The U.S. Virgin Islands are a great place to visit to enjoy the rich local culture, beautiful beaches, and unspoiled natural beauty. Visitors who become familiar with the way of life on these incredible islands tend to enjoy their vacations more, so let’s look at a few dos and don’ts that could help you get the most out of a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Essential Packing Tips
Packing for a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands will be pretty easy as you won’t need much to have a great time. You don’t have to pack any super dressy clothes because the islands have a casual atmosphere, and you can rent snorkels, fins, and life jackets at the beaches you visit. The biggest mistake most visitors make is packing too much stuff. Here are a few other travel tips to make the journey easier.
Make a Packing List Tailored to Your Itinerary
Most people just pack some T-shirts and shorts when they visit the Virgin Islands, but you may need to bring along some additional items if you will be doing more than soaking up the sun. You should bring footwear a bit more substantial than flip-flops or sandals if you plan to explore the Virgin Islands National Park, and you should pack one or two collared polo shirts or summer dresses if you will be dining at some of the fancier restaurants in the USVI.
Choose a Suitable Carry-on Bag for Travel
You will need a sturdy carry-on bag if you want to avoid paying an extra fee for checking a suitcase. Carry-on bags are available in a dizzying array of colors and styles so you will have plenty of choices. Some carry-on bags have detachable straps that turn them into backpacks, while others have wheels and pull-out handles.
Check Airline Regulations for Luggage
Your carry-on bag will have to comply with airline policies. Airlines all set their own rules for carry-on luggage, but the vast majority of them allow bags 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches tall because that is the size of a standard aircraft overhead storage bin. Few airlines have weight limits for carry-on bags. Fortunately, most will allow you to take a second bag into the aircraft cabin as long as it is small enough to fit under a seat. Finally, give yourself some extra time when you arrive when you have checked bags. No need to rush and forget anything.
TSA Rules
Some items cannot be brought into an aircraft cabin. If you pack any prohibited items in your carry-on bag, you could find yourself being questioned by security personnel. You could also face civil penalties of up to $12,856. Here are some of the items that should not be in your carry-on bag:
- Firearms, knives and other weapons
- Sporting equipment or tools that could be used as weapons
- Sharp objects like razor blades or scissors
- Explosives, lighter fluid, and other flammable materials
- Golf clubs, spear guns, and pool cues
Transportation on St. John
Your journey to the US Virgin Islands will probably begin in St. Thomas unless you arrive by cruise ship. Typical layovers are in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or occasionally Puerto Rico.
If you arrive in the U.S. Virgin Islands by air, you will land at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas. While there, you can visit a welcome kiosk operated by the Department of Tourism to sample local rums. Several companies at Cyril E. King Airport offer taxi and shuttle services, and the rates they charge are fixed by the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission.
No bridge leads to St. John, but you can reach the island by taking either the passenger ferry or a car ferry to Cruz Bay. The most popular passenger ferry departs from Red Hook and operates between 5:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. An adult one-way fare is around $20 including light luggage.
Understand Local Transportation Options
You will find getting around the Virgin Islands a lot less stressful if you adopt the “island time” mentality and don’t expect things to run like a Swiss watch. There are bus services on St. Thomas and St. John, but don’t take their schedules too seriously. You could also use a taxi to get around the islands. The best place to find a cab in St. John is near the ferry dock in Cruz Bay.
Rent a Car vs. Using Public Transport
Renting a car to get around the Virgin Islands could make sense if you plan to do a lot of exploring. Most car rental agencies offer four-wheel-drive vehicles because some of the roads on the islands are quite poor. In light of that, spending a few extra dollars on optional insurance coverage may be a good idea. This is because people in the U.S. Virgin Islands drive on the left side of the road in cars with steering wheels on the left, which can take a little getting used to.
Selecting Accommodations
Lodging options in the Virgin Islands run the gamut from quaint bed-and-breakfasts to five-star resorts. But nothing can compare to the peace and luxury of staying in the Virgin Islands in your own private villa. While there are other options, the first-class homes and villas Vacation VI provides, along with full-service concierge services is sure to make your time on any of the islands a memory that will last a lifetime.
Consider Location and Accessibility
For the active vacationer, your vacation accommodation can be close to the beaches and attractions you plan to visit. Our luxury suites are located just steps away from the island’s most beautiful beaches with vibrant shopping and dining scenes that feature outdoor activities and traditional entertainment.
