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How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
First trip to St John has been booked -- all good on plane ticket, villa reservation, and jeep reservation, thanks to lurking on this forum. We'll be going in May for 7 days, and looking forward to lots of snorkeling and hiking.
Now I'm starting to sweat the little details. For one thing, the villa rep says she will meet us the at the ferry dock on STJ, but wants us to call or text to let her know which one we will be on. Our flight is scheduled to land at 11:55AM, so I think 1PM may be aggressive. Our cell carrier is T-mobile, and customer service rep confirmed there will be heavy roaming charges for both voice and data. Is it possible to use a pay phone at the Red Hook ferry terminal? Are there still such things in this day and age? How do people usually handle this?
I'm also unsure where to leave things when going snorkeling. Is it fine to leave it on the beach? Or in the jeep? or don't bring it at all?
The only additional reservation I plan to make is for the Reef Bay Trail hike with NPS. But what about boat ride to BVI? Will it be too much for a first trip?
I'm sure once we are there (6 more weeks to go!), everything will seem nice and relaxing. But for now, any advice you offer would be much appreciated!
Now I'm starting to sweat the little details. For one thing, the villa rep says she will meet us the at the ferry dock on STJ, but wants us to call or text to let her know which one we will be on. Our flight is scheduled to land at 11:55AM, so I think 1PM may be aggressive. Our cell carrier is T-mobile, and customer service rep confirmed there will be heavy roaming charges for both voice and data. Is it possible to use a pay phone at the Red Hook ferry terminal? Are there still such things in this day and age? How do people usually handle this?
I'm also unsure where to leave things when going snorkeling. Is it fine to leave it on the beach? Or in the jeep? or don't bring it at all?
The only additional reservation I plan to make is for the Reef Bay Trail hike with NPS. But what about boat ride to BVI? Will it be too much for a first trip?
I'm sure once we are there (6 more weeks to go!), everything will seem nice and relaxing. But for now, any advice you offer would be much appreciated!
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
So excited for you.
Phone- many people buy an AT&T go phone for the trip. That way you have a way to call all week that won't break the bank.
The boat trip is wonderful and as relaxing as you want it to be. We did one with a top at the baths, a snorkel stop, lunch at Marina Cay and Jost... Loved it. Could skip the baths next time but otherwise a chill day when someone else does the driving.
Phone- many people buy an AT&T go phone for the trip. That way you have a way to call all week that won't break the bank.
The boat trip is wonderful and as relaxing as you want it to be. We did one with a top at the baths, a snorkel stop, lunch at Marina Cay and Jost... Loved it. Could skip the baths next time but otherwise a chill day when someone else does the driving.
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
Hi jjc, welcome to the forum!
Looks like you'll be on island the same time as me and these last six weeks will go so slow.
But Painkillers and beaches await us!
Usually forumites will meet up on the beach in front of The Beach Bar around 6:00 on Sat. or Sun.,so if you can make it let me know which day is best and I'll look for you there.
You're going to have so much fun whether you're busy all day or just lounging around. Enjoy!
Looks like you'll be on island the same time as me and these last six weeks will go so slow.
But Painkillers and beaches await us!
Usually forumites will meet up on the beach in front of The Beach Bar around 6:00 on Sat. or Sun.,so if you can make it let me know which day is best and I'll look for you there.You're going to have so much fun whether you're busy all day or just lounging around. Enjoy!
Friends, they go away then they re-appear...I believe there is Magic here.
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
Hi jjc, I'm excited for you too. We went for the first time in January and STJ is everything you hope it will be! We're already making plans for next year.
Cocosmom is right, if you plan on making a lot of calls you could get a go phone. We just ate the call charge (1.99 a minute for Verizon) to our villa rep. While we were on the ferry. Then we used texting and our villa had wifi so we were able to check e-mail at the villa. If we had to call home, we used the villa landline and a phone card for long distance and we made a few local calls on the landline too. So we did not get a go phone.
