Travel Tips
Baggage
Please be sure to print your name and address clearly on each tag and then affix them firmly to each piece of luggage.
New Current Baggage Restrictions (subject to change).
All airlines have recently revised their baggage allowance policies. The following is a short synopsis of regulations for major airlines in effect at the time of publishing but it is essential to realize that these are subject to change without notice. Check the website of the airline on which you are traveling for the most up-to-date information.
JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways.
JetBlue and American Airlines allow the first checked bag at no charge and $40 for the second checked bag, Delta and USAirways are charging $25 for the first checked piece, $35 for the second checked piece at a maximum of 50 lbs and 62 total linear inches (total length + width + height). There may be an additional $5.00 charge for paying these fees at the airport. Exceptions apply for Elite Frequent Flyer members. Please check with your carrier before departing for your flight to make sure you have the latest and most up to date information.
Your one carry-on bag must be small enough to fit beneath your seat or in the overhead compartment on board the plane. This carry-on bag should not weigh more than 40 pounds and should not be more than 21 inches long and 8 inches in height and 16 inches wide.
We suggest that you make a detailed list of everything you would like to bring to Nevis. This will expedite the “search-and-claim” procedure in the case of missing or delayed luggage. As a further safeguard, it's a good idea to place name-and-address information inside each piece of your luggage. We also recommend that you pack essential medicines and toiletries in your carry-on bag in the event you are separated from your luggage overnight. If you do, remember the 3-1-1 rule outlined below.
3-1-1 Rule - Carry-On Allowance for Liquids, Creams or Pastes
If you wish to carry any toiletries on board, passengers may bring through the security checkpoint travel-size toiletries (3-ounce containers or smaller) that fit in 1, 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-lock bag (the 3-1-1 rule). The bag must be completely closed and sealed and must be submitted for inspection separately from other carry-on baggage. Examples of allowed toiletries include the following; lotion, mouthwash, perfume, shampoo, toothpaste, eye care products, and cosmetics.
Locking your checked baggage.
In some cases screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will simply open and screen the baggage. However, if you decide to lock your checked baggage and TSA cannot open it through other means; the locks may have to be broken. TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.
TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by using a TSA recognized locking mechanism. These "special" locks can be opened by TSA using special keys without damaging the locks or your luggage.
Interlining your baggage.
If you are making flight connections en route to Providenciales, Turks & Caicos be sure to have your baggage checked straight through (interlined) to that final destination. This interlining procedure is for your traveling convenience and is the tried-and-true method of getting luggage efficiently to Providenciales, Turks & Caicos International Airport. The airport designation code is PLS. This code should appear on your baggage-claim stubs.
Banking
Banks are generally open Monday - Thursday from 8:30am to 3:00pm and Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm -- although TCI Bank is also open Saturday morning.
Climate
In May the average temperature is 80 to 84 degrees. Water temperature is typically in the low 80's. A constant trade wind keeps the climate at a very comfortable level. Use these guidelines when planning clothing for your wardrobe.
Clothing
Travelers should pack lightweight, breathable clothing, and expect to dress in layers, as air-conditioned hotels; stores and restaurants can sometimes be chilly compared to outside temperatures. Sunscreen is a must, as are hats, because the sun is quite strong during the day. Attire is generally resort casual which consists of nice pants, skorts, skirts, nice top, casual dress, sundress, nice sandals or casual shoes for the ladies and shorts with a golf/polo shirt for men. Please note that a jacket & tie is not required for men however, slacks and button down shirt for gentlemen and stylish attire for the ladies is suggested for the recognition banquet.
Currency
The US dollar is the official currency of Turks and Caicos. Most hotels, restaurants and taxi services accept traveler’s cheques, which can be cashed at local banks. Most credit cards are accepted and banks offer ATM's as well as cash advances on credit cards.
Electricity
Turks and Caicos uses the same voltage (110-volt AC, 60 cycles) with the same electrical plugs as the United States, so adapters and transformers at the Gansevoort Turks and Caicos are not necessary.
