Part of the Caribbean but belonging to the United States, the Virgin Islands offer tourists a tropical getaway without having to forego the luxuries of home. American travelers may enjoy cell phone reception, the same spoken language and the same currency while acquainting themselves with the gorgeous beaches and bays of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands are composed of main islands St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. The island of St. Thomas is perhaps the most popular and has attracted large crowds due to its eclectic offerings including luxurious accommodations, fine dining and a gorgeous uneven horizon known for its craggy exterior and magnificent white sand beaches.
St. John is also a popular tourist destination offering travelers secluded, insulated beach and bay reprieves which have made it a romantic and popular destination for honeymooners. Tourists may quickly and inexpensively travel via ferry in-between St. Thomas and St. John enabling them to fully experience both celebrated islands.
St. Croix is the southernmost counterpart of the island chain and is known for its historical relevance housing many of the Virgin Islands’ sugar cane plantations and rum distilleries. Travelers will enjoy perusing the island’s historic offerings.
When planning a trip to the Virgin Islands guests will want to add the following destinations to their ‘must-do’ list:
- Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay is highly regarded as one of the world’s most pristine beaches. Crystal clear, warm water, white sand, rippling tides and a sense of seclusion will transport travelers to another world complete with a 225-yard-long reef trail, great visibility for snorkeling and a vast network of hiking trails.
A quintessential Caribbean experience, end your time at St. John’s Trunk Bay with dinner at Miss Lucy’s, an iconic Caribbean kitchen known for its classic cuisine including jerk chicken and Pina Coladas.
- Magens Bay
Similar to Trunk Bay, Magens Bay is a highly popular tourist attraction known for its serene, turquoise water and unscathed mile-long stretch of beach. Located on the gorgeous island of St. Thomas, Magens Bay is an adventurer’s dream offering snorkeling and kayaking. Travelers will not want to leave this slice of paradise and they won’t have to; a concession stand sits on the beach serving classic entrees including burgers and pizza.
- Cinnamon Bay
Located on the island of St. John, Cinnamon Bay offers one the Virgin Islands’ most secluded beach experiences. A forested coast leads anticipatory travelers to walk among woods and trees before uncovering the glorious, breathtaking enclave of Cinnamon Bay; a serene stretch of beach that exudes peace and offers rest and restoration to weary travelers.
Visitors of Cinnamon Bay may wish to camp on the piece of paradise and may do so via the Cinnamon Bay Campground. Utilizing the campground as primary residence while visitng the Virgin Islands or in-between hotel stays is a budget conscious, adventurous alternative.
Travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands offers American travelers a taste of tropical paradise without the grueling task of traveling internationally. To learn more about travel to the Virgin Islands visit TripAdvisor or read the U.S. News article on travel tips.
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Were you in the US Virgin Islands? – I lived there for almost 2 years when I was escaping the Chicago winters and fell in love with the flowers.
My advice, go as a tourist but not to move there. We had 2 hurricanes in the first week I was on St Croix, with no contact with the mainland (or anywhere else ) for 6 weeks, and no regular power (read no refrigerators, cooking facilities, even water, since our water was collected on our roofs from the rain and stored in underground cisterns from which it was pumped up – if there was electricity to pump it. Power outages for 12 hours a day continued for 4 months !