U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a short hop from the United States. These days, these islands and Puerto Rico are the only places in the Caribbean U.S. citizens can visit without forking over the dough for a passport. For some, this makes the Virgin Islands an even more attractive destination than ever. The main islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands are Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas, which are surrounded by smaller islands. The islands are part of the Virgin Islands Archipelago, which is shares with the British Virgin Islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands are chock full of beautiful white sand beaches, a haven for sun worshipers. Weddings and honeymoons take place frequently on the islands, providing couples with a beautiful location.
Language
The official language of the U.S. Virgin Islands is English.
Money
The U.S. Dollar is the official currency of the U.S. Virgin Islands. To find out about the conversion rates, visit our currency converter.
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for everyone on these islands, from resorts with casinos or championship golf courses to eco-lodges to historic inns. Anything under $150 is considered budget on these islands. Camping is available on St. John.
>>more information on the Top 5 Family Hotels in the US Virgin Islands
>> more information on the Best Romantic Resorts in the US Virgin Islands
>> more information on the Cheapest Resorts in the US Virgin Islands
Food and Drinks
The Virgin Islands have tons of local culinary specialties. There are dozens of restaurants on the islands, like French, Japanese, Italian and Chinese, but you should definitely try the local flavors. Give maubi a shot, it’s a drink made from ginger root, yeast, herbs, and maubi tree bark. Ginger beer is a good bet for those of you who get sea sick. Conch fritters, fried plantains, sweet potato pudding, and curried chicken are all native to the island.
>>more information on the Best Restaurants in the US Virgin Islands
Getting There & Around
American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways offer flights from the United States. Cruise ships frequent make stops in the islands and there are several marinas for sailors.
Ferries and short flights make travel between the islands super easy.
Around the islands, car rentals and taxis are widely available. There is a public bus system as well.
>>more information on Getting from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas
Electronics
Electricity in the U.S. Virgin Islands is 110, just like the U.S. Those of you visiting from other countries may need a converter for appliances.
Holidays
Businesses may be closed for all of the standard protestant holidays.
Things to Do
A great deal of the islands are designated as a national, providing visitors with many opportunities to see nature is all its glory. The National Park on St. John is home to several hiking trails, all of which are quite short. You can take part in pretty much any type of water sport you want to do in the Caribbean, including snorkeling & diving, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, water skiing and sailing. Golf is hugely popular on the islands, and believe it or not you can find world class tennis on St. John. On St. Croix, you can check out Buck Island Reef, Cramer Park and the Cruzan Rum Distillery. Visitors to St. Thomas can enjoy Magens Bay Beach and Paradise Point. Shoppers will enjoy the various duty free shops found throughout the islands.