If your spin your vacation destination wheel and it lands on “The Virgin Islands,” then you’re going to have to ask the wheel to be more specific. There are the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands. Let’s stipulate for the record that any of the Virgin Islands would be a great place for a Caribbean getaway. However, for the purposes of this post we’ll focus on the U.S. Virgin Islands that consist of St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas and Water Island. Here’s how to get the most out of your Virgin Islands vacation:
Sea Plane It
For your U.S. Virgin Islands vacation, you’re going to fly into a specific island but that doesn’t mean you have to stay there. Island hopping in seaplanes is all the rage. Think of these are air taxis that land on water because that is just what they are. Once you’ve set up in your hotel of choice, ask the concierge or one of the locals what is the next best island to see. They’ll provide you with terrific recommendations and point you to the flying-air-water-taxi stand. Spend a day or spend the night. Adventures await!
Dronningens Gade
What Diagon Alley is to wizards, Dronnigens Gade is to happy Caribbean shoppers. This main street on St. Thomas is where all the action is when it comes to scoring some cool duty-free stuff. You can get anything from designer fashion to jewelry to touristy T-shirts. Just note that the stores roll up the awnings around six. The best time to shop is early in the morning before the cruise crowds show up. Don’t hesitate to stroll down to Market Square or Emancipation Garden. Perfect places for a shopping break.
Trunk Bay
As perfect Caribbean beaches go, they don’t get any better than Trunk Bay. This slice of sand heaven is actually a National Park so it’s pretty serine. There is an underwater snorkeling path that diehard snorkelers swear by. Keep in mind that even though there will be fellow lovers of the beach here, it is kind of isolated. You won’t be able to run up to the nearest hotel for a snack so bring what you’ll need to enjoy the day.
Drink Like A Pirate
You’re going to go all the way to the Caribbean and not have any rum? That is simply not allowed. Rum aficionados give high marks to Cruzan Rum. Guess where they make the stuff? You can take a tour of the distillery that ends with a rum cocktail hour. Don’t go on an empty stomach and make sure you have a designated taxi driver standing by!
Finally, if you like old sea forts then you’re going to love the U.S. Virgin Islands. There are plenty of forts to explore when you feel the need to take a break from the beach. Upon your return, you should be tanned, relaxed and full of wonderful memories. That’s a perfect vacation!
