Nice report! I have to agree, some of my family's best memories have been on our STJ vacations. Some people say it's not worth taking the kids, I think it makes for memories they (and I) will carry forever.

So sorry to hear about your Spirit horrors. I have thought about Spirit a few times and chicken out in favor of American (never had a problem with AA). Perhaps, Spirit is better used as a direct flight.

I almost rented it for my first trip, but the rep from PHPV told me the pool is icy, so we didn't rent.
Turns out our alternate choice also had an icy pool, so go figure. I think that's normal for that part of the island.

I got a great one on Ebay (New with Tags) for less than $15 and free shipping. I had to order a larger size than I usually wear. I got a small, and returned it for a large (I'm 5'3" 115 lb) which fit fine. Just be careful not to choose a bargain priced one without reading the fine print. The ra...

Is there another forumite who may be willing to share any experiences or advice here or privately on dealing with a parent with mental illness (bipolar disorder)? It is not a subject that is easy to talk about with friends or family members for fear that words will get back my father. As always, I t...

We found out about cockroach car infestations in Hawaii on our honeymoon. Unfortunately, part of the tropics. We bought traps and put it under the seats and it solved the problem. My friend who lives in Coral Bay says she has an infestation in her car because she lets her child eat in the car. The r...

I got one from the Customs Office by the ferry. They gave us one, but that was all we needed. They asked if it was for the same household, we said yes, he gave us one. If we said no, he probably would have given us another. They were very nice in there.

Before kids, we'd plan our trips in the fall (Nov or early Dec). It was usually getting cold in NY and we'd want to get away, but without the fear of snowstorms delaying flights and without paying high season rates. Since kids, we've been going in the spring to celebrate both their birthdays April/M...

The sad part is this is just one instance of getting caught. Think about all the other times he litters without giving it one second of consideration. Maybe such a fine will change his behavior (we can only hope).

If a 1 BR with pullout couch and next door studio would work for you, consider Sugar Bird Nest and Dreams together. It could offer each some privacy, and it would come in far under budget. They share an outside deck space so you would still feel like a group. It's especially good if you're an animal...

I did it for one day, and never got paid.
Walking around strange neighborhoods until 10 pm knocking on people's doors is not the safest of jobs.

I started retelling your tale to my husband, I got as far as "they put the car keys in a bag with granola bars at the beach" and he instantly said "Uh oh, what did the mongoose run off with the bag?" As you may be able to tell, we've also been robbed by the mongoose (though not c...

I have rented on STJ and STT with a few different companies (not to mention rentals within the US mainland). The service and vehicle we rented from Amalie were the best I've ever experienced. You won't be disappointed, Sherry.

I was walking in a parking lot the other day when I was overwhelmed by a smell. It smelled like Bay Rum and when I closed my eyes I could swear I was on St. John. But when I opened my eyes I was still in a parking lot. Since moving to Florida I have smelled many smells, heard sounds and seen sights ...

I would recommend bring masks and snorkels for the kids. This should occupy a lot of their time. My kids enjoyed the Cinnamon Bay ruins, Anaberg, Catherineburg ruins, and Peace Hill with the hike down to Denis Bay for a different beach experience. They always want to hunt for snails at any beach. Th...