Pullin, a travel advisor specializing in luxe adventure at DPP Travel in Beaufort, South Carolina. “There’s plenty of room for sunbathing and all manner of other beach activities.” Turks and Caicos also happens to be the top kitesurfing destination in the world.
In short, it’s the total package—ideal for everything from a romantic retreat to a girls getaway to a solo vacation or a family vacay. “If you want exclusive, they have it. A party atmosphere? They’ve got that too,” Pullin says. “There is something for every travel personality on Turks and Caicos.” And, of course, there are fantastic Turks and Caicos resorts to match each one.
What’s the weather in Turks and Caicos in the fall?
If you could create the absolute perfect weather to visit an island, it would be fall in Turks and Caicos. In September, the average high is 89, with a low of 80. In October, the average high is 87, with a low of 79. And in November, the high is 84, with a low of 77. The ocean will also be at peak bathtub temperature. Plus, in the fall, the Caribbean’s hurricane season is winding down (though technically it lasts until Nov. 30).
Is Turks and Caicos safe?
Let’s start with the COVID stats. Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated countries in the world, with more than 85% of local adults fully vaccinated. Visitors must be vaccinated as well.
In terms of crime, there has been a slight uptick recently, and in May 2022, the U.S. Department of State issued a low-level travel advisory for Turks and Caicos, asking visitors to exercise increased caution. The government agency designated Turks and Caicos with a level 2 out of 4. To put that in context, Mexico is at level 3. Overall, though, the crime level is still relatively low, and the majority of it tends to be opportunistic burglary and theft.
Plus, the resorts in Turks and Caicos have their own security. So, as long as you stay on your resort and don’t wander alone at night, Turks and Caicos is a safe visitor destination.
What are some of the best places to stay in Turks and Caicos?
Turks and Caicos has everything from all-inclusive family resorts and adults-only all-inclusives to boutique hotels perfect for a quiet getaway. Most of these accommodations are located on Providenciales, which is known for its 12-mile Grace Bay Beach. These are a few of our favorite Turks and Caicos resorts in the area:
- Rock House: The latest luxury resort in Turks and Caicos, Rock House opened in May and is part of Grace Bay Resorts. It comprises 46 oceanfront villas, one- and two-bedroom accommodations that are built directly into the limestone cliffs. Swim in the 100-foot infinity pool, relax on the white-sand beach, unwind in the yoga pavilion and dine at the Beach Club restaurant and Cave Bar. And yes, this is all as dreamy as it sounds.
- The Shore Club: If you’re looking for an upscale property that’s totally Instagram-ready, this is the place to go. Bring your fancy beachwear and your designer dinner outfits, and check out the pool swings, in the four pools, the secluded beach, the three restaurants and more. This Turks and Caicos resort was voted the most Instagrammable Hotel in the World by readers of Questex’s Luxury Travel Advisor, and we’re here for it.
- Seven Stars Resort & Spa: Traveling with your family or a big group? All accommodations here are suites (complete with kitchenettes or full kitchens), so you’ll have room for everyone. Located right on Grace Bay Beach, it’s incredibly family-friendly and has the island’s only heated saltwater pool, as well as plenty of water adventures on sailboats, surfboards, kayaks, paddleboards and more. The water is crystal clear, the service is fantastic and the restaurants are superb.
No matter where you’re staying, though, there are a few island highlights you won’t want to miss. Make sure to go snorkeling or scuba diving at Smith’s Reef, attend the Thursday Night Fish Fry in Providenciales (essentially a gigantic island party) and spend a day at the shallow and stunning Taylor Bay Beach, which is particularly perfect for families with small children.
What are the entry requirements for Turks and Caicos?
Visitors must have a round-trip ticket, and you’re allowed to stay for up to 90 days. (This is renewable once, so you can stay for an additional 90 days.) You will also need a passport that expires no less than three months prior to your trip. A visa isn’t required if you plan to visit for less than 90 days.
According to the CDC, you must be fully vaccinated to visit Turks and Caicos. This means that if you’re 18 or older, you must have received the second dose of your vaccine at least 14 days before arriving. (You don’t need to be boosted.) Show your proof of COVID vaccination via a paper record or a digital certificate. Visitors younger than 18 are exempt from this rule, as are those who submit a written document from a medical professional explaining that they are medically exempt; you’ll need to do this ahead of time, but you should also bring this document with you.
Now that you know the travel requirements and best Turks and Caicos resorts to book, consider applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck to make your trip even easier.
Sources:
- Cision PR Newswire: “Long-haul travel surges and Mexico ranks #1 for Americans this Fall, says TripAdvisor data”
- Tammy O’Hara, a corporate and leisure travel experience creator with Million Miles Travel Agency
- Mandy Pullin, a travel advisor specializing in luxe adventure at DPP Travel
- U.S. Department of State: “Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Advisory”
- Gov.uk: “Turks and Caicos Islands”
- CDC: “COVID-19 in the Turks and Caicos Islands”