I think you'll be fine for catching the 1:00 ferry, I worried about that too, because we got in later than you and wanted to get to our villa before dark. You'll be good even if you have to wait for the 2:00, you can have a drink at red hook and start enjoying island time, but you'll still get to your villa before dark. FYI we did hire a private taxi on the way to red hook, due to the time crunch. It was Wheatley taxi,it cost 90.00, no extra for bags, and there were 5 of us so it wasn't that much more for private vs public taxi. If you want more info on Wheatley please pm me.
For snorkeling, we bought a waterproof aqua pak that we wore around our neck. When it was just my husband and me we put a credit card, some money, and the jeep key in the aqua pak and it worked like a charm. We didn't bring anything else with us. But when the whole family went to the beaches, we brought coolers with lunch, water, etc...and there was always someone with our stuff while others snorkeled. We never left anything in the jeep and were told to leave it unlocked.
We went on the reef bay hike, it was fun, we're glad we did it. We also went back and forth about whether to do a day trip or not to another island. We didn't and we also didn't have time (7 nights) to go to all the beaches on STJ. We decided we'd charter a boat the next time we go. You never know what the weather will like and it was a bit choppy and rained daily while we were there. I look fwd to going to jost and the Indians on a future charter. But you sound excited about seeing the baths so go for it! Whatever you do you'll be in paradise so you can't go wrong!
Enjoy dreaming of your upcoming vacation....
Cocosmom is right, if you plan on making a lot of calls you could get a go phone. We just ate the call charge (1.99 a minute for Verizon) to our villa rep. While we were on the ferry. Then we used texting and our villa had wifi so we were able to check e-mail at the villa. If we had to call home, we used the villa landline and a phone card for long distance and we made a few local calls on the landline too. So we did not get a go phone.
I think you'll be fine for catching the 1:00 ferry, I worried about that too, because we got in later than you and wanted to get to our villa before dark. You'll be good even if you have to wait for the 2:00, you can have a drink at red hook and start enjoying island time, but you'll still get to your villa before dark. FYI we did hire a private taxi on the way to red hook, due to the time crunch. It was Wheatley taxi,it cost 90.00, no extra for bags, and there were 5 of us so it wasn't that much more for private vs public taxi. If you want more info on Wheatley please pm me.
For snorkeling, we bought a waterproof aqua pak that we wore around our neck. When it was just my husband and me we put a credit card, some money, and the jeep key in the aqua pak and it worked like a charm. We didn't bring anything else with us. But when the whole family went to the beaches, we brought coolers with lunch, water, etc...and there was always someone with our stuff while others snorkeled. We never left anything in the jeep and were told to leave it unlocked.
We went on the reef bay hike, it was fun, we're glad we did it. We also went back and forth about whether to do a day trip or not to another island. We didn't and we also didn't have time (7 nights) to go to all the beaches on STJ. We decided we'd charter a boat the next time we go. You never know what the weather will like and it was a bit choppy and rained daily while we were there. I look fwd to going to jost and the Indians on a future charter. But you sound excited about seeing the baths so go for it! Whatever you do you'll be in paradise so you can't go wrong!
Enjoy dreaming of your upcoming vacation....
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mindehankins
- Posts: 3014
- Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:21 am
- Location: Western NY State
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
I'm pretty sure there are pay phones on the wall opposite the baggage claim. If they're not working, you'd need to use your cell. Maybe a new "airplane friend" would let you use theirs.
Be sure to make your reef bay hike reservations in advance - weeks in advance, not days.
A lot of us just love to talk about St. John Don't hesitate to ask questions. Happy planning, and welcome!
Be sure to make your reef bay hike reservations in advance - weeks in advance, not days.
A lot of us just love to talk about St. John
Don't hesitate to ask questions. Happy planning, and welcome!Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
We always leave our stuff on the beach when snorkeling. Make sure you ask flight attendant for an empty water bottle, they are good to make coladas for the beach.