Understanding and Respecting Local Culture
People who call the USVI their home are typically friendly and welcoming. Of course, it’s best to follow a few simple courtesies to not unintentionally offend or look foolish. What follows are helpful tips for understanding the goings on in the US Virgin Islands and respecting the local culture.
Familiarize Yourself with Customs and Etiquette
If you want the locals to treat you warmly, say, “Good morning” or “Good evening” when you encounter them. You do not have to say this to everybody you pass on the street, but you should try to say it when you enter a store or café.
You should also wear a T-shirt or wrap when you leave the beach as walking around town in a swimsuit is frowned upon in the Virgin Islands. If you decide to rent a car, you should familiarize yourself with island horn etiquette. Beep your horn twice to tell another driver that they can pull out or turn, and beep once to say thank you.
Learn About Local Traditions and Festivals
Now that you know how to best interact with people on the islands, you can feel free to have fun and mingle among crowds at venues.
Dozens of festivals, carnivals, and fairs are held each year in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and some of them draw thousands of visitors. You can visit the Department of Tourism website to find information about upcoming events. The biggest celebration is the St. Thomas Carnival, which is held every year in late April and early May.
Exploring Activities
One of the most difficult tasks you will have when you plan a Virgin Islands vacation is deciding which attractions to visit. That is because there is so much to do on every island, and most vacations simply don’t last long enough.
Plan for Adventure and Relaxation Activities
Creating an itinerary will be easier if you think about what you are visiting the Virgin Islands for. Do you want to relax, unwind, and soak up the sun, or do you want to explore and discover? The U.S. Virgin Islands is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and it is also rich in history and filled with areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Research Must-See Attractions
You will probably won’t have enough time to visit every attraction that interests you, so you will have to use a process of elimination to come up with a vacation schedule. The best way to do this is to visit travel websites like U.S. News Travel and TripAdvisor, where you can read reviews posted by visitors.
Sampling Local Cuisine
You won’t find many fast-food restaurants in the Virgin Islands. But you will find amazing eateries that offer mouth-watering dishes at every price point.
Identify Signature Dishes to Try
One of the best things about traveling is trying new food. The USVI food scene is a blend of African, Caribbean, and European influences, so you’ll find a variety of scrumptious dishes to sample during your visit. Here are just some of the regional dishes you could try:
- Fish & Fungi: This polenta-like dish is the unofficial dish of the US Virgin Islands and a must-try item. Originally served with salt herring, it is now prepared with tuna, mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper, or other freshly caught island fish.
- Saltfish: This delicacy is made by rehydrating salted fish. It’s often used to flavor other island staples. You’ll typically find it in dishes like steamed callaloo stew and pates. Pates are small pastries filled with vegetables, seafood, or ground meat.
- Conch fritters: Almost everybody who visits the Virgin Islands enjoys trying conch. It’s best to choose an eatery that uses fresh-caught conch meat rather than making dishes from canned conch.
- Johnny cakes: Popular throughout the Caribbean, Johnny cakes are fluffy, buttery cornmeal flatbreads griddled to golden brown in pork fat. Those with a sweet tooth can add fruit toppings like applesauce, berries, mangos, or bananas. Honey and coconut are other toppings you can add.
Discover Popular Restaurants and Eateries
You can discover a lot about eating out in the Virgin Islands by visiting restaurant websites and reading online menus. Additionally, you can check out travel website reviews of where you are thinking about visiting.
If you plan on spending time in St. John, you could visit Skinny Legs Bar and Grill for casual American fare, Lime Out for a waterside coctail and taco..
You’ll also have to try one of St. John’s gourmet restaurants at least one time while you are out and about. La Tapa is renowned for its delicious paella and romantic atmosphere. On the other hand, there’s Extra Virgin Bistro, an elevated restaurant with a 3-course tasting menu made from locally sourced ingredients.
Safety Considerations
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States, which means crime is not as big of a problem for tourists as it is in many other parts of the Caribbean. That does not mean that you should take your safety for granted. Areas that attract a lot of visitors attract a lot of petty criminals, so offenses like pickpocketing are common.
Stay Informed About Local Safety Tips
The U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issue travel advisories to let Americans know about health and security issues. You can visit their websites before traveling to the Virgin Islands to make sure that no restrictions are in place, and you can also visit the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism website to learn about vaccination requirements.
