if you've been to both which do you prefer?

No kids.

Been to both, GC.

I liked Cayman better, plus it was a hell of a lot cheaper than T&c for similar quality.

Turks has more beaches but Grace Bay and 7 mile are very similar

I prefer the Caymans as well! Flight is significantly shorter, and overall I think Caymans is cheaper than Turks. Also depending on the time of year and location you stay in Turks they will get seawead in close to shore.

I like both, but I think they are very similar islands.

Agree with other responses that Grace Bay Beach and Seven Mile Beach are similar and nice. Hardly any seaweed in previous years.

Both have many nice resorts - if you're looking for all-inclusive resorts I would definitely lean towards other Caribbean islands.

Turks & Caicos does tend to normally price higher mainly because of the exchange rate. Jamaica, DR, GC, and other islands have a much more favorable exchange rate. Also, Jamaica, DR, GC can produce some of their own agriculture, etc. Turks is arid dry desert and everything must be imported. Those costs trickle down to the hotel room cost for sure.

I will take the other side. I prefer T&C. Lower key and laid back, more areas to explore, and less people. Beaches are similar but I give the nod to T&C. Probably the two best beaches I have been to. I do like both.

Thank you all, leaning towards GC for shorter/cheaper flights on Southwest using Companion Pass.

Thinice said:

---

Thank you all, leaning towards GC for shorter/cheaper flights on Southwest using Companion Pass.

---

Depending on what time you go, it might not be any different. SW's direct flights to GC from HOU are seasonal during their high season. The rest of the year, you have to catch a 6am flight out of Hobby to Fort Lauderdale to connect to a flight to GC. If you are going all the way to Ft Lauderdale, the connection to T&C won't be very different than going to GC.

sawemoffshort09 said:

---

I prefer the Caymans as well! Flight is significantly shorter, and overall I think Caymans is cheaper than Turks. Also depending on the time of year and location you stay in Turks they will get seawead in close to shore.

---

GC had a really bad seaweed problem this year. It can happen anywhere in the Caribbean.

You didn't ask, but I have to suggest Exuma Bahamas as another option - fly to Ft. Lauderdale, then down to Exuma... went there this past year with the Mrs. and .... WOW! Strong recommend

That being said, we just booked a family trip for May next year to Grand Cayman and got direct supersaver flights on United - the flight option made it an easy choice

Grand Cayman.

My wife and I got caught up in the norovirus breakout of 2012 at T&C. Hard for me to ever want to go back.

Recommendations on where to stay at Grand Cayman?

I've liked and booked:
Westin Grand Cayman
Kimpton Seafire Resort
Marriott Beach Club Resort
Wyndham Reef Resort

I've also had some families recently do a private villa/house rental there and it's worked out wonderfully. I work with some excellent preferred private villa suppliers. We were able to save my clients $$$ compared to the price they found for the same villa online.

I'd be happy to help if you have any questions!

We have stayed multiple times on north 7MB at ocean front condos. Much better bang for your buck than a hotel. Look at Aqua Bay Club, Christopher Columbus, & Discovery.

Thanks to advice on these boards, I booked The Anchorage for next May!

Let's not pretend GC is cheap, you are choosing between two of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean.

Keep in mind that most of the restaurants in GC will automatically add a gratuity to your bill. So before you add any tip, check to see if one has already been added.

txags92 said:

---

Keep in mind that most of the restaurants in GC will automatically add a gratuity to your bill. So before you add any tip, check to see if one has already been added.

---

St Martin/Sint Maarten.

So nice, even Trump bought a place on it...

Spent a week in GC w/ family in a beautiful VRBO house on the southern sound. We really liked everything about the place, but I doubt we go back. Dont get me wrong, liked everything including snorkeling, sting Ray swimming, turtles, beaches, etc. We're really infatuated with Costa Rica. Every time we go, there is always something different to see & do.

Try Exuma next time.. amazing