As for a trip to the BVI's, check out New Horizons II, they go to the Baths, snorkel stop, lunch on Marina Cay and Jost Van Dyke. It is a great day trip and worth every penny. There are others that are good but I love Jost. We have done a lot of trips to the BVI's over the years. We usually go 3 times during our stay on St. John for a week.
As for a trip to the BVI's, check out New Horizons II, they go to the Baths, snorkel stop, lunch on Marina Cay and Jost Van Dyke. It is a great day trip and worth every penny. There are others that are good but I love Jost. We have done a lot of trips to the BVI's over the years. We usually go 3 times during our stay on St. John for a week.
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
Here is my fav tip(s);
Pack half as much and bring twice the amount of money.( 1 Carryon and backpack per person)
We use a Magic Jack and call back to the states for free from the Villa all week long.
Dinghy Days are fun
Skip the BVI for your 1st trip. After 20+ visits we still have beaches, vistas and resturants that have not been explored yet on STJ.
Relax and relish in the pace of 'Island Time'
Pack half as much and bring twice the amount of money.( 1 Carryon and backpack per person)
We use a Magic Jack and call back to the states for free from the Villa all week long.
Dinghy Days are fun
Skip the BVI for your 1st trip. After 20+ visits we still have beaches, vistas and resturants that have not been explored yet on STJ.
Relax and relish in the pace of 'Island Time'
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
We are going in May also. Maybe we will run into each other.
I invested in a waterproof wallet about 5 years ago. Each morning, I put a couple of large bills, drivers license, and credit card in the wallet. I only wear swim shorts with a zippered pocket so I can take the wallet with me in the water. I also put the car key in the wallet when swimming. Everything else we bring to the beach is replaceable so I don't worry about leaving things on the beach. We NEVER leave anything in the Jeep. Although it happens rarely, there have been reports of people having things stolen from vehicles - especially at some of the less busy beaches.
If you don't have AT&T service, the AT&T Go-Phone might be your best bet. You can get a cheap smartphone go phone from Amazon for $30 or so.
A trip to Jost is a nice addition, but definitely not necessary. There is plenty to do on the island - especially on your first trip. I have been multiple times and I still have not snorkeled and/or hiked all the places I want to. That being said, we will be there from May 10-26 and wouldn't mind sharing a charter with another forum couple or two - PM me if interested.
If you are going to be hiking, you should try to get St. John Feet, Fins and Four Wheel Drive by Pam Gaffin and/or St. John: Off the Beaten Track by Gerald Singer...both are great books. In my opinion, the best place to get them is from St. John Spice on St. John (they do mail order if you call them). They always have the newest editions of the books. There is also a great website for hiking info: http://seestjohn.com/
I have to be honest with you - the only negative of the trip each year (for me) is the taxi ride from the airport to Red Hook. Unfortunately, we always seem to get put in the taxi van that takes the long route around St. Thomas so the driver can drop off their friends, etc... It annoys the heck out of me - Last year, I asked when I got in the taxi if we were going directly to Red Hook and was chastised by the driver for the rest of the trip across the island. This year we are using a private taxi service! I am not suggesting you should get a private taxi service, just know that you need to have patience - and remember, if you miss the ferry, there is a bar in the ferry terminal...
Our first trip (and every trip since) was great-I was like a kid in a candy store for the first time during that first trip. It is an amazing place. Have fun.
-John
I invested in a waterproof wallet about 5 years ago. Each morning, I put a couple of large bills, drivers license, and credit card in the wallet. I only wear swim shorts with a zippered pocket so I can take the wallet with me in the water. I also put the car key in the wallet when swimming. Everything else we bring to the beach is replaceable so I don't worry about leaving things on the beach. We NEVER leave anything in the Jeep. Although it happens rarely, there have been reports of people having things stolen from vehicles - especially at some of the less busy beaches.
If you don't have AT&T service, the AT&T Go-Phone might be your best bet. You can get a cheap smartphone go phone from Amazon for $30 or so.
