OT: Caribbean/US Virgin Islands Vacations

[simonkodousek]

Hi Everyone!

The other night I was talking with my dad and we started throwing around ideas about where to go on our family vacation next summer. I suggested the Caribbean and he thought that would be a nice, relaxing trip. My mom and brother both agree. None of us have ever been there before, so I'm looking for some information...

We're most interested in St. John's and Jamaica. My dad's biggest concern, however, is the high crime rates in Charlotte Amalie and Kingston. My friend Caroline goes to the Caribbean twice a year with her family, and has spent time on many different islands; St. Thomas, St. John's, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, etc. She told me that her family feels completely safe renting a car and a house, as long as it's located in a somewhat touristy area. Is this true? Will we be able to avoid areas of high crime, and what are some ways to do so?

Also, we're wondering whether to stay in a private house or at a resort. We're not really in to all-inclusive vacations, so Beaches, Breezes, and the like, are not an option. If we rent a house, are there grocery stores in safe parts of town that we can stop at for food? What are some good options for non all-inclusive resorts?

Finally, what about transportation? I know renting a car would be the only option if we rented a house, but how exactly would we get from St. Thomas to St. John's if that's where we choose to go? Do we just take a water taxi that also transports vehicles?

Any other help or information would really be appreciated!

Thank you so much,
Simon

 

[NC Belle]

I have no experience with the Caribbean until next week (and it will be Western not Eastern ports).

My Mother-in-law decided that cruising is a great option for touring with our age ranges. My MIL is excited about going snorkelling and she is doing a zip line excursion in Roatan (she's 72).

I see that the islands like Grand Cayman are going to cost more in the grocery/dining/shopping since most of the goods have to be shipped.

 

[simonkodousek]

Thanks for the info!

 

[alouise1]

If you are looking for information on St. John, try the website
VINOW.

 

[kryptonian99]

We just got back from St. John last week. It was our first time there. We felt completely safe the entire time. From what people told us St. John, being the smallest island, has the least problem with crime. I didn't even notice any graffiti there.
For transportation from St. Thomas to St. John, there is a water taxi that will take you and your car across. It's like $48 for round trip passage.
We had an amazing time. I would love to go again. If you need any more information let me know, I'm happy to share what I can.

 

[DISNUT21]

Simon,
I go the Caribbean usually once a year, and the USVI's are beautiful. Some hotel recommendations include the Westin St. John's as well as the Marriott Frenchman's Reef and the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas both located in St. Thomas.
As far as crime is concerned, as long as you are in the tourist corridor I would not worry.
In terms of transportation, almost everything is within a stone throw's distance... I never rent a car when traveling to these islands because of the rules and regulations, as well as, the traffic! Because of the size of the island, it is so difficult to avoid the traffic, and with an inexpensive cab you can get to the other side of the island in no time for fairly cheap.
I hope that I was some kind of help.
-Anthony

 

[kryptonian99]

Hi Everyone!

Also, we're wondering whether to stay in a private house or at a resort. We're not really in to all-inclusive vacations, so Beaches, Breezes, and the like, are not an option. If we rent a house, are there grocery stores in safe parts of town that we can stop at for food? What are some good options for non all-inclusive resorts?

Town on St. John is really tiny. It encompases about 4 blocks. There is a market there that I felt safe in. The key, as one of our friends told us, was just to be friendly with the locals. Everyone we ran into was really nice as long as we were nice and friendly with them.
For a resort you might want to check out the Westin. We didn't stay there, but it looked really nice.

 

[mikelan6]

Just my two cents, but I would avoid Jamaica just because they are not gay friendly at all. I would recommend Aruba, St Thomas, St Maarten or San Juan.

 

[NC Belle]

I just wanted to add---call your credit card company before travelling. My credit card company asked me the dates and gave a refernce number to use if there is a problem.

 

[challer]

I honeymooned at St. Thomas 13 years ago. We stayed at the east end of the island, far away from Charlotte Amalie. It was lovely, and there's the shorter, cheaper water shuttle to St. Johns on that end of the island. If it's still there, Duffy's Love Shack was our favorite place for drinks... ever. It's right across from the water shuttle dock.

Highly recommend that.