Q&A with actress Tara Spencer-Nairn

QUALITY FAMILY TIME AT BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS

Tara Spencer-Nairn is a Canadian actress best known for her role of Karen Pelly on the television series Corner Gas. Since the television series ended in 2009, she’s been busy raising 2 boys with husband Josh Glover. Recently, she’s been working on Season 3 of Corner Gas Animated!, an animated revival of the sitcom, and has guest-starred in episodes of Hudson & Rex and Frankie Drake Mysteries, as well as playing parts in the Canadian films James vs his Future Self and Robbery. We caught up with Tara after her recent all-inclusive family vacation to Beaches Turks & Caicos. Here’s what she had to say about it!

Air Canada Vacations: You recently travelled to Beaches Turks and Caicos with us – how was your experience?

I can honestly say this was the smoothest, easiest, most perfect trip we’ve ever taken as a family. Travelling with kids is not easy… that is the general complaint amongst parents. It’s a lot of work to plan and research, get kids on a plane, and make sure everyone is happy. What I loved about this experience is all we had to do was book it. EVERYTHING else is taken care of for you— absolutely zero thinking and planning is necessary! Also, first bags are free, so you don’t have to stuff everything in a carry-on. I’ve learned that, as a parent, the only carry-on I want is a small backpack at my feet and bags that my kids can actually carry themselves.
 

ACV: What was your favourite part of your vacation?

I loved that there was something for everyone and nobody had to compromise. There was so much to do as a family that my kids and I were always happy. Every day, I spent quality time with my children without being distracted by the daily routine of our lives. I had a lightbulb moment where I realized that because of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I’m not as present in my kids’ lives as I should be. It was great to shove all that aside! The resort’s Lazy River was a huge fan favourite for this family. The kids could also happily go off to kids’ camps and have an amazing time playing video games, making tie-dye shirts, watching a movie, or roasting marshmallows on a beach bonfire, while my husband and I could steal away guilt-free for sunset drinks and a nice dinner. One evening, I even treated myself to the most amazing and relaxing facial!

ACV: Tell us about your kids’ reaction to the news that you were going on vacation! What was their favourite part of the trip?

My kids were SO excited and immediately insisted on seeing the resort online. My youngest was VERY pumped about the Sesame Street characters being there! We were extremely lucky that the day we arrived was the same day as the Sesame Street Parade. The look on his face was priceless! There was also a lot of excitement over the Pirate Island Waterpark and the Xbox Lounge just about blew their minds! And of course, the ocean’s crystal-clear water! They just couldn’t wrap their heads around the fact that this place was real and that we were going there.

ACV: What makes Turks and Caicos such a family-friendly destination?

Well, first of all, it’s beautiful! The beaches are stunning and the ocean is just spectacular. When travelling as a family, it’s all about making sure everyone’s needs are met, but also, that travel to the destination is easy. From Toronto, there’s no time difference and the flight isn’t too long. The transfer from the airport to Beaches Turks & Caicos is also simple and quick. These are all things that, as a parent, are very important to me. There’s no sense in making things unnecessarily complicated! Also, it doesn’t matter how young or old your child is— there are childcare facilities for babies at the resort. They even have a nursery! There are so many family activities, plus phenomenal kids’ camps that will keep your young ones happy and allow you to escape to the more quiet pools, relax with a book or head to the beach to paddle board or snorkel. And the food! There’s so much food to choose from that even the pickiest eater will be happy.
 

ACV: We heard that you’re a bit scared of the ocean, yet you managed to jump in. Can you tell us a little bit about that experience?

I wanted to snorkel SOOO much. I REALLY did! I’m not the strongest swimmer and I have a bit of a fear of deep water. When we went on the Kitty Katt (catamaran boat cruise that I highly recommend!), I put all the gear on. I watched everyone snorkel, but I just couldn’t wrangle myself to take the plunge. When the boat stopped closer to the shore, I knew I just had to do it. I HAD TO! So, after sitting at the top of the slide for about five minutes with a line-up of children behind me, I finally did it! The water was so warm, clear and beautiful. I’m slowly working up to snorkelling!

ACV: What tips do you have for people planning a trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos?

Pack light and turn off your phone! Don’t overthink it and leave all stress and work at home. Allow yourself to give in and enjoy quality time with your family! I promise this will be the easiest trip of your life with your kids. The only thing I would do ahead of time is checking out the restaurants and try and decide which ones you want to go to, because there are a lot to choose from. Also, eat ice cream at least once a day!

ACV: Now that you’re back home in Toronto, where are you dreaming of travelling to next?

Well, it’s pretty hard to beat Turks and Caicos! I’m dreaming of anywhere warm, with beautiful beaches, where I can start conquering my fear of snorkelling! Also… margaritas!