hey fodorites: we're going to Provo in two weeks and i have a couple of quick questions:<BR>1.) are there ATMs or do we need traveler's checks? I don't like doing cash advances from my visa so it'd be either of the these two options for more money.<BR><BR>2.)is it easy to get reservations at restaurants once we get there? i heard it is less busy in mid-may...is this true?<BR><BR>3.) how hard is it to get taxis? we're staying at Grace Bay Club, do you know if we just get them in front of the resort? restaurants? supermarket?<BR><BR>4.)are the deserted island trips worth it? any snorkeling excursions you can recommend? <BR><BR>thanks for the information! Saria

Have no knowledge of ATM's, don't use them. I use travelers checks and my good old visa card.<BR><BR><BR>Have never made a reservation in a restaurant in Provo in my life. Mid May is an excellent time to go and I don't think you will encounter crowds.<BR><BR>Never took taxis. They were too expensive from the airport, so we rented a car. In fact I never see many other than at the airport, but then again I spend most of my time on the beach, not out looking for cabs.<BR><BR>Have never done the deserted island thing. We figured we'd burn up out there and end up fighting over the little umbrella they give you. Allen Ray of the SandDollar has a really nice snorkel trip. He can be reached thru Dive Provo.He also does the island thing.<BR>

Rent a car. Don't do a taxi. The island is very small & easy to get around. Never had dinner reservations, didn't need them. I don't think you'll need them as you are going in basically the off season. We did J & B tours for the day trip to Middle Caicos. It was a cave tour but kinda boring. This year we are going to do the French Cay day trip. Day trip to Little Water Cay is great, it's the Iguana Island. Very fun. Snorkeling is great in front of the Coral Gardens resort. It's roped off so you can just swim around the rope. Beware when the all-inclusives go there to dump out their guests- rudest bunch of people I've ever seen.

Regarding question #4, I did a trip of a couple islands through a provider whose name I can no longer recall. They took us to see the iguanas, then to snorkel for sand dollars (not the live ones), then to a "deserted island". I've got to say, the deserted island was indeed the most memorable beach location i've ever been to. It was truly deserted, the sand was glaringly white, the water was warm and crystal clear. In some areas, you could wade out about 75 yards and the water would still be below your knees. It was truly a thing of beauty. <BR><BR>My friend on another trip did some conch diving. Each guest got to catch his/her own conch. The tour leaders made a conch salad for the guests before presenting each person with his/her beautiful shell to take home as a souvenier.<BR><BR>Overall, I personally thought the deserted island trip was worth it, even if we hadn't been able to see the iguanas or snorkel for sand dollars. The memory of that island is the one I savor the most from my trip. <BR><BR>Perhaps if you're unsure, you could find one where they will escort you on a number of activities if desired? That way you could have the best of all activities. <BR><BR>Have fun!

Hi There!<BR>There are no ATM's. You'll have to bring travellers checks. There are a few banks and you'll think you can use your cards there but you wont be able to.<BR><BR>Mid May will be slow so dont bother making reservations.<BR><BR>It's very easy to get taxi's. Definatley do not rent a car #1- the roads are terrible and you dont want to risk getting a flat tire and #2- cars are expensive so you should just get around by taxi.<BR>#3 for snorkelling I would recommend going to Coral Gardens (white house) Coral gardens is a resort and there is amazing snorkielling right out in front.<BR><BR>I would also recommend going on Sail Provo. It's a huge catamaran that does sunset/half day cruises.<BR><BR>If you have any other questions I would love to help. I live here and know as much as there is to know!<BR><BR>

hey marcus... can i get current TV shows in provo at the resorts? i'm hoping i won't have to miss season finales. kind of pathetic, i know, but i'm hooked. thanks! tanya

yes, we get all the local tv shows. Channel 9 is abc, 10 is cbs, 11 is NCB.<BR>We get everything! <BR>Ask me more!

marcus... do you guys get Fox and are the shows current?<BR><BR>also, where would you suggest eating dinner and going out at night. my husband and i will be staying at Grace Bay Club. tanya

Hi Tanya!<BR><BR>Yes we get fax, that's chanel 30. And as far as I know they are current shows.<BR><BR>If I were to recommend some restaurants I would have to say Bay Bistro at Sibonne hotel, Mango Reef at Royal West Indies, and Coyaba at Coral Gardens Hotel. If you want casual I would recommend Sharkbite. They have great local grilled fish!<BR><BR>Ask me more if you want!

any jellyfish sightings lately?

Grace Bay is the nicest on the island. Can't remember about the ATM's, plenty of banks though. Close by are several good restaurants including the one at the golf course, and a Medeterranian one with a beautiful palm tree lined courtyard just about across the street from Grace Bay. For real local flavor don't miss the little octagonal hut just inland from Comfort Suites. It took us 4 days tofigure out it was open. There are two octagons, the front one is a bar open at night, and the back one is the restaurant open around 10:30AM. Great lunch with a beer for less than $10 & the best Conch Salad I had on the Island. Shark bite is just OK.

Trying to post.