ID Requirements
As of January 1, 2007, all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Turks and Caicos, are required to present a valid passport and a return or ongoing ticket. Non U.S. Citizens, please be sure to check with the consulate of the country for which you are a citizen of as you may require getting a visa to enter Turks & Caicos. DO NOT pack your passport — for you will be asked to show it as part of the check-in procedure on your day of departure and again on your return trip.
Included Features
As a Windstream Channel Partner Program participant, your Turks & Caicos program includes: round-trip economy class air transportation from your designated airport for program dates; hotel accommodations for three (3) nights on program dates, hotel taxes and gratuities; baggage handling on transportation to and from the Gansevoort Turks & Caicos; group catamaran snorkel sail on May 2; one (1) company hosted pre-selected activity per person on May 3; full breakfast buffet daily on program dates; lunch allowance as indicated on the itinerary and dinner with beverages or a cash allowance each day during the program.
Air upgrades or deviations will be at your personal expense as well as any pre or post extensions.
Language
The official language in Turks and Caicos is English.
Laundry Service
The hotel offers laundry and dry cleaning service which can be rather expensive. It is suggested that you bring garments that don’t require dry cleaning. A spot remover is a handy item to have with you. For wrinkle removal, irons and ironing boards are available or you can use the traveler's reliable trick of hanging your rumpled clothing in the hotel bathroom, running a hot shower for a few minutes and waiting for the 'steam' to make wrinkles disappear. And remember that drip-dry fabrics make it all the easier to pack for a trip to a warm-weather destination.
Meals
A full breakfast, lunch allowance and dinner will be provided as part of each day's group program while we're together in Turks & Caicos. Breakfasts and lunches will be at leisure during posted hours in the hotel. Lunch on arrival day will be provided for those guests who will arrive at the hotel prior to 3:00pm. Lunch on departure day will be provided for those guests who have late afternoon flights. For at leisure breakfasts and lunches in the hotel just print your name, room number and Windstream on the check. Sign it, and your host will pick up the tab. Dinners for three nights during the program will be provided at the times and locations indicated in the daily itinerary.
Name Badges
We ask that you wear your name badge to our Welcome Event & Awards Banquet— as a courtesy to your fellow travelers and hosts as well as to quickly identify yourself to the travel staff as a guest of Windstream.
Personal Expenses
Any incidental charges incurred, such as additional meals, personal bar bills, laundry/valet service, room service, telephone calls, etc., will be your own personal expenses. The hotel will keep a separate record of these expenditures. Please be sure to settle your incidental account with the front desk in adequate time prior to checkout. For your convenience, traveler's checks as well as American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted for payment.
Shopping
Though not known as a shopping mecca, the Turks & Caicos Islands offer some excellent buys. Here you will find no sales tax, no luxury tax and items such as jewelry, watches, cameras, perfumes, crystals, china, cigars and liquor are available to US and Canadian residents duty-free.
Boutiques are to be found island-wide with the most concentrated in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales (Provo) at Caicos Café Plaza, La Petite Place, Ports of Call, Regent Village and the Saltmills. Centrally located, you can also find Graceway Plaza and Central Square. Most hotels have lobby shops and there are duty-free items available at the Providenciales International Airport’s departure lounge.
Art produced by local and Caribbean artists such as watercolors, oil, acrylic or silk paintings, prints, metalwork and wood carvings can be found in abundance. Exquisite jewelry that is crafted from conch shells and the rare conch pearl are set into necklaces and earrings. Numerous fine quality woven baskets, hats, bags, bowls can also be found around the island as well as the handmade one-of-a-kind dolls and reversible dolls which are locally made from Caribbean fabrics.
Beer lovers will want to carry home a few Turks Head bottles or cans for their collection. Bamburra Rum is the “Spirit of the Turks and Caicos” available in White, Gold or Reserve. Coffee lovers will enjoy “A Taste of Island Time Coffee” which is blended and roasted locally in Providenciales.
