Turks and Caicos

While some tropical destinations can get quite busy during the height of the vacation season, there are still a few out-of-the-way places you can escape to where the crowds aren't as evident. Two such destinations are the Turks and Caicos Islands. Just southeast of the Bahamas, these little islands will be the perfect staging ground for a relaxing tropical vacation.

For many people, a tropical island getaway is the ideal vacation destination. You've saved up money all year long just to take a week or two and get away from life for a while. But when the time comes to take the vacation, it seems as if everyone else had the same idea, and what you're left with is a crowded airplane, a crowded hotel and ultimately, a crowded vacation. The Turks and Caicos Islands are the perfect solution to this conundrum. A Turks and Caicos vacation allows for everything you expect in a tropical paradise and the solitude to go along with it.

Visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands

Visitors from the U.S. are required to have a valid passport to enter and explore the Turks and Caicos Islands, but Canadian visitors can get in with a notarized copy of their birth certificate and their driver's license. All visitors are required to have a round-trip ticket and the maximum time to stay is 30 days, which can be renewed one time.

For most American visitors, American Airlines will handle the flight to the Turks and Caicos Islands. However, Delta, Spirit and U.S. Air also service the islands. For British travelers, British Airways will get you there. All international flights arrive at Providenciales International Airport.

Life on the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands receive far less rainfall than other tropical islands. In fact, it can be quite arid! One benefit from this unique position is that sunny days are virtually guaranteed during your vacation. In the summertime, it can get quite hot with temperatures in the 90s, but a constant flowing breeze offers the perfect relief.

What to Do When You Arrive at the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands offer visitors an endless array of sightseeing opportunities and fun activities. From galloping across the beach on horseback to diving beneath the waves to take in the underwater life and brilliantly colored coral, this vacation is exactly the paradise that comes to mind when you imagine it. With all the things to do there, it's not very difficult to plan a Turks and Caicos couples getaway. Swim with the friendly dolphins or watch as the humpback whales break the surface as they gracefully glide by and stare in wonder at the beauty of the area's manta rays and sea turtles.

The islands are perfect for bird lovers, as there are a host of different species flying or wandering around, including egrets, flamingos and boobies. Golfers will appreciate the challenges at Provo Golf Course and adventurers will relish the opportunity to scour the Middle Caicos Caves and The Hole. For a taste of the heritage and history of the island, visit the 200-year-old ruins of Cheshire Hall or the Grand Turk Lighthouse, which was built in 1852.

Where to Stay on Turks and Caicos Island

There are a number of gorgeous hotels and resorts on the islands of Turks and Caicos. Many of the best can be found in Providenciales. For example, the Regent Palms is a luxury resort that was completed in 2005. It features opulent rooms complete with king-sized beds, mahogany furniture and marble floors. Ideally situated on the beach, the resort offers a gorgeous view from all points. The Regent Palms caters to your every desire with their 164 rooms starting around $300 per night.

The Sands at Grace Bay is located on 12 miles of heavenly beach and is a favorite of many guests. The reef that surrounds the resort guarantees calm ocean waters off the beach and the hotel has numerous water sports opportunities. The hotel features the famous Spa Tropique and the highly popular Hemingway's Restaurant. It's also conveniently close to many attractions, like the Provo Golf Club. The Sands has 117 rooms that begin around $175 per night.

These are just two of the wonderful accommodation choices you can find on the Turks and Caicos Islands. For more information about these hotels and others, use the Internet to compare Turks and Caicos hotels and rates.

Enjoying the Turks and Caicos Islands

Endless days of sun, heavenly temperatures, amazing activities -- yes, a peaceful and enjoyable tropical island getaway can still be experienced. Start planning a vacation to the serene and secluded majesty of one of the world's best-kept secrets -- the Turks and Caicos Islands!

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