Everything I needed to know about STJ I learned on the forum

[augie]

There seems to have been an influx of STJ newbies (the lifeblood of the forum and who's wonder and awe keeps all of us "young") on the board lately, so I thought it might be a good time to revisit an old and recurring theme: What is the best advice you have learned (about traveling to the VIs)from the folks on this forum?

For me, the things that have helped make our trips more enjoyable they were (in no particular order):

Avoid weekend arrival/departure days if possible.

Always greet folks on island with "Good morning, good day, good afternoon, good evening" before asking them for help.

Don't schedule every minute, or even every day. You will find something to do, and/or you will enjoy not having to do anything.

Realize that some of the folks that live on island are not on vacation and may be in a bigger hurry than you are and respect that (allow them to pass you on Centerline!)

Don't bring everything from home with you (still working on that one, but getting better at it!)

What are some of yours?

[Lulu76]

No computer. At all. Tell people St. John doesn't have Internet. Better yet, tell them it doesn't have electricity!

Along the same lines, who cares if you have cell phone service?!? (I take it for emergencies, but I'm not glued to it like I am at home.)

Sunscreen is your friend. Apply often. Bring the spray aloe anyway, and keep it in the cooler.

Never underestimate "villa gravity."

Don't make any more plans than necessary. For me, this means any boat trip with a schedule (sails, ferry to Jost, ferry home) and the forum Beach Bar Gathering.

Avoid Trunk Bay on cruise ship days, if possible.

Get out to Coral Bay and the East End.

Rum is cheaper than the mixers. Be careful with your drinks.

Don't fuss about car rentals with parking. Slimman is there for you if you need him, and sometimes the places that tout "in-town parking" aren't.

Take the CA ferry if you can. It's like a free boat tour of St. Thomas, and a great way to ease into island time.

Keep left.

Don't spend all your time at Woody's. Don't spend all your time in any one spot.

But don't rush anywhere, either.

[California Girl]

On departure, get a porter at the airport.

The weather report every day is 30% chance of showers. No worries, mon!

Bring half the clothes and twice the money!

[Pianogrl]

Rachel's taxi service on St Thomas....what an amazing lady & friend I got to meet.

The fun of "dinghy days".

Waterlemon Cay

Car rentals....Miss Lucy's Brunch....Sloop Jones & the East End...Vie's....

Well...actually all I know I learned from all you GREAT people!

[Pianogrl]

....and Ruth & Ron.....and ST JOHN SPICE!!!!!

[Pete (Mr. Marcia)]

All good suggestions. The only thing with which I would disagree is that we do like to rent our car from a place that has a parking lot that we can use when coming into town. That's one of the reasons we use Conrad Sutton.

We see no need to pay to park when Conrad lets us do it for free.

[bevm]

Remember to relax and go with flow... Get "on island time"...
And from Pia..that there's a fresh produce stand in Coral Bay! Thanks Pia!!

[rpplano]

I learned that STJ is a very special place that some very nice people share my love for. Now, if I could only visit more often... STJ, that is. I read the forum almost daily.

[chicagoans]

Get separate cars for each couple/family.

Don't touch the coral, feed the fish, or bother the sea turtles. (Actually I knew that already, but thought it bears repeating!)

Trust the forumites -- if you have a question, they can answer it.

[mindehankins]

What a neat thread! I finally had time to sit down with my husband last night, to tell him all that I've learned from this forum, and how the planning is going. He was really impressed, and we're both grateful for such a knowledgeable group that's so willing to share!
He decided we should take our trip to get my mind off of a very difficult few months; to give me something to look forward to, and a distraction. It's done just that. Thank you all!

[Barb Y]

Hope you have a wonderful time. STJ has a way of putting the stress and worries of real life to rest for a bit. I swear that as I step off the ferry I can physically feel tension leave my body. Hope it works for you.

[California Girl]

I swear that as I step off the ferry I can physically feel tension leave my body.

Barb, I get the same feeling when I get off the airplane!

[chrisn]

Two of my faves...

Get out on the water and contribute to the local economy.

[Teresa_Rae]

Get separate cars for each couple/family.

I know some people swear by this, but we've taken another couple twice and never needed a second vehicle.

The first time we took "others" it was another couple and a single guy. The other couple also rented a Jeep, which sat in the driveway the entire trip.

The second time we took another couple (not the same couple as before) we shared one Jeep without any issues.

It's a significant savings financially to share. I guess I kind of figure that if I can't bear to share a vehicle with another couple, then why would I be taking them on vacation in the first place? Now if it's a large group, obviously multiple vehicles would make sense.

[cptnkirk]

That it's ok to go commando and let the boys be free
Pine Peace I would have never found that place in a million years without someone on the board mentioning it.
Uncle Joes for great BBQ although my nose probably would have led me to that one.
You can drink and drive but wear your seat belt I'm not condoning this so keep the flamethrowers on low setting please, It just seems so natural to be on the left with a few in ya