There’s something especially memorable about a first trip to a destination — and our first visit to Turks & Caicos as a family is one we’ll always remember. From turquoise waters and powder-soft sand to celebrating both the New Year and Rolf’s 6th birthday, this trip was equal parts magical, meaningful, and very real.
I’ve had so many questions about Turks & Caicos since we returned, so I wanted to share a detailed, honest recap for anyone considering this destination — especially families traveling with young kids (and even a baby!).
Getting There: Direct Flights from Minneapolis
One of the biggest reasons we chose Turks & Caicos was the direct flight from Minneapolis. Traveling with kids is always easier when you can eliminate layovers, and having a nonstop option made this destination immediately more appealing.
The flight itself was very manageable, even with three kids in tow — including our 3-month-old baby. While flying with an infant always adds an extra layer of planning, the overall journey felt doable and well worth it once we landed in paradise.
That said… we’ll get to the airport experience later.
First Impressions: Easy, Relaxed, and Family-Friendly
Once on the island, one thing became clear very quickly: Turks & Caicos is incredibly easy to navigate. The island felt safe, calm, and welcoming — exactly what we hoped for with kids.
Renting a car made getting around simple, and distances are short enough that nothing ever felt overwhelming. Even with a baby, we were able to explore at our own pace without stress.
Where We Stayed: Villa Jayla in Chalk Sound
We stayed at Villa Jayla in Chalk Sound, and it was truly the perfect home base for our family.
Chalk Sound itself is stunning — a quiet, serene area with unreal shades of blue that almost don’t look real. The villa gave us space to spread out, let the kids be kids, and settle into a rhythm that felt comfortable for traveling with a baby.
Having an Airbnb rather than a resort allowed us to:
- Keep nap schedules flexible
- Enjoy family meals at home
- Have space for early bedtimes (while still enjoying the evenings)
For families, especially, this setup made all the difference.
Grace Bay Beach: Every Bit as Beautiful as You’ve Heard
Grace Bay is everything. Soft white sand, calm crystal-clear water, and plenty of space to relax — it truly lives up to the hype.
Our boys loved swimming and playing along the shore, and it felt like one of those rare beaches that works just as well for kids as it does for adults looking to unwind. The water is gentle, the views are endless, and it never felt overly crowded.
If you’re visiting Turks & Caicos for the beaches, Grace Bay alone is reason enough to go.
Ringing in the New Year + Celebrating Rolf’s 6th Birthday
This trip was extra special because we rang in the New Year in Turks & Caicos — something we’ll always treasure — and celebrated Rolf’s 6th birthday while we were there.
There’s something so meaningful about marking milestones while traveling together as a family. Watching him soak up his birthday surrounded by sunshine, sand, and ocean air felt incredibly special.
These are the moments that make the chaos of travel worth it.
Traveling with a 3-Month-Old: Honest Thoughts
Let’s talk about the biggest question I received: Is Turks & Caicos doable with a baby?
The answer is yes — with the right expectations.
The most challenging part of this trip was traveling with our 3-month-old, but once we arrived, the island itself felt very manageable. The relaxed pace, easy drives, and calm environment made it one of the more baby-friendly destinations we’ve visited.
A few things that helped:
- A direct flight
- A spacious villa
- Not over-scheduling our days
- Embracing slower mornings and early nights
If you’re in a season of life with a baby, Turks & Caicos is a destination where you can still travel — just with flexibility and grace.
The Airport Experience (and a Canceled Flight)
To keep things real — we did not love the airport experience.
Between crowds, long waits, and ultimately having our flight canceled, the journey home was stressful and exhausting, especially with kids and a baby. It’s the kind of experience that tests your patience and becomes part of the story you’ll laugh about later.
While it definitely put a damper on the end of the trip, it didn’t take away from how beautiful and special the destination itself is.
Will we go back? Absolutely.
Will we give it a little time before returning? Also yes.
Final Thoughts: Would We Recommend Turks & Caicos for Families?
Despite the travel hiccups, Turks & Caicos left a lasting impression on us.
✔️ Easy to navigate ✔️ Incredible beaches ✔️ Great for families ✔️ Relaxed, safe, and beautiful
This trip reminded me that family travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s the challenges — the missed flights, the sleepless nights, the unexpected moments — that make the memories even stronger.
If you’ve been considering Turks & Caicos, especially as a family, I hope this helps answer some of your questions. Feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to share more details, tips, and recommendations.
Here’s to chasing the sun, even with a baby on your hip. ☀️
