We rented a small cottage that was very very close to one of Providenciales' most popular beaches, Grace Bay, which is world renown, by the way. It is absolutely stunning, to date, I have never been in water so clear and calm, you can walk in without freezing to death and you can look down and see your feet, even when you walk further out into the ocean. There are so many things I can rant on and on about this island, but, I will keep it short....my only advice other than not coming with a watch is making sure you have a stash of cash for dining. As I stated before I have been several places in my life that I could call expensive, but, T&C makes New York City look like a third world country when it comes to eating, it is VERY expensive! I luckily did alot of research and the owners of the cottage gave me a tidbit of advice before our arrival to bring our own snacks and shop at the grocery store when we made it to cut costs. We did go to Graceway, the island's chain store, and were able to get a few things like sandwich meat and what not, but, if you can bring these things on the place, my advice is to do so, and save the grocery store for things you cant travel with like water. I kid you not when I say it is expensive, smh. Dining out for us was ok, you experience your "usual" Caribbean fare here, but, the delicacy you MUST try is CONCH! Save a day and go to Da Conch Shack in Blue Hills. It is costly but you will not be disappointed. Other than that, there are little places here and there you can go, and you can try dining at the resorts or eating out. I was told that the best places to eat are the little hole-in-the-wall type places, and that those would be the least expensive, although I wasn't able to test this out, due to experience other places, I am certain this is true.
If you can, go to Scooter Bob's, rent a car for a day and travel the island. It is quite easy to get around and venturing off to explore the other beaches and scenery make for a great experience.
I did notice that alot of families were there, so I take it that it is preferably a family friendly island, especially since this is not a place to come to if you are looking for nightlife, it is just not a party scene. Granted there are a few places to "go out" but if you are looking for, say, Jamaican or Mexican type partying, then this is not the place for you. You go to Provo to relax. Plain and simple. I had in my mind several things I wanted to do and as soon as I got there, all of that changed. We beach bummed all day, snorkeled some, and took a day to explore the island with a rental car.
Everyone is pretty friendly as well and you wont experience any haggling. If you appear to be stranded or in need of help, people will stop and ask you, so be courteous and decline if you are ok. Use common sense, as with any place, and be cautious, but I felt safe in T&C the whole time. If you need any help do not be afraid to ask for it. It is easy getting through customs coming into the country, but coming back, can be rather frustrating so be prepared to wait in lines and deal with fellow travelers being irate or inconsiderate. This is just part of it. The airport is very small so if you are especially leaving on a day that everyone else is leaving you can expect to feel like a sardine in a can for awhile.
All in all, I will definitely be back, and I hope to spend a little more time there, because it has a very homely vibe. Not alot of people live here so it doesn't feel crowded and the beaches will not be crowded for the most part at any given time from what I understand. Truly a place you would like to learn more about. And you CAN go on a budget, but you have to be very wise and shop around!
