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General Information
On The US Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin
Islands boast a rich colonial history and heritage that includes three different
Indian tribes and elements of Spanish, English, Dutch, French, and Caribbean
cultures. Despite a turbulent history, today the U.S.V.I. are a Caribbean haven for the
American way of life, and strive to preserve the natural aquatic beauty for
which the islands are so famous. For more information, visit
the U.S. Virgin Islands
Department of Tourism or
the
U.S. Virgin Islands Guide.
You might also check
the US Virgin Islands
Division of Tourism for travel information on the USVI. Or, call
1-800-372-8754.
The People of the US
Virgin Islands
Passports, Visas and Entry Information
Health and Safety
Climate And Weather
Geography
The People of the US Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands' residential population is widely diverse
with those who
are Virgin Islanders by heritage being mostly descended from the African
population who worked sugar cane plantations before abolition. Recently, many people from other parts of the
Caribbean and the U.S. mainland have moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Here they
can live quite comfortably in the islands' relaxed atmosphere.
Passports, Visas and Entry
Information
U.S.* and Canadian citizens need only proof of citizenship and a photo ID to
enter the country. All other visitors, including those from the Caribbean should
follow the same procedures as if they were visiting the U.S. mainland.
| *The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. This includes United States citizens! In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future. For additional information, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html. |
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Health and Safety
Most visitors have no problems with tap water in the U.S. Virgin Islands
since it is clean and well-filtered but, as usual, those with more sensitive
stomachs should stick to bottled water.
As far as crime goes, the U.S. Virgin Islands experience a higher level of crime than many Caribbean islands, but still less than major metropolitan areas like New York City. Just be sure to use common sense. Keep your visit fun by following basic traveler's rules: Never walk alone at night and keep an eye on your things.
Climate And Weather
The climate here is just deal with perfect Caribbean
temperatures and rainfall. January averages run from a low of 69 to a high of
84. July temperatures are not so different, with a low of 75 and a high of 89. Rainfall averages 55 inches
annually, with summer and spring as the rainy season, and winter as the driest. Most rainfall occurs in the form of mild sun showers, and
the precipitation is usually over as soon as it starts.
Geography
The U.S. Virgin Islands are an archipelago with three main islands, St.
Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, and about 50 smaller surrounding islands and
reefs. One of the most unique features of the islands is their location in two
bodies of water. St. Thomas is wholly in the Atlantic Ocean, while St. Croix is
located entirely in the Caribbean Sea. As
a result of this unique feature, the islands are naturally stunning, featuring
some of the top ranked beaches and top-notch diving and snorkeling in the
Caribbean. The Virgin Islands, especially St. Thomas, are
popular cruise destinations.
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Getting To
and Around The US Virgin Islands
There are two main airports located
within the U.S. Virgin Islands: Cyril E. King International Airport on St.
Thomas, and Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport on St. Croix. Both airports
handle international traffic, with direct and connecting flights from many major
airlines, including, but not limited to, Air St. Thomas, Air Sunshine, American
Airlines, American Eagle, Cape Air, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines,
Leeward Island Airways, LIAT, United Airlines, and US Airways.
For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.
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At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
find
Great
Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on |
Suggestions For
Accommodations In The US Virgin Islands
For accommodations by city in The US Virgin Islands, click on
Search by city for hotels and other accommodations in the
US Virgin Islands.
Visit the Getting Away Accommodations page or 1 800 USA Hotels where you can always find rooms. World-wide reservations available on line. And, if you are looking for a nice resort, check the Getting Away Resort Accommodations page or ResortDiscounts.com where you can find discounts at some of the world's most desirable resort locations.
St. Thomas
| My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott |
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The newly renovated Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa is a
beach- and water-sport lover's paradise. With breathtaking mountain and ocean
views - this St. Thomas resort is the perfect Caribbean island destination.
Carved into a mountainside, Sugar Bay is the most spectacular resort on St. Thomas. Relax in a guest room full of delightful touches including colonial furniture, ceiling fans and refrigerators. Private balconies overlook lush mountains, white beaches and sparkling waters. Outside, enjoy a host of pleasures including golf, tennis, scuba, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking or windsurfing. Or take a swim in the ocean or our three fresh-water pools. As the sun goes down, lounge on the deck of a catamaran or dine at one of our fine restaurants. After dark, revel in the nightlife of our art deco nightclub, The Ocean Club or nearby Charlotte Amalie. |
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St. John
| Caneel Bay - Rosewood's Caneel Bay, an exclusive resort nestled within the 5,000-acre Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John, is one of the premier places to stay in the islands. Seven secluded beaches border an expansive paradise of 170 lush acres. In this pristine setting, comfortably elegant resort accommodations showcase beautiful vistas of ocean or gardens, yet the structures -- artfully built in the landscape -- are barely in view. For additional information about this hotel, or to make a reservation, click on Getting Away Accommodations Information and Reservations. |
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Suggestions For Things To See And Do In The US Virgin Islands
| At InfoHub, we believe vacation travel should be much more than just flying you to a tropical beach. Since 1996, we at InfoHub have worked hard to bring you the largest specialty travel portal on the Internet. Today, you can find over 20,000 specialty trips on InfoHub.com, covering activities from Artist Workshops to Yoga Retreats. Whatever your special interest is, you will find it right here! Plus trips you never even knew existed! We continue to expand the exciting array of travel options available by adding hundreds of out-of-the-ordinary trips every week! Our goal is to make Infohub.com "The Ultimate Source of Inspiring Travel Ideas" for your next dream trip. | ||
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Coming Soon. In the mean time, if
you have something of interest you believe should be added to this section,
please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Suggestions For
Dining in The US Virgin Islands
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if
you have something of interest you believe should be added to this section,
please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Books, Magazines and Other Information
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Caribbean Travel & Life - Escape to the Caribbean with Caribbean Travel & Life. Visit romantic hideaways and luxurious resorts and discover secluded beaches and teeming coral reefs. This magazine helps you find your own perfect place in the sun. For additional information, or to purchase a subscription, click on Caribbean Travel & Life. You can also click on Best Deal Magazines, Magazine Unlimited Magazine Subscription Superstore, or Low Priced Magazine Subscriptions for other great prices on magazines! |
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Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel
is a travel magazine for REAL people. This magazine is not just for those of
you on a budget - it's for everyone. Each issue comes packed with articles
on affordable and enjoyable vacations to just about everywhere.
For additional information, or to purchase a
subscription, click on
Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel.
You can also click on Best Deal Magazines, Magazine Unlimited Magazine Subscription Superstore, or Low Priced Magazine Subscriptions for other great prices on magazines! |
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Favorite Places And
Things To Do In The US Virgin Islands
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if
you have something of interest you believe should be added to this section,
please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
2007 Travel Alert - Passports Needed for Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and Caribbean. Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport. As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Click here for the State Department Summary. And, if you need a passport in a hurry, because you forgot to apply months ago when you should have and your trip is almost upon you, click on Passports In A Hurry, or on Passport Visa Express!