A trip to Jost is a nice addition, but definitely not necessary. There is plenty to do on the island - especially on your first trip. I have been multiple times and I still have not snorkeled and/or hiked all the places I want to. That being said, we will be there from May 10-26 and wouldn't mind sharing a charter with another forum couple or two - PM me if interested.
If you are going to be hiking, you should try to get St. John Feet, Fins and Four Wheel Drive by Pam Gaffin and/or St. John: Off the Beaten Track by Gerald Singer...both are great books. In my opinion, the best place to get them is from St. John Spice on St. John (they do mail order if you call them). They always have the newest editions of the books. There is also a great website for hiking info: http://seestjohn.com/
I have to be honest with you - the only negative of the trip each year (for me) is the taxi ride from the airport to Red Hook. Unfortunately, we always seem to get put in the taxi van that takes the long route around St. Thomas so the driver can drop off their friends, etc... It annoys the heck out of me - Last year, I asked when I got in the taxi if we were going directly to Red Hook and was chastised by the driver for the rest of the trip across the island. This year we are using a private taxi service! I am not suggesting you should get a private taxi service, just know that you need to have patience - and remember, if you miss the ferry, there is a bar in the ferry terminal...
Our first trip (and every trip since) was great-I was like a kid in a candy store for the first time during that first trip. It is an amazing place. Have fun.
-John
Leap, and the net will appear.
- John Burroughs
- John Burroughs
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toes in the sand
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:21 pm
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
"Our flight is scheduled to land at 11:55AM, Is it possible to use a pay phone at the Red Hook ferry terminal? Are there still such things in this day and age? How do people usually handle this?"
Let the villa rep know your phone situation, provide your flight # and arrival time. Tell them that if at all possible you will call from a Red Hook pay phone but that you expect to be on the 1pm from RH. (have you considered the 1:00 from Charlotte Amalie? It is a very short taxi ride from the airport). He or she should be able to check your flight status and know if it is delayed. They have run into this before and know how to handle it. Worst case scenario is that either you or they have to sit for an hour at the Beach Bar or High Tide.
"I'm also unsure where to leave things when going snorkeling. Is it fine to leave it on the beach? Or in the jeep? or don't bring it at all?"
Don't bring what you do not need. We bring one CC, Drivers License, less than $50 cash and a camera. All else we leave locked in the villa safe. We bring a ziploc and keep it all on the beach while we snorkel. You can figure out a place to keep it out of sight and in a place that you will not leave it behind and will not be snatched if someone grabs your beach bag. DO NOT leave items in the car. Rental car keys may be of the type that have a chip in them and may be destroyed if wet. They can be expensive to replace. Before our trip I make copies of my CC's, licenses, passports and keep them in the safe in case of theft or loss I have all the info I need to cancel m CC's or whatnot.
"The only additional reservation I plan to make is for the Reef Bay Trail hike with NPS. But what about boat ride to BVI? Will it be too much for a first trip?"
My personal opinion on this is that there is more than enought to do on StJ. If I ever get to the end of my StJ list of to-do's I will simply relax on the beach.
Let the villa rep know your phone situation, provide your flight # and arrival time. Tell them that if at all possible you will call from a Red Hook pay phone but that you expect to be on the 1pm from RH. (have you considered the 1:00 from Charlotte Amalie? It is a very short taxi ride from the airport). He or she should be able to check your flight status and know if it is delayed. They have run into this before and know how to handle it. Worst case scenario is that either you or they have to sit for an hour at the Beach Bar or High Tide.
"I'm also unsure where to leave things when going snorkeling. Is it fine to leave it on the beach? Or in the jeep? or don't bring it at all?"
Don't bring what you do not need. We bring one CC, Drivers License, less than $50 cash and a camera. All else we leave locked in the villa safe. We bring a ziploc and keep it all on the beach while we snorkel. You can figure out a place to keep it out of sight and in a place that you will not leave it behind and will not be snatched if someone grabs your beach bag. DO NOT leave items in the car. Rental car keys may be of the type that have a chip in them and may be destroyed if wet. They can be expensive to replace. Before our trip I make copies of my CC's, licenses, passports and keep them in the safe in case of theft or loss I have all the info I need to cancel m CC's or whatnot.