Sun Warning
The sun in Turks & Caicos is glorious, but it is stronger than it feels! Bring plenty of suntan lotion with a sunscreen formula that's best for your type of skin. Be sure to always apply sunscreen whether you’re at the beach or just out sightseeing and especially on our snorkel sail! Remember to reapply it several times during the day to prevent burning. It is advisable to limit your sun exposure, especially during the first days of your vacation. A good pair of sunglasses and a hat is also recommended.
Telephone Calls
The area code for Turks & Caicos is 649. You can make calls to or from the United States as you would for any other area code in North America. Please note that long distance charges apply to calls placed to 800 numbers and keep in mind that telephone rates are high in the Caribbean. Caribbean phone cards, which are available from various retailers, are the easiest and cheapest way to make international calls from the islands.
The cellular phone network in Turks & Caicos is the GSM Network and is provided with AT&T and T-Mobile carriers. The GSM phones should be able to operate in the 850MHz and 1900MHz ranges. Guests must be signed up for roaming service with their service provider before they travel. Sprint and Verizon have developed global phones which include a SIM card and can operate on the GSM Network. The phone owner must however contact the provider and ensure that their phone can function in Turks & Caicos and the Global SIM is activated and ready to be used outside of the United States.
Check with your local carrier to see if your cellphone will work in Turks & Caicos but be aware that roaming rates can range typically $1.00 - $4.00 per minute. Texting is less expensive and rates are typically $0.50 to send and $0.05 to receive.
Phone cards can be used at public phones and are available in various denominations. Since each room includes free internet access, consider using Skype or other VOIP software if you will be bringing a computer or Wi-Fi enabled phone.
Time Zone
In May, Turks & Caicos will be on Eastern Daylight Time. Little Rock, AR will be on Central Daylight Time which is one hour behind Eastern Daylight Time.
Tipping
Ample gratuities are provided for hotel personnel and all services connected with group activities and meals. It is, however, recommended that you tip on your own for any special or personal services you may receive during your trip.
Travel Staff
During your leisure hours, a team of Travel Staff will be located at our special Windstream Hospitality Desk, centrally located at the Gansevoort Turks & Caicos. All times, function locations, bulletins and schedule updates will be posted there. So stop by often for help in arranging personal plans; any optional activity sign-ups; dine around information; answers to any travel questions and to double-check the daily agenda.
Valuables
We strongly urge you to leave your valuables safely at home. If you insist upon bringing expensive jewelry, watches or other such belongings, safe-deposit facilities and in-room safes are available for you.
Water
Water at the Gansevoort is safe to drink. Outside the hotel we recommend only bottled water. Bottled water is suggested and widely available.
PACKING TIPS!!! Print List
A checklist to help you remember everything before you go!
Items to carry in your personal or carry-on bag
Valid passport, Travel documents for trip including E-ticket receipt
Money - cash, travelers’ checks (with record), credit cards
Medications (prescriptions in original packaging carried with you)
Sunscreen (Check the 3-1-1 rule under the Baggage section)
Bathing suit, beach cover-up, hat
Personal physician's name, address and phone number
Regular glasses, sunglasses, contacts and solution
Eyeglass prescription in case of loss.
Clothes
Comfortable dress shoes
Walking shoes, water shoes, beach sandals/flip flops
Socks: dress, sport, knee highs and panty hose
Pants: shorts, skirts, jeans, slacks, belts
Shirts: blouses, t-shirts, polo, dress
Something dressier for the Recognition Dinner; a shirt & slacks for men and a dressy suit or evening dress for women
Workout clothes if desired including sneaker/shoes
Miscellaneous
Books, crossword puzzle books
iPod or MP3 player
Video camera, tapes/extra memory card and batteries; camera, film/extra memory card and batteries
Travel size spot remover
Back-pack, fanny pack
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