This packing list is geared towards a family of five and based on my personal experiences of traveling with three boys ages 9, 11, and 14. This includes preferences and suggestions for items we found handy during our travels. We can fit all of this in 4 rolling carry-on bags with personal item bags each. No checked bags necessary!
We stayed in the Seaside Village closest to the beach within the Caribbean Village, so some items and tips may pertain to that specific room category. Some of my favorite Amazon links have been provided, simply click the underlined items to check them out or view the full Amazon list here.
packing doesn't have to be complicated!
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I'm a farmer's wife, mama of 3 boys, and have been a professional photographer for almost two decades. A few years ago, I fell for the magic of this island paradise, and ever since, I've been on a mission to perfect the ultimate packing and preparation list for Turks and Caicos.
After multiple trips to Beaches (and more planned!) I want to help you ditch the packing stress and arrive prepared for an unforgettable adventure. With that in mind, I created this free website guide to share my hard-won packing wisdom and insider tips.
As a photographer, I've documented the island's beauty, and as a mama on a mission, I've perfected the art of packing for the whole crew. So, ditch the packing list stress and let's get you on your way to paradise!
I’m Megan Sugden.
hey there,
I'm a farmer's wife, mama of 3 boys, and have been a professional photographer for almost two decades. A few years ago, I fell for the magic of this island paradise, and ever since, I've been on a mission to perfect the ultimate packing and preparation list for Turks and Caicos.
After multiple trips to Beaches (and more planned!), I want to help you ditch the packing stress and arrive prepared for an unforgettable adventure. With that in mind, I created this free website guide to share my hard-won packing wisdom and insider tips.
As a photographer, I've documented the island's beauty, and as a mama on a mission, I've perfected the art of packing for the whole crew. So, ditch the packing list stress and let's get you on your way to paradise!
CLOTHING
▢ PJ Pants/Leggings
▢ Sleep Shirt
▢ Underwear/Socks
▢ Bras
▢ Lightweight Dresses
▢ Swim suits
▢ Sarongs/Skirts/Rash Guards
▢ Shorts
▢ Light jackets/hoodie/cardigan
▢ KIDS Socks/Underwear/PJs
▢ KIDS White T-Shirts
▢ KIDS Polo Shirts
▢ KIDS Casual Shorts
▢ KIDS Swim Rash guards
▢ KIDS Swim Trunks
▢ HUBS - Socks/Underwear
▢ HUBS - Shirts/Shorts
▢ HUBS - Swim Rash Guard
▢ HUBS - Lightweight Hoodie
SHOES
▢ Flip Flops
▢ 1 Nice Pair Sandals
▢ KIDS - Slides/Flip flops
▢ KIDS - Tennis shoes
▢ HUBS - Flip Flops
▢ HUBS - Tennis Shoes
TOILETRIES
▢ Shampoo + Conditioner
▢ Leave-in Conditioner
▢ Mini Shaving Cream
▢ Toothpaste (ours/kids)
▢ Deodorant
▢ Bath + Body Works Spray
▢ Face Toner Spray
▢ Hawaiian Tropic/ Lotion
▢ Multiple Travel sunscreens
▢ After-Sun/Aloe
▢ Travel Mini Hairspray
▢ Anti-Chafe Cream
▢ Razors
▢ Comb/Pick
▢ Curling Iron / Flat Iron
▢ Hair Dryer
▢ HairTurban/Shower Cap
MAKEUP BAG
▢ Foundation/Bronzer
▢ Waterproof Mascara
▢ Eye liner/Brow liner
▢ Travel Makeup Wipes
▢ Tweezers + Q Tips
▢ Fingernail Clipper
▢ Hair claw clip/Ties/Pins
HEALTH
▢ BandAids + Neosporin
