Travel Tips
When Traveling is Indeed a Pleasure
When deciding upon Turks and Caicos, TCI as called by her residents, one will not be disappointed in all the offerings TCI has and how easy it is to navigate and get around. When most tourists think of TCI, they think beaches and, and thus, Providenciales— Provo for short— which has world-renowned beaches. However, TCI has so much more to offer than just beaches, and is enjoyed immensely by those who travel outside the resorts and even Provo, itself.
Since TCI is a chain of islands, boat and plane are the only options for arriving in paradise. Below are some important things to know when arriving to and getting around the Caribbean paradise known as Turks and Caicos.
When arriving by plane the two main entry points are Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Grand Turk International Airport (GDT). Private planes can find full-service at Provo Air Center. Provo is, most likely, where you will enter the country for customs. Provo offers flights to and from other Caribbean countries as well as the other islands in the TCI chain. An important tip for afternoon flights, you will want to check your bags in the early morning and take a change of clothes with you. This will provide you easier traveling and more time on the island your last day. The other airports are: North Caicos (NCS), Middle Caicos (MDS), South Caicos (XSC), and Salt Cay (SLX).
When traveling around TCI, Provo offers the most options. Renting a car is the most preferred option. Many find it much easier to rent a car than a taxi which can be rather unreliable and expensive. Traveling to most Provo hotels from the airport can run $12 per person. On the other hand, with shops aplenty and nearby on Grand Turks a rental car is probably not needed though they are available. With Leeward Highway on Provo having been converted into a four-lane divided highway, travel on Provo has been made much easier. Other roads can still be rather rough, although signage is improving. The less-traveled roads in Grand Turk and the family islands are, in general, smooth and paved. Be mindful that gas is much more expensive in TCI compared to the United States. Realize, too, that driving is like England—on the left side. American-style cars can be rented. Avis, Hertz and Budget have offices on the islands. Also worth a look are: Grace Bay Car Rentals, Rent a Buggy, and Tropical Auto Rentals in Provo and Pelican Car Rentals is North Caicos.
With only 36,000 residents one need not worry too much about traffic jams. How comforting it is to know that paradise is not only easy to get to but easy to get around so that more time can be spent enjoying the Caribbean’s gift of tranquility to humanity.
