How much spending money do you plan for?

[HawkeyeChick]

Totally personal question, I know. Since more than a few posts have discussed "preferred positions," I figure it's ok to ask about this!

How much money do you plan to spend in a week on STJ? I'm not talking hotels/villas/flights etc. I mean day trips, meals, booze etc.

Please and thank you.

[flip-flop]

I always spend MORE than I plan but ... I'd say about $50-100 average a day PP depending on how large we are living. This includes groceries, souvenirs, eating out, daytrips, etc. NOT including jewelry purchases ... sorry Mr. Flip-Flop

When we got with grown-ups we tend to spend a bit more eating out at nicer places so are on the higher end of the range, when we travel with the short ones we tend to eat in more and eat out more casually so are on the lower end.

[pswlrw]

On a trip to STJ a few years back, my cousin needed some antacid one morning so she drove to the store to pick some up. When she came back, she was in total shock at the price. Our standard answer now when anyone asks "how much" on St. John is "Awll your money miss".

[flip-flop]

And sorry...that's $50-100 per adult. The kiddies are still cheap as they are both under 5. I bring as much as I can for them and the girl doesn't eat much.

I will reiterate ... if you want near mainland prices on groceries and the like go to Pine Peace. I was SHOCKED and converted on our last trip when we ran out of pullups! THE HORROR! I went there cause it was the closest to our houes. They were maybe $1 more than I pay at the local target.

[HawkeyeChick]

And sorry...that's $50-100 per adult. The kiddies are still cheap as they are both under 5. I bring as much as I can for them and the girl doesn't eat much.

I will reiterate ... if you want near mainland prices on groceries and the like go to Pine Peace. I was SHOCKED and converted on our last trip when we ran out of pullups! THE HORROR! I went there cause it was the closest to our houes. They were maybe $1 more than I pay at the local target.

I finally have my DH potty trained so that shouldn't be an issue, Flip.

[Ron_L]

We had $1000 in cash and we ended up spending about $800 of it. I used either credit card or check for the charters and the more expensive dinners. The cash went for taxis, ferries, some souvenirs, some tips and groceries and drinks at a few places. I should have kept track of what we used cash for because I don't remember spending that much. The small things add up!

[PA Girl]

I agree with Flip Flop. We spend that range for the adults. It goes quick when we stop in at the Beach Bar for a few drinks, then dinner, etc. We do tend to eat and drink how we want on vacation without cost, calories or comsumption being on top of our mind (within reason).

That being said, my mom and companion did it for much, much less cash as they tend to split plates at restaurants and never have more than one drink.

[waterguy]

I plan on 100 to 150 pre person per day In Jan I took 1500 for me and my son.

[mrsb]

We figure about $100/day for both of us not including dining out if we do.

Our week went like this:
1st day: Taxi was prepaid by credit card,Taxi Tip,Ferry for 2 plus luggage, tip for bag porter at airport and tip for bag porter at Red Hook. I'm sure this year drinks at ferry dock but last year we did not get in until midnight so really not a lot to spend .

Then: groceries CASH/CREDIT
Bottled water almost every day to take to the beach. CASH
Smoothies every day CASH
Happy Hour in Cruz Bay every day CASH
souveniers (credit)
Bought some clothing that was on sale (credit)
Bought a phone charger CASH
Did the Reef Bay Hike CASH
Fill gas tank 1.5X CASH
Massage: credit + cash tip
Dinners: credit
Lunch: cash
Last Day: all the tips and stuff again and some food at the airport.

Gets expensive!

[VaGirl]

So far I've been able to keep it between $100 and $120 a day....but like flip-flop says, that doesn't count the JEWELRY treat I always give myself

[liamsaunt]

I don't know. I try not to think about it. Thinking about the budget might spoil my island vibe.

[Bob & Anita]

We are at least at the $100 per person per day range (including our two teenage sons). This number would included expenditures on drinks, food at restaurants, drinks, t-shirts & other trinkets, drinks, food & stuff at grocery stores, drinks, barge fees, drinks, gas, drinks, boat rental and drinks.

[mrsb]

Ha ha must make sure that drinking budget is large

[RickG]

We do $100 per person PER WEEK for groceries and booze at the villa. Meals out and excursions are extra. We tend to eat out less when we are with a party group (we are all good cooks) and $800 for 8 people goes a long way. When it's just the two of us or we have the kids along we eat out more - about $1,000 for the week.

Cheers, RickG

[Gromit]

We plan on about $50 per person per day for food on average and allow about $50 a day per person for extra goodies on average.

If yuo plan on $100-$150 a day you should be able to live well on STJ.

Remember the booze is cheap, but the mixers are not!