▢ Tylenol/Advil (+Kids)
▢ Tums/GasX/Immodium
▢ Cortisone/Anti Itch
▢ Drammamine
▢ Sinus/allergy/Benadryl
▢ Swimmers Ear/Eye Drops
▢ Vitamins/Prescriptions
ACCESSORIES
▢ Sunglasses and Hats
▢ Silicone Travel Bottles
▢ Jewelry/Necklaces
▢ Waterproof Phone Case
▢ Pens, Sharpies, Dry Erase
▢ Ziplock Freezer Quart
▢ Ziplock Freezer Gallon
▢ Small Clorox Wipes
▢ Packing Compression Bags
▢ Draw String Backpack(s)
▢ Clips for Curtains
▢ Room Key Lanyards
▢ Tide Pods + Dryer Sheets
▢ Liquid IV
▢ Collapsible Laundry Basket
▢ Collapsible Cooler/Coozies
▢ Silicone Straws
▢ Wet bags for suits
▢ Bug Wipes
BEACH
▢ Foldie Beach Bag
▢ Light Beach Blanket
▢ Frisbee Discs/ Football
▢ Beach Toys/Shovels
▢ Towel Bands or Towel Clips
▢ Snorkels
▢ Noodlers Floats
ELECTRONICS
▢ iPhones/iPads
▢ iPhone Chargers (long)
▢ Apple Watch Charger
▢ Micro/USB-C Chargers
▢ Wired headphones (Plane)
▢ Bluetooth headphones
▢ Laptop + Charger
▢ White Extension Cords (2)
▢ Travel Outlet Extender
▢ Extra portable Charger
▢ Firestick (optional)
▢ Download Podcasts
▢ Download Spotify
▢ Download Netflix
▢ Camera Gear
CARRY-ON PERSONAL BAGS
▢ Passport Holder
▢ Owala Water Bottles
▢ Travel/Beach Pillow
▢ Kids Devices/Headphones
▢ Eye cover headphones
▢ Chapstick/Sun Balm
▢ Small Kleenex Pack
▢ Hand Sanitizer
▢ Pens for filling paperwork
▢ Snack Treat Bag for Boys
▢ Gum or Mints
▢ Portable Charger
▢ Paperback books
▢ Airpod Case
▢ Sand Cloud Towels
▢ Resort Arrival Outfits
▢ Folding Fan for cooling off
▢ Easy Access Meds Holder
▢ Grocery bags for garbage
DOCUMENTS + MISC.
▢ Driver's License
▢ Passports
▢ Valet/Parking Info
▢ Boarding Passes
▢ Any other itineraries
▢ Debit/Credit Card
▢ Cash for Airports
▢ Cash for tipping drivers
▢ Cash for Excursions
BEFORE LEAVING
▢ Schedule Haircuts
▢ Schedule Spray Tan
▢ Trim Kids Nails
▢ Print important docs
▢ Schedule Housekeeping
▢ List for Housekeeper
▢ Feed Cats + Fish
▢ Card/Cash for Pet Sitter
▢ Water Houseplants
▢ Run the dishwasher
▢ Empty/clean fridge
▢ Final Laundry Load
▢ Car Wash/Clean/Gas
▢ Adjust Shades/Thermostat
▢ Unplug appliances
▢ Turn off all lights
▢ Put hard drives in safe
▢ Take out trash
▢ Secure all doors/lock
*Some of the links included are Amazon affiliate links. Basically, if you click on them and buy something, I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!) It helps keep the free travel tips flowing and I appreciate it so much!!
Want the shortcut? View the full Amazon List HERE!
Click here to download a printable version of this list!
but wait, there's more! BONUS TIPS, tricks and advice!
- I currently use an iPhone 14 Pro.
- I love to take my landscape photos using the Photo mode wide angle (.5x)
- My underwater pictures were taken using this waterproof case!
- Make sure you are FREQUENTLY wiping/cleaning your lenses before snapping photos. Pictures tend to get blurry/hazy when you’re handling your phone with sunscreen hands and grabbing out of a beach bag.
If you happen to have an iPhone and want to learn MORE of my tips and tricks, like how to edit like a pro, being able to shoot vacation photos using just your phone with confidence in any situation, AND SO MUCH MORE, I actually teach an online course for iPhone photography! You can check that out at www.iphonecrashcourse.com. You can use the code CRASHCOURSE coupon code to save at checkout!
