Mentioning the U.S. Virgin Islands conjures up images of opulent ocean liners and luxurious beachfront mansions. However, you don’t have to be a millionaire to bask in the wonder of these beautiful islands. St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix all provide unique and exciting vacation opportunities, and they can all be experienced on a budget. In this blog post, we will look at the ways you can save money when you visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. We will cover the best time to visit to avoid crowds and high prices, and we will peek inside some of the most affordable hotels, rentals and Airbnbs the islands have to offer.
When Is the Best Time to Stay in the VI?
The USVI has a tropical climate cooled by reliable trade winds. That means the temperatures in this vacation paradise stay fairly constant all year round. The temperatures in August, September and October are almost identical to the temperatures in June and July, but the hotel prices are a lot lower. Prices drop in the off-season because children are back in school and some tourists avoid the Caribbean because of hurricanes, meaning there are plenty of deals to be had for savvy travelers.
How Much Does It Cost for a Fun Affordable Vacation?
You can spend as little or as much as you want to have a great time in the USVI. If you wander the streets of Charlotte Amalie or Cruz Bay, you will see gourmet chefs working beside local cooks and designer boutiques next door to neighborhood craft stores. These historic port towns also have some of the most affordable vacation rentals on St. Thomas and St. John. Other ways you can save money on a U.S. Virgin Island vacation include using hop-on, hop-off “safari” buses instead of taxis and making use of Airbnb or rental kitchen facilities to cut down dining out costs.
What Are the Passport and Vaccine Requirements?
American citizens don’t need a passport or visa to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you will need a valid photo ID if you want to arrive by air. Just make sure that you leave any chemical sunscreens behind because only mineral UV protection is allowed on the islands. Significant travel restrictions were put into place during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the spread of the virus, but the last of these were lifted on June 11. That means all you need to bring with you to have a memorable vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a sunny disposition and a spirit of adventure.
Value Is not the Same as Price
Not everyone has the same vacation budget and sometimes the top tier options are simply not a realistic option for travelers. However, when it comes to simply trying to maximize your budget, some may fall into the trap of looking for the lowest cost option for accommodations, with the thought of “we’re really only going to sleep there.”
The truth is that sacrificing quality for a lower cost is not just a compromise; it’s a risk. A bad hotel experience can ruin your trip. An exceptional resort or upscale rental experience, on the other hand, can take your trip from just “good” to unforgettable. Not only can a real luxury stay give you the true getaway feel you’re looking for, but the amenities, perks, and service you’ll get are often things you’d be paying extra for elsewhere anyway.
Best Affordable Hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Vacationers on a budget usually look for rental apartments or Airbnbs, but visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands can enjoy the feel of a luxury hotel and still save money. Here are some of the best choices for budget hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands:
- The Galleon House in St. Thomas: There are some great hotel deals on St. Thomas, but not many of them are as close to the water as the Galleon House. This charming bed and breakfast hotel has interior rooms available from just $80 per night, and that includes parking, Wi-Fi and pool access.
- Marketplace Suites in St. John: Located in the heart of St. John in Cruz Bay, this 12 unit boutique hotel has everything you need for a family vacation, including 1 and 2-bedroom suites that come with king beds and pull out couches, so finding enough space for everyone won’t be an issue.
- Hotel on the Cay in St. Croix: If you like the idea of sunbathing on a beach where pirates used to tie up their ships, Hotel on the Cay could be just what you are looking for. This hotel offers amazing ocean views from just about every room, and prices start at about $150. That gets you air conditioning, an amazing pool and all of the conveniences of a modern luxury hotel.
- Vacation VI: If you are looking for lodgings in St. John, Vacation VI offers a range of luxury rental villas and modern suites that are guaranteed to please. These units come with everything from infinity pools to fully equipped kitchens. Plus, you have a choice between suites starting at just $125 and our spacious, luxury villas that range from (X-Y) that will fit up to 6 people.
Let Us Help You with that Perfect Vacation Rental
No matter where you decide to stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands, it’s always a good idea to book early to get the best deals. And if you want to enjoy everything the U.S. Virgin Islands have to offer without breaking the bank, Vacation VI can help you find the perfect vacation rental. We know these beautiful islands inside out, and we can take care of anything from handling your shopping to arranging a car or boat rental. If you would like to know how affordable rentals in the U.S. Virgin Islands can be, you can call us on (800) 727-6610 or fill out our online form.
Kirsten Morgan is a passionate travel blogger based in the stunning St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. With a deep love for island life and a knack for storytelling, Kirsten brings the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and hidden gems of the Caribbean to life through her captivating blogs.