Secure Your Belongings and Personal Items
You are more likely to become a petty crime victim if you leave your possessions unattended. Most popular beaches have lockers that you can use to store valuable items, and most hotels have safes. If you rent a car during your Virgin Islands vacation, make sure that you lock it when you park. It may also be a good idea to lock any valuable items in the glove box.
Entry Requirements
American citizens only need a state-issued driver’s license or identification card and a birth certificate with a raised seal to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you should take your passport if you have one. A passport will make reentering the United States much easier.
Review Visa and Vaccination Requirements
There are no visa requirements for American citizens who visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, foreign visitors who require a visa to visit the mainland will need a visa to clear passport control at Cyril E. King Airport. A COVID vaccination isn’t needed to visit the Virgin Islands, but visitors should have routine vaccines like Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) and Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis.
You can find the full list and other helpful travel information by going to the CDC page for recommended vaccines and medicines:
Prepare Important Travel Documents
You will need a valid state ID and a birth certificate with a raised seal to enter the Virgin Islands if you are a United States citizen and don’t have a passport. If you do not have a birth certificate with a raised seal, you should contact the health department in the state where you were born.
Day Trips to Nearby Islands
Island hopping turns a Caribbean beach vacation into an adventure, and there are few better places to do it than from the starting point of St. John. You won’t have to rent a boat to go exploring (unless you want to) because several tour and ferry companies offer island hopping services, including to:
- St. Thomas: Known for its duty-free shopping and vibrant nightlife, St. Thomas also boasts stunning beaches and historical sites like Blackbeard’s Castle. Regular ferries run between St. John and St. Thomas, making it a convenient day trip.
- St. Croix: The largest island in the US Virgin Islands, St. Croix offers a diverse experience, from historic towns and rum distilleries to beautiful beaches and world-class diving. While there are no direct ferries from St. John, you can easily reach St. Croix via a ferry ride from St. Thomas.
- Water Island: A quick ferry ride from St. Thomas, Water Island offers a peaceful escape with pristine beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. You can reach Water Island by first taking a ferry to St. Thomas and then catching a short ferry ride to Water Island.
- Smaller Islands: During your time in the USVI, don’t forget to visit some of the smaller islands. Lovango Cay is a nice little spot for snorkeling and Saba Island is perfect for birdwatching. One of the best ways to get to these and experience what they offer is by boat tour. Taking a water taxi is another option.
Booking Island-hopping Excursions
Most of the ferry services that take visitors on island-hopping excursions in the U.S. Virgin Islands are based in St. Thomas. Before you book, you should read some online reviews to find out what others have had to say. Sailing times to the outlying islands are very brief, but you should still plan to leave early because the last boat back may depart as early as 3:00 p.m.
Best Beaches to Visit
Whether you want to spread out on the sand with a good book or explore coral reefs and underwater trails, the U.S. Virgin Islands has a beach that will be perfect for you. Let’s take a look at some of the very best:
- Magens Bay Beach: Ah, Magens Bay. What a wondrous place. You pay an entrance fee to enter Magens Bay Beach, but it will be worth it. This mile or so of sand is one of the most famous beaches in the world, and its calm waters are perfect for swimming.
- Trunk Bay Beach: Trunk Bay is named after the leatherback sea turtles that the locals have nicknamed trunk turtles. Besides being a home for trunk turtles, this St. John beach is also known for its incredible snorkeling opportunities.
- Salt Pond Beach: If you want to feel like a castaway on a desert island, you should head over to Salt Pond Beach in St. John. You will have to take a short hike to reach the beach, but that’s what makes it so quiet and peaceful.
- Maho Bay Beach: This beautiful beach is flanked by palm trees and close to two beautiful coral reefs. There are also walking trails nearby that visitors can use to explore the Virgin Islands National Park.
- Honeymoon Beach: You will have to purchase a pass to visit this beautiful beach, but the modest price will grant you access to changing rooms with lockers and allow you to use beach chairs, snorkels, and kayaks.
Book a Stay in the US Virgin Islands, Today
If you’re traveling from the mainland, you won’t need to pack much or gather many travel documents to stay in St. John. As we mentioned, you don’t even need a passport!
In fact, you’ll be close to excellent restaurants and water activities, as well as nature trails, and miles of pristine sandy beaches. St. John also makes island-hopping easy, allowing you to explore nearby islands with ease.
While there are plenty of places to stay in the Virgin Islands, few offer the proximity to top attractions and intimate luxury that Vacation VI does. For a memorable Virgin Islands vacation, view our selection of premier rental properties, and schedule your dream island getaway today.