Click here for more info on the iPhone Crash Course
Providenciales Airport: What to Expect
(and How to Survive!)
That being said, our family does NOT utilize the Fast Track or VIP options. We just “pack our patience” and save our money for excursions once we’re at our destination. You may still choose to use the Fast Track service if you have any elderly travelers or children with special needs or don’t mind the extra fees involved. In our experience, however, the wait has never been that bad even on a Saturday, and we had a few tips that helped a possible wait go much more smoothly. So if you decide to forego this service, here’s our tips for a better experience.
- If you are able to pick seat selection on any of your flights, prioritize the last flight into Turks to choose to be near the front for faster deplaning! (Don’t forget your pens to fill out paperwork on the plane before landing).
- Remember, Providenciales is a tiny island, and the airport reflects that. Don't expect the bells and whistles of a major international hub.
- Go to the bathroom on the plane before you land and feed your kids last minute snacks/drinks. They will be much happier in line with full bellies and empty bladders!
- Tell your family ahead of time what to expect; they might be waiting in a line, but the prize at the end (Beaches!) is worth it! Think of it like waiting in line at Disney!
- Be prepared to walk: You might need to walk from the plane to the terminal in the hot sun, so grab your sunglasses and ditch your layers. We had our kids put on shorts and sandals while waiting for a previous connecting flight so they were ready for the hot weather when we landed.
- The line may look long and intimidating, but trust me, it moves steady. Just take a deep breath and start getting excited about your trip! Chat about your plans on what to do when you get to the resort, people watch, or play Airport Bingo! I created this game for my kids and we had a blast. Print out the cards or laminate and use Wet erase markers to check off items as you see them--this will pass the wait in no time!!
- If you used my packing list and managed carry-on only, you can skip waiting in that final line for your baggage! :)
- Tell your family ahead of time what to expect; they might be waiting in a line, but the prize at the end (Beaches!) is worth it! Think of it like waiting in line at Disney!
- Be prepared to walk: You might need to walk from the plane to the terminal in the hot sun, so grab your sunglasses and ditch your layers. We had our kids put on shorts and sandals while waiting for a previous connecting flight so they were ready for the hot weather when we landed.
- The line may look long and intimidating, but trust me, it moves steady. Just take a deep breath and start getting excited about your trip! Chat about your plans on what to do when you get to the resort, people watch, or play Airport Bingo! I created this game for my kids and we had a blast. Print out the cards or laminate and use Wet erase markers to check off items as you see them--this will pass the wait in no time!!
- If you used my packing list and managed carry-on only, you can skip waiting in that final line for your baggage! :)
That being said, our family does NOT utilize the Fast Track or VIP options. We just “pack our patience” and save our money for excursions once we’re at our destination. You may still choose to use the Fast Track service if you have any elderly travelers or children with special needs or don’t mind the extra fees involved. In our experience, however, the wait has never been that bad even on a Saturday, and we had a few tips that helped a possible wait go much more smoothly. So if you decide to forego this service, here’s our tips for a better experience.
- If you are able to pick seat selection on any of your flights, prioritize the last flight into Turks to choose to be near the front for faster deplaning! (Don’t forget your pens to fill out paperwork on the plane before landing).
- Remember, Providenciales is a tiny island, and the airport reflects that. Don't expect the bells and whistles of a major international hub.
- Go to the bathroom on the plane before you land and feed your kids last minute snacks/drinks. They will be much happier in line with full bellies and empty bladders!
That being said, our family does NOT utilize the Fast Track or VIP options. We just “pack our patience” and save our money for excursions once we’re at our destination. You may still choose to use the Fast Track service if you have any elderly travelers or children with special needs or don’t mind the extra fees involved. In our experience, however, the wait has never been that bad even on a Saturday, and we had a few tips that helped a possible wait go much more smoothly. So if you decide to forego this service, here’s our tips for a better experience.
- If you are able to pick seat selection on any of your flights, prioritize the last flight into Turks to choose to be near the front for faster deplaning! (Don’t forget your pens to fill out paperwork on the plane before landing).
