Anonymous wrote:It’s gorgeous but I would stick to Grace Bay. The crime runs rampant outside of the populated areas. There was a machete attack two blocks from a private house we stayed in. The island doctor was attacked.

A PP mentioned staying in a rental on Taylor Bay, is that area safe?

Also Is it safe to drive a car around the island to shop, eat out and visit beaches? Or should we just stick to a resort property only?

It’s gorgeous but I would stick to Grace Bay. The crime runs rampant outside of the populated areas. There was a machete attack two blocks from a private house we stayed in. The island doctor was attacked.

Anonymous wrote:Anyone stay at Ambergris Cay? If so, what is your opinion?

That’s Belize, not Turks and Caicos

Anonymous wrote:This would be our first Caribbean trip.

Yes. Loved it. It’s my favorite. Isn’t this asked every week now days? Look through the history of this forumn.

Anonymous wrote:Anyone stay at Ambergris Cay? If so, what is your opinion?

Isn’t Ambergris in Belize?

I’ve been twice…Beaches once and an AirBnb on Taylor Bay the second time. It was a lovely, easy vacation both times. I would totally go back.

The best

Anonymous wrote:My teen son really loves the beach and snorkeling, so it worked well for us. The beaches were nice. I did not feel there was a ton to do other than the beach - the food was very expensive.
For a 4-5 day trip where you want to relax, I would recommend it. Otherwise, I would try something else.

Where did you stay? I’m considering a trip there with my teen son.

Anyone stay at Ambergris Cay? If so, what is your opinion?

We love Turks and Caicos and have been to maybe half a dozen carribean islands. Don’t really understand the criticism, most carribean islands offer little other than beaches, unless one wants casinos, Turks has had more issues with crime in recent years, but has less poverty than most of the carribean. We have always felt comfortable going to the small shopping area to browse and shop and almost always dine off resort with no safety concerns.

Went to Beaches Turks and Caicos twice. Loved it

At the time in my life that I went and with the ages of my kids (3 and 6 months), yes. We wanted an easy, lazy beach vacation. Stayed at a condo right on the beach and took turns between beach and pool. Baby was able to take lots of naps. Did a couple outings (glass bottom boat tour, half day private chartered boat cruise) but nothing crazy.

With older kids, I’d prefer something with a little more activity/stuff to do (hiking, more/different sightseeing, etc.)

Natural areas are very dry and rocky (not lush, like Hawaii or French Polynesia).

I also found the poverty in between artificially manicured resorts to be depressing.

Beautiful but boring. So many more interesting islands in the Caribbean. But because it's $$$ people like it.

My teen son really loves the beach and snorkeling, so it worked well for us. The beaches were nice. I did not feel there was a ton to do other than the beach - the food was very expensive.
For a 4-5 day trip where you want to relax, I would recommend it. Otherwise, I would try something else.