This trip was bookended by crazy events so let’s dive in. Imagine you have a late night event in Jersey City, NJ only to remember that you have an 8 am international flight leaving out of DC. Smart move right? Naturally, I decided it would be best to just drive straight back to DC, grab a short nap and then head out to the airport. So I get home at 2:15 am and was checking in to the flight at 5 am when the uber arrived. I rushed out of the house, leaving my passport on the table.
The result? The next available flight was in 2 days so my exhausted and angry self took a $60 uber back home just to come back to the airport 48 hours later. That being said, Turks and Caicos was the perfect mix of tropical relaxation and fun adventures—here’s what we did:
Where We Stayed
We stayed at The Sands at Grace Bay, which sits right on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and the kind of sunsets that stop you in your tracks. Pure paradise (especially after my drama even getting there).
What We Did
Rode horses in the water – Yes, literally in the ocean. One of the most magical experiences, riding along the shore and then into the sea with the horses gently walking beneath us.
Local street fair – Got to experience the island vibes and community energy through food stalls, music, and dancing. So much good local flavor (literally and culturally).
Rented a boat – Cruised around the islands, stopped at an abandoned 30-year-old shipwreck, a random little island with lizards, and sipped rum drinks at a floating bar in the middle of the ocean.
Jetskiing – Because nothing says vacation like speeding over turquoise waves with the wind in your hair.
And then...real life hit. We came home and had to pack up everything to move out within 3 days (DC to Boston). Absolute chaos. But honestly? Turks & Caicos was the calm before the storm—and it made the whirlwind move a little more bearable.
Samantha Shammas, Author
A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.
