Vacation Rentals on the US Virgin Islands
World > Caribbean > US Virgin Islands
Travel destination US Virgin Islands.
You can choose from 5 vacation rentals and holiday rentals.
Search within this region with detailed search options.
|
Destination
|
Overview of the US Virgin Islands
|
| Size |
|
347 sq km (134 sq mi) |
|
| Population |
|
110,827 |
|
| Language |
|
English is the official language. Spanish and Creole are also widely spoken. |
|
| Time Zone |
|
3 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-3 GMT). |
|
| Electricity |
|
120V, 60Hz. European appliances require an adapter. |
|
| Clothing |
|
Lightweight clothes throughout the year. Umbrella or light waterproof clothing is useful. |
|
| Religion |
|
Christian, mainly Protestant. |
|
| Currency |
|
US Dollar (USD)
Currency Converter
|
|
Location of the US Virgin Islands
|
|
The US Virgin Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean that are an insular area of the United States.
These islands are geographically part of the Virgin Islands. The US Virgin Islands are made up of the 4
main islands of St Thomas, St John, St Croix and Water Island and many smaller islands. It is the only
part of the United States where traffic drives on the left. The US Virgin Islands are situated 64 km (40 miles)
east of Puerto Rico and comprise some 50 islands covered with lush tropical vegetation. St Thomas is long
and narrow, rising abruptly to a ridge with an excellent deep-water harbor. St John is covered partly in bay forests.
St Croix consists of 215 sq km (83 sq miles) of rolling ex-plantation land.
|
Climate on the US Virgin Islands
|
|
Reliably Caribbean, the weather is balmy, with daily highs between a cosy 25°C (77°F) in winter and 28°C (82°F)
in summer. Perhaps the most pleasant climatic aspect of these islands is the combination of the trade winds
that keep humidity low, and the Caribbean currents that keep waters warm. The islands are subject to
tropical storms and hurricanes.
|
Best Time to Travel to the US Virgin Islands
|
|
Hot throughout the year, cooled by the eastern trade winds. During the wettest months, August through
October, rainfall comes in short powerful bursts that are more likely to cool you off than dampen your visit. |
Attractions on the US Virgin Islands
|
The US Virgin Islands - St John, St Thomas, St Croix adn Water Island - are known for their white sand
beaches, including Magens Bay and Trunk Bay, and strategic harbors, including
Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted. Most of the islands, including St Thomas,
are volcanic in origin and hilly. The highest point is Crown Mountain, Saint Thomas (474 m).
St Croix, the largest of the US Virgin Islands, lies to the south and has a flatter terrain.
The National Park Service owns more than half of St John, nearly all of Hassel Island and many
acres of coral reef.
Each of our 3 major islands possesses a unique character all its own. St Croix's Danish influence is
perfect for visitors who prefer a laid-back experience. The historic towns of Frederiksted and
Christiansted offer quaint shops, charming pastel buildings, refreshing cultural diversity.
From horseback riding near 18th century sugar mills to playing golf on one of the island's three
scenic golf courses, you're sure to find something to suit your tastes. Two-thirds of St John is
a national park; its comfortable pace is perfect for enjoying the island's world-renowned beaches
such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Salt Pond Bay. A nature lover's favorite, St John
offers hiking, camping, specialty shopping, and breathtaking views. If you take just a few hours
to visit this island, you'll find it well worth the trip. St Thomas boasts one of the most beautiful
harbors in the world. As the most visited port in the Caribbean, downtown Charlotte Amalie offers
elegant dining, exciting nightlife, world-class, duty-free shopping, and even submarine rides.
While it's full of energy, especially in Charlotte Amalie, this island also possesses numerous
natural splendors, such as stunning views of the Caribbean from 1,500 feet above sea level.
Island traditions come alive during celebrations throughout the year. The Three Kings' Day
festival on St Croix, St John's 4th of July celebration, and St Thomas' annual Carnival
are just three examples of the dozens of special events that take place each year. However,
on any given day, visitors can catch a glimpse of the unique culture of the islands.
|
Society on the US Virgin Islands
|
The US Virgin Islanders are overwhelmingly friendly and helpful and the pace of life is very relaxed.
Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting and the appropriate time of day (good morning/afternoon/evening)
is usually uttered at every encounter. Politeness and courtesy is expected. Dress is informal for most
occasions apart from the formal requirements of some hotels.
Tipping: All hotels add 8% room tax and 10-15% service charge. Restaurants will either add a 10-15%
service charge or expect the equivalent tip.
|
Food on the US Virgin Islands
|
|
The US Virgin Islands culture expresses itself in its unique cuisine, which has its origins in
Africa, Puerto Rico, other West Indian islands, and Europe. Since many island recipes originate
from times when imports were scarce, today's typical island fare includes locally grown and raised
spices, tropical fruits, root vegetables, and meats. One favorite local beverage is maubi,
a slightly fermented drink concocted from ginger root, yeast, herbs, and the bark of the maubi tree.
Non-alcoholic ginger beer, bush tea, soursop juice, and the creamy sea-moss cooler are also popular.
Although restaurants in the US Virgin Islands feature international cuisine such as French, Japanese,
Italian, and Chinese, we encourage you to try island specialties such as conch fritters, fried plantains,
sweet potato pudding, and curried chicken. Other Virgin Island specialties include: kallaloo
a simmering stew of okra, meat, seafood, local greens, and spices, souse a lime-flavored stock
of pig's head, tail, and feet, fungi a cornmeal and okra side dish that accompanies fried or
boiled fish, Johnnycakes a deep-fried delicacy of unleavened bread. Lobster, wahoo, grouper,
mahi-mahi, tuna, and other daily catches are staple menu items as well. If you have room for dessert,
you might try a coconut or guava tart, locally made soursop ice cream, or rich rum cake and
bread pudding.
|
Visa for the US Virgin Islands
|
|
Entering the US Virgin Islands no visas or passports are required for citizens of the US and Canada,
though you'll have to prove citizenship by way of a birth certificate, voter's registration card
or valid passport. This will change as of December 31 2006, however, when the Western Hemisphere
Travel Initiative mandates that all travellers reentering the US will be required to carry a passport.
Most other nationalities don't need a visa either (although it is always wise to check with your embassy
beforehand), but will need a passport for a stay of less than 90 days. Proof of onward transportation
is required upon entry.
|
|