- Remember, Providenciales is a tiny island, and the airport reflects that. Don't expect the bells and whistles of a major international hub.
- Go to the bathroom on the plane before you land and feed your kids last minute snacks/drinks. They will be much happier in line with full bellies and empty bladders!
Other Random Tips, Tricks and Advice!
- ROOM - You won’t find out your room number until you meet the Beaches employees at the curb by the shuttle vans. They will ask your name and then look up on a clipboard and then write it on a tag that goes on your luggage. Although you can request rooms, there is no guarantee you'll get the one you want. The best you can do is ask to be moved to your preferred room once you arrive (as long as it's in your same room category and has a vacancy within the next day or so).
- ROOM - After the check in process you will be ushered to your room, sans luggage (they will bring it up later). Be sure to pack a separate small grab bag with swimsuits and flip flops to take with you to your room right away so you can get out to the pool/beach faster!
- KEYS - We used these handy Key Lanyards and assign one to each person. Much easier to find keys when in a beach bag and kids can wear them around their necks.
- RESERVATIONS - Make reservations at Kimonos on the first day. No other place will take reservations unless you have an exceptionally large party.
- FOOD - Arizonas (the place closest to our room) has a buffet all afternoon and they refresh items until about 4pm then shut down to get ready for dinner.
- PHONES - it worked well for us to switch all of our devices to Airplane mode and then hook up to the resort Wifi (you’ll get the password upon checking in). You can use iMessage, Find My, Life 360, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, etc. to easily track and communicate with your family without having to use any data or cell service while on property.
- SUNSCREEN - This is a very polarizing issue in the Facebook group! However we choose a hybrid of the most popular options; because we are carry on only, we bring a handful of smaller 3 oz bottles of sunscreen, but also go to the gift shop and purchase two large bottles of Sun Bum sunscreen. These last our family of 5 the entire week. We also prioritize wearing long sleeve swim shirt/rash guards and hats, so we don’t have to use quite so much sunscreen. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on the tips of your ears AND TOP OF YOUR FEET! We learned the hard way if you miss these spots!
- BREAKFAST (REFLECTIONS) - Was really busy at peak times, 9/9:30 am. If you can get there earlier you won’t have to wait for a table, otherwise be prepared to wait. If it’s packed, you can just grab a plate and pile it up to go and eat back at your room (don’t forget to grab silverware!) or enjoy breakfast on the beach!
- LAUNDRY - You will need to purchase tokens at the front desk. One token is equal to USD $4.00 (per load). In the Caribbean Village the laundry is right beyond the tennis courts hammock up the stairs to the second floor and around the corner, between 250 and 251. First load (wash) free. Use the coin to dry. Tokens go in VERTICALLY. I set a timer for 1 hour wash, 1 hour dry. The dryer sometimes doesn’t get everything totally dry so I just bring it back to our room and hang up to dry the remainder.
- FLOATS - Bring them to the Dive Shop and they will fill them up for you!
- POOL + BEACH CHAIRS - We don’t get up early to save chairs as we feel this is only feeding into the chair saving frenzy. If you need a chair at the pool or beach, simply ask a staff member to help you and you should be able to find one or they will move something that has been sitting for awhile.
- S1 ROOM - We used our clips to keep the blackout shades closed, and also to clip them to the side since we had a walkout room and used our sliding glass doors all the time coming and going and was nice to secure them off to the side. We also hung damp clothes at night on hangers up high on the curtain rods in the living room in front of the ceiling fan which dried them faster by morning.
- DEPARTURE DAY TIPS (2:30 pm flight) - We had to have our bags out by the front door of our room by 10:30 am. So we went and ate a huge breakfast so we wouldn’t be hungry at the airport. Our shuttle was supposed to leave around noon, so we headed to the Departure lounge after a quick browse at the gift shop (bring cash for those last minute T-shirt purchases!) You can find your luggage right outside the door on the back end of the lounge outside in a shaded area. Use the bathroom one last time so you arrive at the airport in good spirits ready to take on the crowds again!