By Carol Luther
The island of St. Thomas in the
United States Virgin Islands is a great introduction to the
Caribbean lifestyle. You can visit St. Thomas at any time of the year. However, you might want to plan your trip to avoid hurricane season, between June and October, yearly. St. Thomas has an excellent public transportation system that makes it easy to visit most attractions and
beaches. Major U.S. companies offer car rentals.
Shopping
St. Thomas is a duty-free port that has excellent buys for perfumes, jewelry, electronics, cameras and designer clothing. You can save up to 60 percent off the cost of these items over the mainland's price. American citizens get a $1,600 duty-free exemption, since the island is a U.S. territory. Great duty-free shopping is conveniently located in the downtown area of Charlotte Amalie, the capital. Take a stroll along Main Street or catch the free shuttle bus to the popular Havensight Mall with over 100 conveniently located duty-free shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Panoramic Views
One of St. Thomas' best features is that the island is extremely hilly. Flag Hill offers visitors a spectacular view of the island and the harbor. Take the St. Thomas Skyride to reach the top of this 700-foot hill. Visitors also enjoy the view from 1,500 feet, Mountain Top, the island's highest point. This location features the St. Peter Great House, originally a French plantation. You will also find a botanical garden, aviaries, sophisticated restaurants and shopping. The vista not only includes Charlotte Amalie, but also St. John and the British Virgin Islands.
Water Activities
Families will enjoy St. Thomas' many water activities. Depending on your preferences, beach choices include secluded coves, the public beach at Magens Bay, staffed by lifeguards daily, or local fishing and snorkeling favorites like Hull Bay. Children and adults will have fun at the Coral World Ocean Park. A family day pass is a bargain at $60 for two adults and up to four children. It features several aquariums, an underwater observatory and a chance to feed aquatic creatures. Make your day complete by enjoying the waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean at nearby Coki Beach. Explore the coral reefs from inside the Atlantis Submarine. These two-hour tours cost $89 for adults and $49 for children, when reserved online.
Carnival
Like many Caribbean islands, St. Thomas has its own Carnival, usually held in April. It gives adults and children an opportunity to play mas', dressed in colorful costumes that tell a story or represent a local legend. Although, this Carnival is not as large a Brazil's or Trinidad's, locals and visitors who join the parade have wonderful memories that bring them back year after year.
Resources
About the Author:
Carol Luther has more than 25 years of business and technical writing experience and 10 years of experience in international health project management, which includes child survival, youth AIDS and health systems information technology. Luther's work has appeared in "Diamond" magazine and online at Global Progress, Mahalo, Trazzler and Wcities. She has a master's degree in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.
