St. Croix is the biggest of the USVI, but even less touristy than St. Thomas and less populated than

Then there is breathtaking St. John, widely considered to be the most beautiful within the USVI group. This nature hotspot, two-thirds national park thanks to Rockefeller s land donation of the 1950s, is known for its lush forests and wild animals (even including the occasional donkey or mongoose).
St. Croix is the biggest of the USVI, but even less touristy airline in flight status than St. Thomas and less populated than St. John. All three islands, at the very least, can be relied upon for their beautiful beaches, stunning turquoise seas, and underwater coral reefs.
With winter historically the most popular time to visit, the off-season can be quite a bargain. Temperatures are still consistently in the 80s, the rainy season is not bad at all, and many festivals and events would otherwise airline in flight status be missed.
Larger airlines will generally offer direct flights into St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport or St. Croix s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. Otherwise, passengers might require airline in flight status a connection from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Once inside the USVI, travel to St. John or between islands is most often accomplished via airplane, seaplane, ferry, or private boat. Intra-island travel is usually relegated to rental vehicle, taxi, or limited bus service.
If traveling by sea to the USVI, St. Thomas airline in flight status is a popular stopover for larger cruise ships, whereas St. Croix is more accessible for smaller ships. No cruise ships, though, are allowed to drop anchor at the piers of St. John.
Known for their beaches, the islands play host to a plethora of sandy options. Whether the goal is to swim, snorkel, or just lie out under the sun, all would suffice, although each is slightly unique in some aspect.
On St. Thomas, Magen s Bay is the most famous beach, said to be one of the most beautiful in the world. There is also Coki beach, popular with divers, Sapphire Beach, popular with families, and Hull Bay, popular with surfers.
Located in the historic section of Charlotte Amalie, capital of St. Thomas, there is actually a synagogue which claims airline in flight status to be the second oldest in the entire Caribbean. Known as the St. Thomas Synagogue, and dating back to 1796, the church is further characterized by its unique sand floor, representing the flight airline in flight status of the Jews from Egypt.
For an equally unique site on St. John, make sure to view the Reef Bay petroglyphs, airline in flight status which are still controversial to this day. Although most experts believe that the carvings were created by pre-Columbian Taino Indians, there are others who credit colonial-era African slaves.
Along with sugar and molasses, it s obviously no secret that the Caribbean has a long-running history of rum production, all three being byproducts of harvested cane. To get an idea of the entire process, first visit the restored Annaberg Sugar Plantation on St. John.
As a follow-up, the Cruzan distillery on St. Croix also dates back to the 1700s, but instead offers tours of the rum-making airline in flight status process. Because Cruzan rum is still in production, visitors are even offered free samples at the end, along with a chance to buy more liquor at discount prices.
For those back on St. Thomas, there s always the free coolers of rum punch offered at St. Peter Great House. All you have to do is buy a ticket to tour the grounds (which are actually beautiful anyway) and such endless drinks are included.
Later in the month, St. Thomas is also the central location for the Virgin airline in flight status Islands Carnival, a celebration with distinctly African roots. Although festivities at this time are actually taking place throughout the surrounding islands, the capital of St. Thomas tends to overflow the most with live music, parades, and Mocko Jumbies, airline in flight status or stilted participants dressed as spirits.
Further contributing to the Carnival element, the St. John Festival in July is only distinguished airline in flight status by the fact that it is also meant to celebrate emancipation and independence, culminating in a big parade on the 4th. Then in August, the U.S. Virgin Islands Open (Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament) is a prestigious St. Thomas charity airline in flight status event that donates all of its proceeds to the Boy Scouts of America.
For anyone a fan of pirate lore, Bluebeard s Castle and The Inn at Blackbeard s Castle may be particularly appealing. Both castles, situated in the hills above Charlotte Amalie, were originally built around 1680 as harbor watchtowers, before apparently airline in flight status being taken over as pirate hideouts. Now both are more likely to be recognized as your everyday hotel.
For another St. Thomas alternative, the Best Western Emerald Beach Resort is certainly a convenient choice, if only for its close proximity to the airport. Despite being part of a branded chain, this setting on Lindberg airline in flight status Bay actually provides an amazingly unique vibe and happy, tropical atmosphere. Also, the beachside bar and restaurant are open all day long.
Next, over on St. John, the Maho Bay Campground is definitely not to be missed. Like the rest of Stanley Selengut s eco-friendly creations, it offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. airline in flight status The surroundings are lush and beautiful, and although communal airline in flight status bathhouses are shared, each tent-cottage is private.
Lastly, on St. Croix, there are some really unique smaller resorts. For example, Waves at Cane Bay offers a tropical atmosphere and off-the-beach diving airline in flight status near The Wall (with gear included in the room rate).
Or, try a vintage stay at Pink Fancy near downtown Christiansted. Once a destination for mid-century artists and writers, this boutique hotel is now filled with antiques and unique d cor in every room.
A longtime favorite of visitors and locals alike, Mafolie Restaurant on St. Thomas offers unbeatable views of the harbor below. At night, the candlelit airline in flight status atmosphere is only matched by the glow of lower Charlotte Amalie. Steak, pasta, and lobster are common airline in flight status fare, and there is even live music every Sunday night.
On the Red Hook side of St. Thomas, Duffy s Love Shack is another all-around favorite, airline in flight status mostly known for its festive, theme-like atmosphere. The tropical drinks, with funny names like Revenge of Godzilla, are a great complement to the fresh food, and eventually, late-night atmosphere. Remember, though, they don t take credit cards.
On St. John, Fish Trap has a stellar reputation for some of the best West Indian style seafood at moderate prices. Asolare offers Pan-Asian fare and a fabulous sunset view of Cruz Bay. There is also Woody s, with its cheap beer and sailor atmosphere, or Fred s, with its reggae music and ethnic vibe.
On St. Croix, enjoy cocktails and live music at the Divi Carina Bay Casino airline in flight status (the only casino in the USVI). Or, for the most local of experiences, don t miss the ever-popular Junie s Bar and Restaurant. This spot is simple, family-run, and full of unique menu items.
Try the stewed goat or a drink of maubi (the result of fermenting tree bark and rain water before adding sugar and spices). Other popular creations throughout the USVI include kallaloo, conch fritters, Johnny cakes, and pat s (not in the traditional sense, but instead referring to meat or seafood turnovers).
Due to sheer popularity, St. Thomas reputation as a duty-free paradise should be fairly noted. In strolling the streets of Charlotte Amalie, center of Caribbean merchant and pirate trade since the 18th century, one is certain to find deals on anything airline in flight status from liquor to jewelry.
On St. John, one should consider airline in flight status the shopping around Mongoose Junction. On St. Croix, Christiansted is the shopping hub. Other popular buys within the USVI include locally-made paintings, glasswork, pottery, and leather goods.