Can’t Get Reward Seats to Turks and Caicos? Try These Destinations Instead
With winter around the corner, many people are pencilling in dates on their calendars to get in as much sun as possible over the holidays. The tropical island of Turks and Caicos tops many wish lists, especially during peak seasons. The island’s popularity as a luxury escape keeps British Airways Avios bookings in high demand, so finding reward seats can be challenging. That’s why we always recommend setting up Reward Flight Finder Alerts many months ahead to get the best chance of finding reward seats.
But if you’re finding it tough to find seats to Turks and Caicos, don’t worry. While we agree that not all islands are as spectacular, many don’t get the attention they deserve. A lot of hidden gems slip under travellers’ radars because they’re often overshadowed by more well-known destinations. In this blog, we explore alternative destinations that promise the same escape as Turks and Caicos but without the crowds.
Aruba
If beaches are on your radar, Aruba’s always got a sunny side up. Eagle Beach is consistently ranked among the best in the world.
Here are some of the top things you can do in Aruba:
- Relax on Eagle Beach. The white sand feels like powdered sugar under your toes, and the turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Make a splash at Palm Beach, perfect for snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, then chill out at beachside bars that hum with energy.
- Find your quiet corner at Arashi Beach near the California Lighthouse, where you can enjoy sunbathing and snorkelling among marine life.
- Explore Arikok National Park’s rugged landscapes, trek through its wild beauty, discover ancient cave paintings, and dip into the secluded Natural Pool.
- Learn about Aruba’s history by visiting the Alto Vista Chapel, the island’s first Catholic church, or explore Oranjestad, the capital, known for its colourful colonial architecture and local crafts market.
- Enjoy Aruba’s diverse cuisine, with touches from American classics to Dutch, Indonesian, and Creole dishes, local rums, and boutique wines.
Off-peak return Premium Economy seats from London to Aruba cost 95,000 Avios plus £330. Alternatively, you can book Business Class seats for 180,000 Avios and £450.
The Bahamas
A place where 700 islands host over 2,000 beaches, each one more postcard-perfect than the last. This sprawling archipelago provides an expansive playground for sun-seekers and ocean adventurers alike.
Here are the top things you can do in the Bahamas for a relaxing escape:
- Relax on the Love Beaches on Long Island, where coral gives the sand a soft pink hue.
- Enjoy diving into the Andros Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most extensive barrier reefs, and explore underwater shipwrecks like Theo’s Wreck.
- Encounter tiger sharks up close at Tiger Beach, just an hour’s boat ride from West End, Grand Bahama.
- Explore the vast underwater cave systems at Lucayan National Park and hike the mangrove trails to Gold Rock Beach.
- Discover Nassau’s pirate history by visiting Fort Fincastle, the Queen’s Staircase, and the Pirates of Nassau Museum.
- Hike up Mount Alvernia on Cat Island for panoramic views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean.
If you’re looking to book flights with Avios, off-peak return Premium Economy seats from London to the Bahamas are available for 95,000 Avios and £330. Travellers can secure Business Class seats for 180,000 Avios plus £450.
Grenada
One of the southernmost islands in the Caribbean, Grenada has an average year-round temperature of 27°C, making it a perfect destination even during the cooler months when other northern Caribbean islands may dip into the late teens.
Often called the “Spice of the Caribbean,” the island is famous for its large production of nutmeg and mace.
Here are the top things you can do in Grenada for a memorable experience:
- Relax on two miles of soft white sand and enjoy Grand Anse Beach’s calm, clear waters.
- Dive into the Bianca C wreck and explore the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, known as the “Titanic of the Caribbean.”
- Hike through lush landscapes to discover Grenada’s waterfalls, such as the Concord Falls and Royal Mount Carmel Waterfalls, perfect for refreshing swims.
- Explore the tropical beauty of Grand Etang National Park, where you can hike to Seven Sisters Waterfalls or the shores of Grand Etang Lake, a crater lake formed by an extinct volcano.
- Visit Belmont Estate, a 300-year-old former spice plantation, to tour the cocoa processing facility, stroll through tropical gardens, and sample authentic Grenadian cuisine.
- Birdwatch across Grenada, which is home to 182 species of birds, including rare and endangered species.
Looking to travel with British Airways Avios? Off-peak return Premium Economy flights from London to Grenada cost 95,000 Avios plus £330, while Business Class seats cost 180,000 Avios and £450.
Maldives
A scatter of 1,192 coral islands, 200 of which are inhabited and 130 are resorts managed by some of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands. Crystal-clear lagoons and colourful coral reefs wrap these luxurious enclaves in nature’s finest embrace.
Here are the top things you can do in the Maldives:
- Dive or snorkel in coral reefs, home to colourful fish, manta rays, and sharks, for an unforgettable underwater adventure.
- Visit a local island to experience authentic Maldivian culture and explore remote sandbanks and uninhabited islands.
- Participate in art master classes, perfect for creative enthusiasts looking to learn new skills.
- Try skydiving over the atolls for a unique perspective of the Maldives.
- Explore the capital city, Malé, where you’ll find attractions like the fish market and the historic 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy mosque.
If you want to book flights with Avios, off-peak return Premium Economy reward seats from London to the Maldives are available for 95,000 Avios plus £330. You can book business class seats for 180,000 Avios for £450.
Set Up Reward Flight Finder Alerts
Demand for these destinations is always high. It’s best to set up Reward Flight Finder Alerts on several destinations up to 11 months in advance for the best results. You’ll need a Silver or Gold RFF membership to set up four Alerts at once.
Silver:
With a Silver RFF membership, you can access unlimited reward seat searches and use the Worldwide Map Search feature. You’ll receive reward seat alerts within one hour and can set up to five alerts simultaneously.
You’ll also benefit from weekly news, inspiration, and tips to help you maximise your Avios.
Gold:
With a Gold RFF membership, you gain unlimited reward seat searches and access to the Worldwide Map Search, which allows you to view all available flights on your chosen dates. You’ll receive instant reward seat alerts and can set up to 20 alerts simultaneously.
The membership also includes advanced alert settings, notifications for off-peak dates, and the option to receive SMS alerts. Additionally, you’ll have access to point pricing information, letting you know how many points you need for reward seats. You’ll also receive weekly news, inspiration, and tips to maximise your Avios.
