I have read many posts saying how beautiful the beaches and water are in the Turks and Caicos but that there is not much else to do. While beaches and diving are th most important thing to is, we would also like to have a little nightlife, sightseeing and some good restaurnats.<BR><BR>How is T&amp;C in that respect?

There is not much else on Turks other then the beaches! There is a small town area with a few shops and local restaurants but seems to keep its own hours - sometimes open, sometimes not! Alot of people rent jeeps to tour around but not sure what there was to see and it really is a desert island. Did hear there were some good restaurants though. Alot of people took a boat over to Iguna Island (?).<BR><BR>Again, most beautiful beaches we have ever seen but not much else.

Thanks Penney. Do you think it would be a good spot for a honeymoon? Or would Grand Cayman be more our speed do you think?

<BR>Kristen:<BR><BR>Turks is an amazingly beautiful island. What you have read is true though. I honeymooned on a small island of TCI. It was super quiet. No nightlife whatsoever. There were no restaurants or bars other than our resort. <BR>We were on Provo for a bit, and it had some more stuff to do, except everything was spread out. <BR>Basically you needed a car.<BR>The quietness of the island didn't bother us one bit. In fact it was exactly what we were looking for. If you want some nightlife, I don't think that Turks and Caicos would suit your needs. If you want amazing beaches, and no one there - then it's your place. <BR>Believe it or not, the beach we stayed at had no one on it, you could literally see your own footprints the following day! It was great.<BR><BR>Good luck in your search!<BR>

I think Penny is referring to Provo which is a Caicos Island and the most popular of all the T &amp; C islands with tourists. There is some nightlife on Provo in a couple of local bars but it is very laid back, some good restaurants and a couple of outstanding ones. Sightseeing is can be done in a day since it's the snorkeling, diving and the beaches that are the attractions and not the scrubby-like terraine. It's the kind of destination where it's early to bed and early to rise to take advantage of the constantly changing water colors and beauty. There really isn't a town area but the Grace Bay area is developing with shops but there still isn't too much but it is the commercial center for tourism. The other islands and cays are even more pristine and remote and some are just as unique as Provo is arid with the lush and green. There are some day boat trips from Provo to uninhabited islands, the parks (like Iguana Island where you feed the iguana), shelling for sand dollars at Pine Cay, checking out the pink flamingos and picnic lunches on deserted islands. You can fly from Provo to the Turks and some of the other islands also whttp://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/ will give you an introduction to the islands! It really is the kind of place you go for the R &amp; R not for the non-stop party that's why it's been so &quot;unfound&quot; for so many years.

I love the T &amp; C and have been there many times BUT - it is a place for the beach and snorkeling and other water sports. Nightlife is pretty non-existant. There are some good restaurants. Sightseeing - most of the sights are under water - although renting a 4 wheel drive and going out to the coves at the end of Malcom roads is a nice way to spend a day and the chalk sound offers some great phot ops. So - if you need a lot of activities this is NOT the place for you.

T&amp;C is not a great honeymoon destination...yes, the water &amp; beaches are great. In the other replies I didn't see any mention of how DIRTY T&amp;C is and how there are some major political riffs going on (yes-the natives are restless, very poor, not thrilled with tourists). Rent a villa on St John for your honeymoon! I wasn't thrilled with Grand Cayman. Little Cayman is great (Southern Cross Club) but no swimable beaches. Barbados is nicer (check out Cobblers Cove) but you might not find it as secluded as you may like for a honeymoon.

My husband and I were in Provo several years ago. Right after New years, we left. We had a hetic Holiday season and were seeking some serious R&amp;R and warm weather. This is exactly what we wanted. It is ideal if this is what you are seeking. If not you probably need to look elsewhere. The beaches are fabulous.

Reply to one of Amy's comments:<BR>&quot;DIRTY T&amp;C is and how there are some major political riffs going on (yes-the natives are restless, very poor, not thrilled with tourists)&quot;<BR>1. I have been to many caribbean islands and I do not find T&amp;C to be especially dirty - yes in some areas you will see more littering than is acceptable - there have been a number of local campaigns to combat this and I think local politicians need to get more involved. BUT you will NOT see open sewers,beggars, open drug dealing and prostitution or aggressive beach vendors - this is unknown in the T &amp; C.<BR>Yes I am sure some drug dealing and petty crime goes on but if it does it is very discreet.<BR>2. The locals have one of the best standards of living in the caribbean - free education and health care.<BR>3. T&amp;C has one of the lowest crime rates in the caribbean (MUCH lower than USVI) This is the ONLY place in the caribbean we feel completely at ease walking the beach at night.<BR>4. I have never seen any evidence of hostility to tourists - quite the opposite - People in the T &amp; C are a little reserved and shy but once you get to know them - friendly, welcoming, honest,hard working (most people we met there had at least 2 jobs) and deeply religious. <BR>5. Most of the political issues involve fears of exploitation by expats and being overwhelmed by immigration from other islands. I certainly do not agree with the political stands taken by some T &amp; C politicians.<BR>But I do not think that local politics interfere with tourist enjoyment of the island. <BR>

Kristen,<BR><BR>I have not been to Grand Caymen but I have heard some wonderful things about that island. Frommy understanding, there would be more to offer in terms of doing and seeing things, restaurants and nightlife over Turks. I do beleive that it does depend where on the island you are. Most popular in Grand Cayman is 7 mile beach and read that some resorts can be a ways by car from the town area.<BR><BR>I do recommend Turks if you are seeking peace and quiet, romance, the ability to walk for miles on empty beaches and swim in the clearest of blue waters. It is very relaxing and soothing being there.<BR><BR>You might want to try a sight called &quot;carribean Travel Roundup&quot; It offers reviews written by travelers on different resorts and islands.<BR><BR>Good Luck,<BR><BR>Penney

I absolutely love T&amp;C...I went to Club Med in 1993 and partied non-stop and in hindsight wished I had spent more time enjoying the scenery so I went back this past April and this trip was even better!!..I went with my roomate and we met 4 other girls that were on our flight and happened to be staying at the same resort as us so we were pleased to find out there we other singles. We stayed at the Allegro...awesome all inclusive package...literally everything was included, including top shelf alcohol which is rare...food was availble pretty much around the clock and there was a terrifc variety within all the buffets....it was not luxurious but it was definately above average, much better than the accomadations and package offered by Club Med. We had Basic accomodations, TV w/cable, A/C, telephone in room etc...very nice property, staff and guests alike were very warm and welcoming and fairly accomodating. Water sport instructors were fantanstic and patient. Make sure you rent a car at least for half a day, it doesn't take long to get around so it isn't a waste of a whole day. We found Sapadillo Bay which is where all of the million dollar homes are located(Dick Clark has a house there). We spent the week with the 4 girls we met on the plane and it made our trip!!! We ate out one night at a local mexican place and it was very good and very reasonably priced and we met the owner of the local movie theater.,The only indeppendnt night club called Stardust, is very fun and tropical, outside dance floor, tikki torches etc., and we went to Club Med one night just to check it out and it is typical Club Med but still fun. T&amp;C is very laid back but if you have the right people with you it can give the best of everything in the most beautiful place I have ever been.