Another long weekend, another trip.
This time, I went to one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean.
Yeah. I know.
Below is a photo of the budget breakdown I keep in my Excel spreadsheet:
First we booked the flight way back in January.
I’ve seen much cheaper flights to Turks and Caicos; however, this being a long weekend for both Canada and the U.S., I’m not surprised it was $711.12 CAD per person.
Roundtrip, carry-on included, with a quick layover in Montreal.
Unfortunately, the flight is with Air Canada – and I’ll let you know when I return if they manage to disappoint me in any way. It’s almost expected at this point.
Since booking the flight I had MANY a conversation with those who have traveled to Providenciales before and most (not all) had mentioned that landing in PLS can be a bit of a nightmare. I checked some Reddit posts and saw TikTok videos confirming that if it is a weekend the waits can be up to three hours.
I’m not fucking waiting that long.
Instead, I found Fast-Track TCI.
Because not only are we landing on a Saturday, it is also Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend and American Columbus Day long weekend. I was not taking any chances.
I paid the $75.00 USD ($104.94 CAD) per person for the fast-track.
With this, when we land, we can proceed through immigration with priority. I know it is always a risk with these things because what if there are only six people in line so it was a waste? Ah.
Also, I paid for fancy-pants transport via Fast-Track TCI as well. Figured we may as well arrive in style for our first time in Turks and Caicos.
The cost was $135.00 USD one-way ($189.51 CAD) for a pick up in a luxury vehicle to take us from the airport to the AirBnB.
Will let you know when I return if all of these costs were worth it!
As we all know, Turks and Caicos is dumb expensive.
Do not even get me started on some of the prices I saw for hotels. Heck no.
This trip is me + my mom + her bestie. We needed a nice two-bedroom space for the duration of the trip.
I actually think I found a nice gem!
We wanted to be in Providenciales, near civilizations and of course – near the famous Grace Bay Beach.
This Airbnb hit all the points: it looks great, spacious, has strong reviews, and is only a two-minute walk from Grace Bay. Having a kitchen will hopefully help offset some costs, although I’ve read grocery prices can be wild, so maybe not. Still, the price was pretty reasonable for such a great location.
Here is the link to the AirBnB, will also report back when I return if it was a goodie.
Cost for three nights was $1257.68 CAD, so $419.22 CAD per person.
I know I always have a catamaran or some kind of excursion booked, but this time…..nothing.
I’ve learned the hard way that traveling during hurricane season can make for a pretty miserable day on a boat (or anywhere outdoors, really).
Hopefully the weather cooperates, but I’m fully prepared for rain that lasts hours.
For spending money I budgeted $350.00 USD, so $500.00 CAD.
Don’t worry, I realize if I plan on eating, taking a taxi or even breathing in Providenciales I will likely go over this budget. The good thing is I am with two boomers so the likelihood of me ending up spending a fortune on a bottle at a nightclub is pretty low.
Low, not zero – because I am, after all, my mother’s daughter. Can’t rule anything out.
The total budget for this trip is $1924.80 Canadian.
If I had to guess, I probably think it will be closer to $2500.00 by the time I get home.
Yes, another insane budget for just a weekend trip, I know, but please give me some grace for Grace Bay.
See you when I get back!
- Mirna