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Tourist Tips for the Virgin Islands, USA
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The US Virgin Islands are known for their biodiversity, with luxurious white-sand resorts, excellent cuisine, rest and recreational activities, historical preservation sites, and breathtaking views. Here is some useful information and travel tips. By Charlie Angeles Travelers from world-renowned celebrities to families all over the world have experienced the Caribbean's ultimate getaway. Aside from exotic Puerto Rico and tropical Jamaica, the teeming natural resources of the US Virgin Islands will make you say, 'WOW!' The US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, are known for their biodiversity where tourists can enjoy luxurious white-sand resorts, excellent cuisine, rest and recreational activities, historical preservation sites, and breathtaking views. St. Thomas, where the capital (Charlotte Amalie) is located, is the perfect place to experience home away from home. Beautiful beaches, fabulous shopping marketplace, premiere accommodations, dramatic scenery, and hip nightlife spots are just some of the isle's enticement. St. Croix, the largest isle of the Virgins, has a rich culture and history from Spain, Great Britain, the Netherlands, France, Knights of Malta, Denmark, and the United States of America. Along its beautiful shoreline, vacationers can enjoy a number of fine dining, shopping, casino, scuba diving, and horseback riding experiences. St. Croix is nicknamed as the Twin City because it offers the wonders of nature and the life of the city. St. John, the smallest of the isles, is the most enchanting. There are a myriad of ways to explore the beauty of this isle, including the unspoiled terrain and eco-resorts that you can travel by Jeep Wrangler rental. If trekking, hiking, or simply nature-tripping is what you plan for your getaway, St. John should be at the top of your list. If you are planning to visit the Islands, it is important that you become aware of the following to make your stay in the Virgin Islands more memorable and enticing: Banking - You do not have to worry about anything if you have travelers checks, VISA, Maestro/Cirrus, or American Express cards. After all, the Virgin Islands is a US territory. However, double-check online to see if your local bank (e.g. Bank of America or Citibank) has branches in VI. The U.S. dollar is the main currency in use on the Islands, including the British Virgin Islands. Climate - You can expect beautiful sunny weather (77 F. from January to April and 82 F. from July to November), though there are short rain showers. Bring tanning lotion if you feel like skinny-dipping off the pristine, white sands of the islands. It is the Caribbean; it is the best place to be sun-drenched! Clothing - For a tropical country, casual is the apparel that everyone favors. Save the formal for fine dining and late night activities, but in broad daylight, you can stroll the beach in fashionable bikinis or go mountaineering in trekking clothes. Word of advice: the Islands are a 'no-no' for wearing bikinis or being shirtless on public streets, in shopping centers, or in downtown areas. Crime and Safety - There is no such thing as a safe place. As a general rule for all resorts, restaurants, or any public places: do not leave your valuables unattended. Dining - The Islands are renowned for excellent culinary specialties. From local cuisine and Caribbean specialties to exotic yet palatable gourmets, you will never run out of sumptuous feasts. Duty-free Shopping - The U.S. Virgin Islands are a paradise of shopping. There are no sales or luxury taxes, and U.S. citizens are allowed a $1200 duty-free shopping allowance per person - twice that of any other Caribbean island and three times that of European countries. In addition to this exemption, shoppers may also mail home to friends and relatives one duty-free gift per day (other than perfume, liquor or tobacco) worth $100 or less. Electricity - Power output throughout the Virgin Islands is the same as in the United States, 110 volts/60 cycle. Visitors from Europe who require 220-volt recharging facilities are advised to bring an adapter with them, as they are not available on the Islands. Laws - Ask the locals if there are applicable laws that govern international tourists. For American citizens, the same laws apply, since the Virgin Islands is a territory of the USA. Transportation - Islanders drive vehicles on the left side of the road. If you do not have access to a private car, there are Jeep rental companies available to contact or even discount luxury car rentals that can take you anywhere you please. Miscellaneous Information About the Author: Charlie D. Angeles is a web copywriter for a web design company that builds websites and increases web visibility through optimization and promotion. Article Source: Adult Escapes - http://www.AdultEscapes.com More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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