Gromit's 20 "Insider" (not really) Tips for Newbie

[LMG]

Gromit- we traveled with the same person, I think. It was always "OMG, hot!" and "Geez, all this sand ON THE BEACH is just annoying." Wah.

Rick- In my defense, I had never met this person. I was lured under false pretenses that they were "cool."

Yep, that added another rule to my travel bible: Thou shalt not go to St. John with the unknown.

[Gromit]

I appreciate your perspective and certainly you have to do what you feel comfortable with.

I always advise people to take proper precautions no matter where they are.

However, after 13 years of travel (I've lost track of how many trips down but it averages once every 12-18 months) to the VI, including three trips scheduled or taken between Dec 2008 and Dec 2009, I have never encountered any serious crime even when wandering the streets of Cruz Bay or even Coral Bay late at night (although late out there is relative).

I take that back-- one of the mentally ill ladies in the park said something nasty to me once and spit at me but I think everyone who encounters her gets the same treatment .

Ultimately I think it's up to each person to take whatever precautions they see fit to keep themselves safe, but I stand behind my characterization of the crime situation on STJ.

Don't invite trouble and chances are it won't find you.

I do read the local papers regularly and stay abreast of the local crime. But in all my years of travel to STJ I have never had an issue and I have never personally felt unsafe. But that's just me.

[bevm]

Nice!

I made a little list like this for someone I traveled with last year. Said person did all of this well, but still did not "get it." Little did I know I should have started their list with "CHILL THE EFF OUT."

Ah, memories.

The first rule of St. John is NO WHINERS.

Oh, and Gromit, I've noticed in the last year that the rental car companies don't want you to drink your beer while you fill out the paper work for the vehicle rental. I got yelled at twice in the last 12 months for that.

Cheers, RickG

You didn't learn from the first time Rick??? Geez.

[bevm]

Just remember you're on vacation...Relax...Go with the flow and don't sweat the small stuff. All of that crap will be waiting for you when you get back home.

[Xislandgirl]

Gromit- we traveled with the same person, I think. It was always "OMG, hot!" and "Geez, all this sand ON THE BEACH is just annoying." Wah.

I think we all vacationed with the same people!

[brenda]

54b, I agree with what Bevm said about the little bar at the Red Hook Terminal. Unless you are doing carry on, by the time you get your bags and get to Red Hook, you are not going to have that much excess time. We love it now that they have the terminal there. Sure beats the old way.

Gromit, good tips and advice .