Turks and Caicos: Non-Rev Travel Tips

Turks and Caicos is a beautiful island located in the Caribbean. Known for its world-renowned beaches, shopping, scuba diving, and resorts, this island is a hotbed for amazing getaways and memories! With so much to do, it’s imperative that us non-revs come knowing what to expect and have some of our questions answered!

How to non-rev to Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos has only one major international airport which is Providenciales airport (PLS). This airport has some limited connectivity but is pretty accessible for those travelling from The USA or Canada!

Aside from The USA, there is some limited connectivity between PLS and The Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Atlanta	Delta Air Lines
Charlotte	American Airlines
Chicago	American Airlines
Fort Lauderdale	JetBlue Airways & Southwest Airlines
Kingston	Intercaribbean Airways
New York	JetBlue Airways
Miami	American Airlines
Montreal	Air Canada
Nassau	Intercaribbean Airways
Santo Domingo	Intercaribbean Airways
Toronto	Air Canada & WestJet

Why non-rev to Providenciales, Turks & Caicos?

We use our non-rev privileges to travel the Caribbean a lot, so we’ve gotten to know the various islands and island chains quite well. One we hadn’t given much thought to recently popped up on our radar because the flights going there were wide open! A non-rev’s dream come true! In no time, we were off to Turks & Caicos, and, let me tell you, folks, this is one island chain all non-rev passengers should consider visiting!
Staff travelers seeking a quick getaway to sea, sun, and sand should put Turks & Caicos at the forefront of their bucket list, a British island chain southeast of the Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean. A mere 1 hour 41-minute flight from Miami, Turks & Caicos offer standby travelers a variety of beaches, activities, accommodations, and more, all of which are surrounded by iridescent blue waters that are as stunning as a downloaded tropical beach screensaver.
Though comprised of multiple islands, the vast majority of non-rev travelers will arrive into Providenciales, the largest island in the chain and yet only 38 square miles. With only a few days for sightseeing, “Provo” is ideal because it barely takes 30 minutes to drive from one end of the island to the other, allowing you to play or relax on multiple beaches in a short amount of time. And, you’re never far from the airport if trying to fly standby for several days in a row.

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Accommodations in Providenciales

Are you a non-revver looking for solitude?

If solitude is your thing, head to the Chalk Sound area in the southwestern part of Providenciales and rent a villa through VRBO or Airbnb. You’ll need a car if staying in this area but getting into town is a breeze at only a 15-minute drive. And, let me tell you, the water in Chalk Sound is utterly spectacular. It’s multiple shades of blue that are beyond words.
Chalk Sound is also environmentally protected, so there is no motorized vehicle activity in the water. And, with a constant easterly trade wind, there are few, if any, bugs.
One thing to note, many of the villas in this area don’t sit on beaches; instead, they are built on limestone that is directly over the water. If you need your toes in the sand, Chalk Sound has two of the most beautiful stretches of beach within a few minutes’ drive: Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay.
There is one caveat to the Chalk Sound area – an overpopulation of dogs, many of whom are homeless. If you are a runner or avid walker, you will encounter them. If you have no intention of going for walks or runs in the area, the dogs should be of no concern.

Are you a staff traveler who needs action, walkability, or nightlife?

If you don’t want to rent a car and you enjoy being able to walk to nearby attractions, head towards the Grace Bay or Bight Settlement areas. You’ll find resorts, all-inclusives, condominiums, villas, and hotels. You’ll also be near a slew of restaurants, bars, and shops that sit along gorgeous stretches of beach.

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Things You Must do in Providenciales

Thursday Fish Fry (bring cash)
Beaches galore
Kiteboarding, kayaking, fishing, supping (stand-up paddleboarding,) snorkeling, scuba diving
Day and sunset cruises
Trips to nearby islands

Staff travelers who want to make a difference

As non-rev travelers, we get to travel a lot, so I try to give back to each of the places we visit. Potcake Place is an animal rescue non-profit in Turks & Caicos that is trying to curb the overpopulation of dogs, as well as find homes for abandoned puppies. If you want to donate or even be an animal courier (someone who brings a rescued dog or puppy back to an airport in your native country and is met by the adopting family), check out potcakeplace.com.

Important Tips and FYIs for Turks and Caicos

Airport Code	PLS
Voltage	120 V
Currency	US Dollar
Driving	On the Left
Alcohol Sales	No alcohol sold on Sundays
Island Transportation	Taxis charge per person, so it’s often cheaper to rent a car per day
Famous Local Drink	There’s not one, in particular, but the Rum Punch from “Da Conch Shak” is trendy
Natives Call Themselves	“Turk Islanders”
Tipping	Is accepted. Rates are similar to the U.S., and many places will automatically include it, so check your bill
Car Rental Process	Easy. Most rentals are at the airport, and the return process only requires that you leave the key under a mat and park in a specific lot

Turks and Caicos is a wonderful experience and a must visit destination! Download the StaffTraveler app today to check loads and head over this weekend!