Turks & Caicos or BVI?

[dcannie]

We are looking at both of these locations for a week long trip in late October or early November.  We've been to neither previously and are kind of stuck making a decision.  I favor Turks only because it seems...easier? I found a great deal on a house through VRBO and shops/restaurants are within walking distance.  It seems like a hotel is the way to go on BVI. Do people generally stay on one island and ferry to the others for day trips or stay a few days here then pack up and stay a few days there?  Also, if we stay on Tortola is it necessary to rent a car? 

Any recommendations/tips would be much appreciated.  

[kirstinb]

Turks and Caicos is one of my favorite islands. I've never been to Tortola but I have been to Virgin Gorda. It was nice but
i don't need to return.

[orangello]

Tortola, you definitely need a car. The roads are steep, so be aware - driving can be nerve wracking. I'm not sure what your budget is, but we stayed in the most amazing villa on Tortola - google High Point villa. The view was to die for, and the house is really nice. The drive up the villa is terrifying, but it's totally worth it :-) We ferried to Jost Van Dyke while we were there (so fun!), and went beach hopping. The snorkeling wasn't that great. We actually preferred Virgin Gorda (we stayed there for a few days when we left Tortola), and St. John in the USVI is our overall favorite in the area so far.

We've also been to Turks - good snorkeling, fun vacation. You can skip the car on Turks. I feel like Turks is way more vacation-y and crowded, whereas the Virgin Islands (with the exception of St. Thomas) feel more remote and peaceful.

[mags]

Turks

[wanderlustmom]

I think if you are just looking for gorgeous beaches, great dining and relaxing--go to Turks and Caicos. You don't need a car and it's so easy. The beaches are the prettiest I've ever seen. But it's also very generic. I didn't feel there was an island culture at all. Lots of beautiful people, glamorous restaurants, etc. I still loved it because I can appreciate that kind of vacation.

Tortola has more true locals and it's rocky with pretty hikes. But the beaches are not nearly as great and the food is more traditional Carribean and less white linen.

[clseale]

Jul 2, 2015 17:44:12 GMT -5 wanderlustmom said:

I think if you are just looking for gorgeous beaches, great dining and relaxing--go to Turks and Caicos. You don't need a car and it's so easy. The beaches are the prettiest I've ever seen. But it's also very generic. I didn't feel there was an island culture at all. Lots of beautiful people, glamorous restaurants, etc. I still loved it because I can appreciate that kind of vacation.

Tortola has more true locals and it's rocky with pretty hikes. But the beaches are not nearly as great and the food is more traditional Carribean and less white linen.

Yes, all of this. I actually haven't been to Turks, but when we were recently trying to decide on our vacation, these were all of the reasons that we chose Tortola versus a place like Turks. We wanted a laid back, local beach vibe. We wanted to vacation with locals and not be surrounded by tourists. I prefer mountainous islands...I just find them more visually interesting. I wanted us to hop in a jeep & explore random beaches and coves. I wanted the option to hike & island hop. Tortola was perfect for all of those things. We stayed in Cane Garden Bay, which was perfect. The beach is beautiful and there are several restaurants and bars. In the evening, we could walk down from our room and bar hop or hang out on the beach and listen to music. We had such an amazing time, but it's definitely not as easy of a vacation as some other destinations might be. We wanted to be active and explore. 

[seabitch]

Love Tortola! And the ability to island hop for the day. Yes please!

[mgm]

Jun 29, 2015 12:29:14 GMT -5 dcannie said:

We are looking at both of these locations for a week long trip in late October or early November.  We've been to neither previously and are kind of stuck making a decision.  I favor Turks only because it seems...easier? I found a great deal on a house through VRBO and shops/restaurants are within walking distance.  It seems like a hotel is the way to go on BVI. Do people generally stay on one island and ferry to the others for day trips or stay a few days here then pack up and stay a few days there?  Also, if we stay on Tortola is it necessary to rent a car? 

Any recommendations/tips would be much appreciated.  

Would be interested in which house on vrbo you are considering - would like to go maybe in a couple of years!!! I like the ability to walk to restaurants and the water if possible