It’s that dreary time of year again, full of seemingly constant rain, cold winds and dark nights, when many of us find ourselves wistfully imagining adventures in sunny, distant lands.

TCI, otherwise known as the Turks and Caicos Islands, lends itself perfectly to these wistful dreams. Renowned for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and azure skies, this Caribbean destination is the ideal vacation spot.

Not only does it boast fantastic weather, it’s also full of history, culture, and thrill-seeking watersports for the avid adventurers.

So, why not make these dreams a reality next year? We’ve found 3 reasons why you should book your 2018 vacation in TCI!

The Food

As with any other Caribbean destination, TCI is full of wonderful, flavoursome cuisine, offering some of the best specialties in the region. Whether you want fine dining or a more relaxed vibe, there’s something for everyone on these islands.

For those looking for haute cuisine, TCI boasts lots of amazing restaurants throughout the area. Coco Bistro specialises in elevated, fresh and aromatic food, expertly combining exotic flavours with elegant presentation with a focus on local produce.

Kitchen 218 is another restaurant not to be missed, with a tranquil open-air dining terrace, a beach-casual chic atmosphere, and excellent specialty seafood dishes freshly prepared by the Chef.

For visitors looking to get a real experience of local food and a more relaxed atmosphere, the Thursday Fish Fry and Da Conch Shack are both great choices, offering live entertainment, fresh seafood, and a real taste of the Caribbean.

The accommodation

TCI also boasts some of the best accommodation on offer in the area, from luxury boutique resorts to family-friendly complexes.

Beach House TCI is a great choice for those looking to get away from it all for a little while, offering a luxurious stay right on the beach. With an adults-only policy, it guarantees relaxation and tranquility, with pamper pods, multiple restaurants, watersports, a spa and more right at your fingertips.

For those travelling with little ones in tow, Blue Haven resort has everything you’ll need for a fantastic family holiday, with a kids club, a protected swimming area, and lots of activities on-site to keep the whole family entertained.

For a more budget stay, try checking out Airbnb to really live as the locals do.

Things to do

Finally, TCI is full of great things to see and do, from tours and excursions to watersports and history.

To learn more about the abundant history of the islands, head to the Turks and Caicos National Museum where you can explore the culture and heritage of TCI and also learn about the nature of the islands. Similarly, a trip to the colonial plantation house, Wade’s Green, is a must for history buffs.

For those looking for more thrill-seeking activities, TCI is home to lots of watersports across the islands, including surfing, jet skiing, and diving. Most of the main beaches have operators from which you can rent equipment, or you can check out a list of activities here.

TCI also boasts numerous excursion companies, including Caicos Dream Tours, who offer tours around the islands and a chance to visit some of the top attractions.