The Turks and Caicos Islands have been declared as the best destinations for budget travelers for the year 2008 by the magazine, Town and Country. They are not your usual and routine travel destinations. They offer the magic of slightly off the beaten track. The Turks and Caicos Islands comprise two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean. They are situated in the southeast region of Bahamas. As soon as you step on these islands, you will be transported into a different world altogether. Even though the islands are not the prettiest, they are unique because of being mostly undiscovered. You will experience incredible action on the scuba diving front.
The term Turks comes from the native ‘fez’ cactus in the shape of a Turk’s Head and the term Caicos is derived from a Lucayan word ‘caya hiyo’, which means a series of islands. The discovery of the islands is a debatable topic, some say that they were discovered by Columbus in 1492 and some believe that Ponce de Leon was the first one to discover them. The islands formed part of Jamaican rule till 1962, and after this, they became a separate colony of the British. Presently, the islands are an overseas territory of the British.
Breezy cool winds and warm sunshine are the mainstays of the islands’ pleasant climate. You can reach the islands very easily by plane at the Providenciales International Airport. This airport is serviced by many scheduled flights of the American Airlines from various American cities. The other US carriers are Delta, US Air and Spirit Airlines. Flights are offered by British Airways to London. You can sail to the islands from Cuba, Bahamas or Dominican Republic. There is wide availability of taxis at Grand Turk and Providenciales. Rental cars are highly recommended for exploring the islands. You can also rent motorcycles. Bicycles can be used to get around as well.
The various renowned hotels of Turks and Caicos Islands are Grace Bay Club, Club Med Turkoise, Beaches Resorts, Osprey Beach Hotel, The Palms, TradeWinds Condo Hotel, Sands at Grace Bay and The Tuscany on Grace Bay. The accommodations fall in the range of luxurious to budget. Regent Palms and Beaches Resorts are perfectly suited for families and Grace Bay Club is ideal for couples. Majority of the islands are untouched and uncommercialized and most of the hotels are water facing. Ecotourism is largely promoted on these islands.
The most notable attractions of Turks and Caicos Islands are the dazzling beaches of white sands, crystal clear turquoise blue waters, many natural preserves, ample national parks, historical sites and sanctuaries. The islands are truly a bonanza for the nature lovers. The places of tourist interest include the Caicos Group, Providenciales, West Caicos, Little Water Cay, Pine Cay, Parrot Cay, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, South Caicos, East Caicos, Turks Group, Grand Turk and Salt Cay. You can enjoy excellent diving and fishing facilities under the able guidance of professional and experienced guides. You can also watch the humpback whales in the period from February to April.
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