Location: The Turks and Caicos lie at the far southeast corner of the Bahamas archipelago, approximately 575 miles from Miami, Florida. The islands contain about 193 square miles of relatively flat surface area, including eight major islands and numerous uninhabited cays. The Turks Islands are Grand Turk (the capital) and Salt Cay. The Caicos Islands are West Caicos, Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos and South Caicos.Topography: The islands are primarily limestone and incapable of supporting any lush vegetation (without man's help). Palm trees and casuarinas line many of the white-sand beaches. Tidal areas are dotted with thick mangrove swamps and serve as home to many species of birds and marine life.Currency: The U.S. dollar. Credit cards and traveler's checks are also widely accepted. Language: English.Area Code: 649 for the entire country.Documents: Visitors from the U.S. and Canada are required to have a valid passport or a birth certificate with a current photo ID. Residents of other countries need a passport, and visas are only required from former Eastern-bloc countries. A return ticket must also be shown upon arrival.Electricity: 110 volts, 60 cycles AC. Same as U.S. Taxes & Tipping: There is a US$15 departure tax per person. Hotels charge an 8-percent room tax and usually add a 10- to 15-percent service charge to your bill. Restaurant employees expect a 15-percent service tip - if it hasn't already been added to your bill. Taxi drivers also should be tipped the standard amount of 10 percent. Climate: Temperatures run near 800F in the winter and can jump into the mid-900sF during the summer. A prevalent breeze makes the islands seem a bit cooler than the temperatures indictate, and although they're fairly dry, they are susceptible to seasonal hurricanes. Tourist Season: High season is December-April. Ground Transportation: The islands' main attractions are its long, clean beaches and underwater marvels, so ground transportation is often limited to a cab ride from the airport to a full-service hotel. However, there are several car rental companies on Grand Turk and Provo for those who want to be more mobile. On Grand Turk rent vehicles for about US$40-$50 per day: Tropical Auto Rental (800-645-1179); Contour Car Rental (649-941-3910); Provo Rent-a-Car (649-946-4404) and...Dutchie's Car Rental (649-946-2244) Scooters are another option for about US$25 per 24-hour period: Provo Fun Cycles (800-645-1179) The Honda Shop (649-946-5868) Scooter Bob's (649-946-4684) on Provo. Airlines: Providenciales: American Airlines (800-433-7300) Northwest Airlines (800-724-3885), which departs from Detroit on Sundays only. Airlines: Inter-island:InterIsland Airways (800-645-1179)Turks and Caicos Airways (649-946-4255)Sky King Airlines (649-941-5170) All cover the inter-island beat with small planes running several daily shuttles between Provo and Grand Turk, as well as flights to the other inhabited islands. HOTELSAllegro Resort and Casino, Providenciales, 800-858-2258. Surrounded by three beaches, this resort has 247 air-conditioned rooms and a casino, restaurant and bar on-site. Activities include tennis, freshwater pool, scuba and snorkeling. Daily room rates range from US$195-$285. Blue Horizon Resort, Middle Caicos, 649-946-6141. Located on the Mudjin Harbor, the Blue Horizon offers five cottages and one house with ocean views. Each has queen-size beds, a full kitchen and screen porch. Room rates range from US$150-$225 per day. Comfort Suites, Providenciales, 800-228-5150 or 888-678-3483. This beachfront hotel features 100 rooms with air conditioning, cable TV, telephone, coffee maker, pool or garden view, in-room safe and complimentary continental breakfast. There are three restaurants nearby, as well as a dive shop, gym and shopping center. Daily room rates are US$125-$195. Coral Gardens, Providenciales, 649-941-3713. Situated on a secluded 12-mile stretch of Grace Bay Beach, this property offers twelve spacious oceanfront suites with a wraparound terrace, one- or two-bedrooms, a full kitchen and more. Activities include diving, snorkeling, sailing and fishing. Golf is available nearby. Room rates range from US$135 to US$675 per day. Crystal Bay Resort Condominiums, Providenciales, 649-941-5555. This property features 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom oceanfront and ocean-view condominiums. Amenities include a restaurant, pool and Jacuzzi with water-sports nearby. Dive, wedding and honeymoon packages are available. Rates range from US$175-$590. Point Grace, Providenciales, 888-682-3705, 649-946-5096. This hotel is scheduled to open March 1. Accommodations include 11 two- and three-bedroom suites, nine cottage suites and one-, three- and four-bedroom penthouses. Amenities include pool, Jacuzzi, shuttle service to a local golf course and Grace Bay restaurant, continental breakfast and water-sports. Opening rates start at US$395. . ACTIVITIESFrom January to March, thousands of humpback whales pass through the Turks Islands Passage. The best whale-watching spot is in the shallows of Mouchoir Banks near Salt Cay.To charter a boat for snorkeling, lobster cookouts, fishing, diving and sightseeing, e-mail Capt. Edward Missick of Catch the Wave Charters on Providenciales. On Grand Turk, call Sea Eye Diving at 649-946-1407. For more information...