Travel Answers

A friend of mine just purchased a home on Saint John VI. Does anyone know of an island tradition or custom for a new home/housewarming gift? thank you Read more: World Travel Forum

A friend of mine just purchased a home on St.John. Does anyone know of an island tradition or custom for a housewarming gift? thank you

Best car rental place? Looks like Courtesy is winning my vote right now...any to stay away from? This is for an October trip. Also thinking of chartering with Palm Tree Charters for a day or two? Any feed back? Thanks in advance!

My family and I (7 adults, 2 children) are looking for some suggestions for alternative means of travel to St. John. - Has anyone ever flown into Puerto Rico, and chartered a boat (~2 hour boat ride) I am aware there is a ferry service, but it only runs every 2 weeks. - Has anyone ever chartered a boat to get from St. Thomas to St. John, avoiding the ferry ride at Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie? The idea is to make the last leg of the journey more like the begining of a vacation, and less like traveling. For the moment, let's say, money is no object....just curious what alternatives have been explored/experienced. Happy traveling (232 days remaining)

We're two single guys (late 20's and early 30's) headed to the islands for a little sun, beach, snorkeling and beach bars--just an overall relaxing time. We're professional adults with great careers, but we like to let loose every now and then and travel the world. What can we do on St. John's and St. Thomas that would be fun, preferrably with mixed company? Most the people we've talked to are couples, and we want to stay away from that. We just want to hang out with a mixed group and have a great time and meet new people--no hidden agendas attached.

What will the weather be like the last two weeks of July? We like the Coral Bay part of the island, and are unsure if it will be too hot to relax. Also, what about hurricanes at that time of year? Thunderstorms each afternoon?

We are going to St John for 1 week the end of October, and staying in Cruz Bay. Would welcome any suggestions on day trips, things not to miss, favorite restaurants, etc. Would you recommend we rent a jeep for the whole time, or just a few days. We are interested in snorkeling, and diving, and beach time. Hiking is not high on the list. We're a couple in our late 50's early 60's, walking is ok, but no big hikes. We love being out on the water - so boat trip recomendations would be great. Prefer to be away from the crowds if possible. Thanks in advance for your help!

I am planning a trip in November to St Johns. Over the course of possibly two-three days I would like to go on a biking expedition/camping trip. Does anyone have any recommendations as to any trails, ruins, scenic camping locations? Also, can you rent a bike on the island for a reasonable price? Normally I just look on google maps, find the largest green area, and just see where that gets me. But, seeing as this may be the only time I get to travel to this location... I want to make the most out of my time there.

I am visiting St John along with my wife and 3 yr old daughter. Plan to check in on 14-Dec-10 evening and checkout on 17-Dec-10 morning. We would have a car with us. Any advice on cheap but safe accommodation is greatly appreciated. We intend to have a good time around the beaches. That's all. We are not very adventurous kind. So no special needs. Thanks in advance.

What is the best Caribbean destination that is family friendly, with good snorkeling and golf? We love St. John, USVI for the access to great snorkeling directly from the beaches, availability of villas for traveling with kids (ages 5 and 7) and their grandparents (ages 75 and 80), but going to St. Thomas for golf is not very convenient. We went to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic last year, where the golf and accommodations were great and convenient, but snorkeling was not good (and there was too much seaweed washing up on the beach). Where is the best place for access to all three (family friendly, good snorkeling, good golf)??? Thanks for any suggestions!!!

in one month, one week and two days. And I am already in that mode I get into just before a trip. But it is too early for that! Any suggestions to keep my mind on the here and now?

Is there any plant, animal, insect that inhabits ST. John that would effect the central nervous system, with symptoms of vertigo and visual migraines?

I know it's hurricane season, but from what I've read it doesn't seem that bad, unless you get unlucky enough to hit a hurricane....any thoughts? Would you go?