"The only additional reservation I plan to make is for the Reef Bay Trail hike with NPS. But what about boat ride to BVI? Will it be too much for a first trip?"
My personal opinion on this is that there is more than enought to do on StJ. If I ever get to the end of my StJ list of to-do's I will simply relax on the beach.
"got a drink in my hand and my toes in the sand"
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
Most villa reps want you to call them when you get to the ferry so they know you will not be stuck in traffic and will actually be on the ferry. I finally had enough and this trip when I called when we got in the cab and then she wanted me to call again from the ferry. I politely said " no, I am not going to call you again, I will be on the 1 o'clock, thank you. I willcallyou if we miss it".
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happycanesfan
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Sat Nov 27, 2010 1:50 pm
- Location: NC
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
Definitely a pay phone across from baggage claim. I use it every year...just have a quarter, and a great trip.
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
Thank you all for the great replies! Reef Bay Trail hike has been booked.
Nancie, we would love to meet up at the Beach Bar. Since we have no plans yet, either Sat or Sun or both are all best. Is there a forum secret hand shake? We'll be on the island from the 7th to 14th.
Looks like I have lots of homework with the books and website recommended by John. My plan is to look for copies in the library and then purchase when we arrive in St John.
Thanks for the information about pay phone at the baggage claim, and AT&T Go Phone. I feel too connected in real life, having to be constantly available on the blackberry. Turning the phone off, and having intermittent internet service in St John actually sounds like a pleasant change. We may skip the Go phone, use the pay phone, eat the roaming charges if need be, and email home whenever wifi is available.
There are just 2 of us on this trip, and I hope we don't have to take turns snorkeling. We will be shopping for water proof water wallet and bags.
Nancie, we would love to meet up at the Beach Bar. Since we have no plans yet, either Sat or Sun or both are all best. Is there a forum secret hand shake? We'll be on the island from the 7th to 14th.
Looks like I have lots of homework with the books and website recommended by John. My plan is to look for copies in the library and then purchase when we arrive in St John.
Thanks for the information about pay phone at the baggage claim, and AT&T Go Phone. I feel too connected in real life, having to be constantly available on the blackberry. Turning the phone off, and having intermittent internet service in St John actually sounds like a pleasant change. We may skip the Go phone, use the pay phone, eat the roaming charges if need be, and email home whenever wifi is available.
There are just 2 of us on this trip, and I hope we don't have to take turns snorkeling. We will be shopping for water proof water wallet and bags.
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
I got set of 3 aqua pacs of varying sizes on eBay a few years back. We used them for keys and wallet when we snorkeled and the larger one for our camera when we went to the baths. ( thank goodness since hubby slipped and went all the way under with it) They are great to have for a variety of occasions, not just STJ.
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Jeff&Cindy
- Posts: 101
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 8:00 am
- Location: Ithaca, New York
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
I agree with you about skipping the Go phone. On our first trip we bought one and loaded it with minutes. We barely used it. AT&T's pricing for re-activating the second year was as much as just throwing the old phone in the trash and starting over. So we skipped it. It depends upon your lifestyle and needs of course, but for us we got along just fine without being able to make cell phone calls. The villa had a phone for local calls, and WIFI so we could post beach pictures to drive the folks back home nuts.
Re: How do I call my villa rep? And other newbie questions
Hello --
Thanks for asking all these questions. I am also a former lurker and will be a newbie in May as well. Will be there May 3 - 12 celebrating my husband's birthday. Lots of good info on here. Can hardly wait.
We're up for meeting others as well -- so pass along the secret handshake and tell us when and where!
Thanks for asking all these questions. I am also a former lurker and will be a newbie in May as well. Will be there May 3 - 12 celebrating my husband's birthday. Lots of good info on here. Can hardly wait.
We're up for meeting others as well -- so pass along the secret handshake and tell us when and where!