The world is full of rich history, from right outside your door, to the other side of the globe. One way to experience the history of the world is to travel, and believe it or not we’re approaching one of the best times to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands. This cluster of islands is located south of the Bahamas.
Traveling means having the essentials on hand and easily accessible. I need a good pair of walking shoes, my camera, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a great bag for toting everything around for the day. I usually pack some snacks for the kids too so that we’re able to get the most out of our fun days no mater where we are traveling!
Learning random facts about Turks and Caicos is a fun way to prepare for your upcoming trip and a great way to educate your children or yourself.
The Turks and Caicos Islands actually consist of 40 islands, only 8 of which are inhabited. That little fact is only one of many interesting facts about the Turks and Caicos islands. With so much more to discover, let’s take a look at a few that would help make a vacation to the Turks and Caicos islands that much more memorable.
The Conch Shell
The Conch shell is actually a type of marine snail. The shell is also a symbol on the Turks and Caicos Islands flag.While you’ll find plenty of Conch shells across the islands, bringing the shell back into the US is illegal. This is due to the Queen Conch being and endangered animal. Be sure to enjoy the Conch shell all you can while visiting the islands. The Turks and Caicos Islands are also home to the world’s only Conch farm.
Photo Credit: www.turksandcaicostourism.com
The Atlantic Ocean
Trying to find the Turks and Caicos islands on a map will be easy, you may get their location incorrect. While the islands seem to be in the Caribbean Sea, they’re actually in the Atlantic Ocean.
Jump in! The water’s fine
The Turks and Caicos Islands are used to 350 days of sunshine a year. This makes the water just right for a swim during their winter months. In fact, the water temperatures average out to be between 74-78 degrees Fahrenheit during their winter season. If that’s a bit too cold for you, you can always visit during their summer months, when the water is 82-84 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fresh Water
The islands may be surrounded by ocean water, but there are no lakes or rivers. This makes getting fresh water more difficult. The Turks and Caicos Islands depend greatly on rainfall as a means to collect fresh water. While the water is safe to drink, many visitors prefer to drink bottled water.
Migration Season
During the months of January through April, Turks play host to a very special guest. The Caribbean humpback Whale migrates directly through the Turks head passage every year.
Argghhh!
While Jack Sparrow never really mentioned the Turks and Caicos Islands, there was another pirate Jack here. In fact, the famous Calico Jack Rackham used the islands as a hideout. More specifically, Rackham would stay with his female pirate friend, Anne Bonny who resided on what is now known as Pirate Cay Island.
Best Sands of All Time
The Turks and Caicos Islands have 230 miles of beachfront space. Some of which has award winning beaches made up of the whitest, softest sands in the world. Amy is spending a week at Beaches Turks and Caicos on a press trip and will surely bring back some amazing photos and stories.
US or British?
The islands have gone through plenty of different owners. Currently, the British own the islands. However, the currency most commonly used on the islands is the US dollar.
Photo Credit: Beaches Resorts Turks and Caicos
Visitors Welcome
Part of the reason why the US dollar is used in this British territory could be the tourism. Out of all the visitors who come to the islands, most of the tourism comes from the US, with Canada close behind.
Hollywood in the Turks
All visitors are welcome in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but some celebrities consider these islands to be a home away from home. Oprah Winfrey, Keith Richards and Bruce Willis all own property on the islands.
Very Popular Destination
The islands host an average of 350,000 travelers each year. That’s 10 times the amount of people who call the islands home year round.
Ripsaw
Music is a part of every culture, and these islands are no different. An annual festival known as the Music and Cultural Festival is hosted here. The music most often listened to is known as ripsaw music.
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