Sightseeing

[Love De Islands]

I'm new to the forum, so I've probably overlooked this info, but can anyone recommend the best way for my dtr and I to tour the island and be able to go to some of the local restaurants a couple of times during the week we're there. Do I hire a taxi service?

[SOonthebeach]

We always rent a car- best way, IMHO, to get all over and be able to stop when and where you want. Parking in town can sometimes be a hassle, but we have never had too much of a problem. It only took a little while on the first trip to get used to some of the switchbacks and hills. Now I feel really comfortable driving the island. Have fun!

[Boston Mike]

First of all, welcome to the forum Love De Islands.

Renting a jeep is the best way to go. No depending on others to get you around and you come and go as you please. When you first hit the road on St. John it may seem a little hairy, but you get use to it. As a matter of fact, I actually find driving on the left side of the road easier. Just don’t attempt the texting while driving

[Love De Islands]

First of all, welcome to the forum Love De Islands.

Renting a jeep is the best way to go. No depending on others to get you around and you come and go as you please. When you first hit the road on St. John it may seem a little hairy, but you get use to it. As a matter of fact, I actually find driving on the left side of the road easier. Just don’t attempt the texting while driving

Thanks, Bos.Mike, I'm glad to be here! I would consider renting a car, but I just can't seem to get past my fear of driving on the left, etc...I feel like I would get into an accident....

[khud]

Hubby seemed to have no problem with driving on the left. This year I had noticed that there are white arrows painted on the roads to help you remember plus there are signs on the windshield of the rental cars and lots of 'keep left' signs on the roads, if you want to give it a try. I completely understand a healthy fear of new situations though so taxis are certainly an option, though they don't go everywhere and you might want to check out the Vitran buses.

[Gromit]

you can easily hire a taxi to give you a tour.

honestly, driving on the laft is no big deal. you get used to it really quickly.

renting a jeep is the best way to explore.

[BillVT]

Renting a vehicle is the best way to see the Island and to visit the many beaches, sights and restaurnats available on your time schedule.

Most people catch on to driving on the left pretty quickly. It is obvious but remember that everyone else will be driving on the left also, so go with the flow. Another thing that helps is maximum speed on the Island is 20 mph or 30(?) and if you are driving 30mph, you are driving very fast. So at 20mph you have more time to correct yourself than at 60 on the mainland. If a local pulls up on you do not hesitate to look for a pull off, signal and let them by.

You'll do fine.

[lazylane]

Go for the Jeep rental and explore, explore, explore! You won't regret it! The convenience of being able to come and go as you please is wonderful!! We drive on the left at home every chance we get, just because!!! (of course we live in a very rural area with roads not too different than St. John)

[wontongirl]

I was scared to try it too but I can't imagine visiting STJ with having a 4wheel drive to drive over to Coral bay and visit a lot of the beaches. I couldn't wrap my head around it before my first visit but once there you realize that driving is at a whole diff pace than here. People aren't rushing everywhere like in the US. In fact it's just the opposite. They stop in the road to chat and pull off for you if you are trying to hurry. Just take. It slow and easy and don't get out if it's really raining hard. In our car the passenger tends to yell out LEFT a lot the first few days just to help. You will do great!

[Love De Islands]

Thanks everyone!

[Boston Mike]

honestly, driving on the laft is no big deal. you get used to it really quickly.

Drink Laft, Drive Right.

[Gromit]

Sorry -- typo on the iPhone.

Easy to do!! Big fingers, little screen