We are thinking of going to Turks and Caicos for a week in March. Is this considered "Bahamas" or "Virgin Islands"? Also, are there any special immigration rules we should know about or travel fees, etc. See, I am definately a novice!! Just looking for a great beach and hear that the ones there are tremendous. Is parasailing considered "safe" there? I know in Mexico, they caution you about it.

T&C is neither the Bahamas or VI, it is independent. More closely related to the Bahamas though. The beaches are spectacular at T&C. You will love it!

Just bring your passport and you should be set. There is a departure tax but that is included in your airfare ticket.

Thank you! Do they generally accept U.S. Currency and credit cards there? As you see, I haven't done much research yet - Just kind of a spur of the moment thing!!

US currency is accepted everywhere. Also, all resorts and most businesses accept credit cards. You might find a couple of small local vendors who only accept cash but thhey are usually an exception.

As mymoosie told you the T&'s are an independant island nation. They are located south of the Bahamas and north of the Virgin Islands. Technically they are located in the Atlantic (in an area known as the Saragasso Sea) not the the Caribbean. If you are a US citizen you will need passports to get back into the US after travelling to the T&C's. A valid passport is all you need to enter the T&C's. If you have not yet applied for your passport you should do so know as it takes about 6 weeks to get one.

There is parasailing on Provo's Grace Bay (that's the T&C island where all the major resorts and hotels are located). Whether or not it is "safe" depends on your definition. Parasailing is a sport with certain inherent risks and anyone who engages in the sport must assume those risks. That said, people parasail up and down the coast of Grace Bay all day long almost everyday during the year. You hear of very few untoward incidents. Hope that helps.

We went to T & C in May, 06. Some of the best info I got during our research was at;

http://www.wherewhenhow.com/

If your interested we have pictures of our trip at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn

Thanks for your help everyone. Wow KVR - I want YOUR life!! Looks like you enjoy traveling a bit!!

turks and caicos has an interesting history. first settled by bahamians in the later 1600's. fought over by the french and british. then part of bahamas. then under the influence of jamaica from 1848 until 1962 when they were again linked to bahamas until 1973. they have been a separate crown colony ever since. as such they retain a british influence. all speak english. us dollar is the local money.
you definetly want to find a place on grace bay beach. there are other beahces of course, but they are not why you go to this island.
www.provo.net is another site with info

you want best advice about turks and caicos contact "billy" at

[email protected]

he knows all.