Hi everyone, My husband and I are planning to visit the US Virgin Islands this Spring Break, from Mar. 12 to Mar. 18, 2009. We cannot decide how long we should stay in Saint Thomas and Saint John. Should we stay few nights in Saint Croix as well? Which island is the most expensive? How can we save money? Please give us some ideas. We really appreciate your advice. So many thanks from Houston.

Hi, I will be visiting STT and STJ from Jan 15 to Jan 18. I want to rent a car. I was looking around the tips on VT. It seems that it is cheaper to rent a car in STT and take car ferry to STJ, right? Is it OK to rent a regular car or it is better to rent a jeep? Does Compact SUV work good in STJ?

I'll be getting marry in St. John. Which is the best restaurant for 2 on our wedding day?

Is St. John expensive? I know, I asked the stupid question. Is food and money you pay for other attractions pricey? Or would you say it is average for a vacation destination? I know it depends on your budget, but any replies would be greatly appreciated.

Any information on Chateau La Tete, Mystic Ridge, Great Turtle, or Balance? We're thinking of trying St. John's, although we're huge fans of Virgin Gorda. Priorities: Cleanliness, privacy, space, good pool, safe...Any opinion on the bugs in higher elevations? Thanks.

We had to reschedule with all of six days notice when we were informed that he'd overbooked! And that for Easter Week, 2008! Fortunately, we were able to find another villa due to a cancellation. Ask about San Costanzo villa which overlooks Fish Bay near Cruz Bay! It cost us, and we only got six (not seven) days . . . but St. John is worth it! This was my first poor experience with a VRBO rental, but it has scared me a bit.

Can anyone recommend a reliable and not too pricey charter to The Baths from STJ? I've heard of Limnos and New Horizons.

My husband and I are goig to St John in June...has anyone stayed at either Lost Horizon or Allesandra villas, and what are your thoughts on them? Thanks

I am planning a honeymoon in June and just wondering how the weather is that time of year. Would it be advisable to rent a place with A/C or are the night cool enough to go without? I've read some stuff about mosquitos... are they a big problem? Any help appreciated!

Hello...my fiance and I will be going on a Royal Caribbean cruise stopping in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas on Tuesday Dec. 12 and we've heard great things about St. John. Is there a way to get off our ship at 9am in St. Thomas and get to St. John and back by 8pm? What should we see in St. John? Thanks!

I will be in St. John, for Christmas/New Year's with family and friends. Any suggestions on scuba diving centers? Would love to get in a few, while down there. Also, we'll be having Christmas Eve dinner at the Chateau Bordeaux..ever been?

Has anyone stayed at the above villa? Would be interested in reading comments!

Ok, we are returning to St. John this winter for our 25th anniversary and I am searching for the perfect place to stay. Any recomendations for villas or condos on St. John? I do not care for all inclusives or resorts. Looking for privacy and tranquility. Thanks Tim

I have been to Saint john but only for a few hours off a cruise ship. Still, the beauty of the island is awesome. I have heard about Maho Bay and would like more first hand advice. Also, are there any other budget accomdations on the island?

would you say that a car/jeep is absolutely necessary when camping at cinnamon bay- it sounds like if you don't mind a bit of a hike (we are working on the 46 high peaks in the adirondacks so don't mind a bit of straight up)you can hike to several great spots. typically when we camp we are at the beach, hiking, etc and try to AVOID the car! I commute an hour each way to work so that's enough. Any advice would be most appreciated.

We are staying in a cottage at Cinnamon Bay Campground on St. John, Virgin Island for one week. Any advice or suggestions to make our stay more enjoyable/comfortable? I know about the sunscreen and bug spray. Details, no matter how small, are welcome! Thanks.

Hi Everyone! My finace and I would like to go to St. John's for our honeymoon in October of 2007. I'm obviously planning ahead and am looking for moderately priced (not cheap and but also not high priced) accomodations for our trip. We love B&B's and I have read posts about a few on other sites. I would also love a smaller scale hotel- I have no desire to stay at the large resort style complexes. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Friendliness and a clean room with A/C are a must! Thank you!