Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands are two groups of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of the Bahamas.
Even though you only boarded the plane in Miami, Florida a scant hour before, the moment you step off the plane, you know you are in a different world. The tropical breeze hits you as you step onto the tarmac, and you start looking forward to the incredible scuba diving that awaits. Although definitely not one of the prettiest (at least above water) of the islands, it has its own charms that come from being a mostly undiscovered tourist destination.
Regions
Cities
Other destinations
Culture and History
History
The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1959, when they assumed the title of a separate crown colony. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands are presently a British overseas territory.
Climate
The Turks and Caicos Islands are arid compared to many other islands in the Caribbean. In the winter the weather is generally in the 70 - 80 degree Fahrenheit range. The temperatures easily climb into the 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. The island gets less than 50 inches of rainfall a year. Most rainfall occurs during the hurricane months of summer. Sunshine and breezy cooling winds are the norm in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Travel to Turks_and_Caicos_Islands, visa requirements
Flights to Turks_and_Caicos_Islands, airtickets
American Airlines is a popular carrier that schedules flights from many US cities to Providenciales International Airport. Other major carriers from the US include Spirit Airlines, US Air and Delta. British Airways also offers flights to London.
By boat
It is easy to sail to the Turks and Caicos from the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas or Cuba; so long as you have an ocean-going vessel. A small boat will do well simply cruising around the island chain, but to cross the open ocean, something about 36 feet or larger is best.
Get around
Taxis are widely available on Providenciales and Grand Turk. However, if you are able to drive, it is recommended that you rent a car. A number of car and motorcycle rental agencies are available on the island. Remember to drive on the LEFT side of the road and watch out for people who forget. Though the Turks and Caicos uses a righthand-drive road system, only about half the cars are equipped with righthand drive. The others use lefthand drive, the kind used in North America. It is certainly possible to use a bicycle to get around, but be careful as some island drivers are not keen on following rules. Be careful driving at night. Most natives will walk or use bicycles as means of transportation.
Talk
English is the official language. Some people living on the islands are Spanish migrants from poorer Latin American countries, and may not speak good English. However, encountering such people is a relatively rare event and the common tourist need not worry about it.
Shopping, Turks_and_Caicos_Islands souvenirs
The Saltmills plaza in grace bay is generally considered to be the premier plaza on the island of Provenciales, or Provo as it is often called.
==Eat==food
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Hotels
- TradeWinds Condo Hotel,Tel 1-866-389-6673, [1]
- Beaches Resorts
- Sands at Grace Bay, 649-946-5199 , Fax: 649-946-5198, Toll-free: 1-877-77-SANDS, [2].
- The Palms [3] A beautiful island resort featuring 72 suites on the shores of Grace Bay Beach in The Turks & Caicos Islands.
- Club Med Turkoise[4].
The Tuscany on Grace Bay, www.thetuscanyresort.com ph. 649-946-4667
Learn
Work
Stay safe
The Turks and Caicos are extremely safe by Caribbean standards, but please exercise common sense. Don't leave valuables in plain view, and always lock your car when leaving it, and lock your dwelling when you are not in it. Mopeds and motorcycles are targeted by thieves, so be sure that you lock yours up properly. Also, be aware that Islanders can be very aggressive drivers, so it is best to use caution when crossing or driving on the roads.
Stay healthy
The Turks and Caicos has few fresh water reserves at ground level. Therefore, most water comes from either wells or cisterns that have collected rainwater. Cistern water is almost always safe to drink, but unless well water is purified, it could be contaminated or have unpleasant taste. It is generally a good idea to use bottled water when possible, but tap water can be used if necessary.
Respect
Islanders are very kind people and believe in practicing good manners and exercising respect. Greet people with a friendly "Hello" "Good Afternoon" and so on. In recent years, there has been talk about a union with Canada. Many islanders are bitterly divided on the subject, and awkward situations can arise when the subject is brought up. It is best to avoid this subject unless you're with friends and family whom you know.
Contact
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