Image courtesy of the Windward Passage Hotel. St. Thomas is a world-renowned vacation destination, but keep these travel tips in mind to keep your trip going smoothly.

With shimmering teal and sapphire waters, vibrant marine life, thrilling water sports, amazing shopping, flavorful cuisine, and so much more, St. Thomas can be the vacation of a lifetime. 

But having the right information before you leave can make your trip even smoother. 

Here are seven travel tips that can elevate your St. Thomas getaway from dazzling to spectacular. 

    1. Island Civility. Manners Matter. Relax, sit back, and remember to greet people when you start a transaction or ask a question. 
    2. Island Time. Remember that island time means things will run a little slower. Managing expectations creates a better experience for everyone. 
    3. Carry Cash. St. Thomas is part of the United States Virgin Islands, so they use American dollars, but cash can be important for a taxi, ferry, or a bite from a food truck. Sometimes the island has power or internet outages, so that credit card machines may be out of service. Many vendors also require cash. Bring cash for tipping, and bring smaller bills, as change may be unavailable and ferries may require exact change.
    4. Bring Your Real ID. U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you still need Real ID-compliant identification. If you bring your state ID, make sure it is Real ID-compliant. If you plan to island-hop, bring a passport so you can visit the nearby British Virgin Islands. 
    5. Driving on the Left. Drivers drive on the left side of the road. They get the majority of their vehicles from America, so their wheels tend to be on the left too, which can be strange for the average American driver. Click the link for tips on driving with more confidence in St. Thomas, and remember to be friendly when driving.
    6. Water. Water in St. Thomas often comes from rainwater collection and can be nonpotable or taste unpleasant. Drink bottled water. 
    7. Popular Activities May Be Crowded When Cruises are in Port. For example, the world-famous Magens Bay gets extremely busy on cruise days. For a more relaxing experience, make arrangements to visit one of the quieter beaches. St. Thomas has more than 40 shimmering beaches. Click the link to learn which beach is best for you. 

Your Home Away From Home on St. Thomas                                      

The Windward Passage offers the amenities and services you want to make your stay unforgettable and to feel at home on the island. 

We offer suites and rooms, including spacious standard rooms, oceanview suites, and plush accommodations. 

As a 50+-year-old establishment, we offer historic elegance, comfort, and stunning views to create a dreamy home away from home.  

Not only that, we offer amenities such as:

  • Renovated bayfront rooms
  • A full courtyard bar with covered outdoor seating and two large-screen TVs 
  • A heated, outdoor, freshwater swimming pool with plenty of lounge chairs 
  • A well-equipped boutique gym
  • We offer free, secure, and convenient self-parking for hotel guests

Count on us to make your stay easy and relaxing as you explore St. Thomas. 

Click on the link in the upper right corner of the page to book now or call 340-774-5200 for more information! 

We look forward to serving you!