October?

Travel discussion for St. John
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soxfan22
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October?

Post by soxfan22 »

So I think I have talked my wife into a trip in 2009. Well, kind of. I was fortunate to win a sales trip for 2008 performance...The trip was supposed to send us to Punta Mita, Mexico. Our company has decided to cancel the trip, due to both the economy and safety concerns. Their intentions are good, electing to give winning families the liberty to do with the money what they wish. The nice thing is, they are giving us the value of that trip in cash. So, what better way to spend it than in STJ?

However - we cannot go until Ocober. My question is...How is the weather? We're thinking about Columbus Day time period. Obviously our concern is hurricane season...Other than running into one of those, how is the weather/water?

Thanks!
July 2003 - Honeymoon at The Westin
July 2004 - Glenmar, Gifft Hill
July 2005 - Arco Iris, Fish Bay
December 2007 - Dreamcatcher, GCB
July 2008 - Ellison Villa, VGE
Rbaron721
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Post by Rbaron721 »

October's not bad. I would purchase trip cancellation insurance. When we went in early October once, a tropical depression had just left the island and it left lots of sitting water which led to mosquitos. It didn't bother me. My wife and I still had a blast. Mosquitos cant getchya in the water!!!
Russ
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lprof
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Post by lprof »

Our first St John trip was in early October 2006. We live in north Florida which is usually beginning to cool in October. St John seemed hot and humid even by Florida standards...but...locals told us that it was unusually uncomfortable for the time of year, as the trade winds had not picked up. We have since gone in mid-November and been very comfortable...and happy. :D
Enjoy your visit whenever you go.
... no longer a stranger to paradise
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Nancy_B
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Post by Nancy_B »

We were there over Columbus Day in October 2005. We had rainy weather and a crazy rain/windstorm. Don't get me wrong - we had a great time. I would advise that if you go in October, go as late in the month as you can and also, be sure to get trip insurance.

Go for it and congrats on your sales award!
NancyB
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cool breeze
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Post by cool breeze »

We will be returning this year for our third October visit. We go the end of October so we can enjoy Halloween on the Island, it's a "hoot". Our experience with the weather has been spectacular. between 85 and 90 every day with a pop up shower at times they don't last more than 1/2 hour then the sun returns. As the other forum members suggest trip insurance recommended. Good luck in your planning and have a fantastic trip.

CB
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SusanNJ
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Post by SusanNJ »

Being that my anniversary is in October we always take our trips to St. John during this month. We have been to the Virgin Islands in October for 7 years straight. Last year was the first time we ran into a hurricane (aka Omar) however we would usually have great weather. October can be hot and you will get occasional showers but they normally don't last too long. Also the water is very warm during this month. We love going in October and are headed back this year.
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Roberto
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Post by Roberto »

We've gone in February, March ( just returned last night ), and October. I have to say that I enjoyed October's weather the best. The weather was nice and the water warm. It was late October as Cool Breeze suggested.

Another plus, St. John is significantly less crowded in October.
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soxfan22
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Post by soxfan22 »

Thanks for all of the responses! I think we're gonna just go for it and hope for the best! I'm happy to hear the water is warm in Oct (makes sense), because we went in Dec two years ago and actually found the water to be a little cool. Nice, but cool.

My other consideration is that we'll be going with my sister and her family, and they've never been. I've been trying to get them down for year, it has just never worked out. I'd hate to finally get them down only to be 'rained out'!

As for a villa, I've been looking at these:

Bay House
Coco Beach
Fun and Contentment

Any thoughts on those or suggestions for a 2 BR w/pool and ac?

Thanks!
July 2003 - Honeymoon at The Westin
July 2004 - Glenmar, Gifft Hill
July 2005 - Arco Iris, Fish Bay
December 2007 - Dreamcatcher, GCB
July 2008 - Ellison Villa, VGE
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cool breeze
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Post by cool breeze »

check out Waterfall through www.vivacations.com it is awesome.
CB
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soxfan22
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Post by soxfan22 »

cool breeze wrote:check out Waterfall through www.vivacations.com it is awesome.
CB
Wow! That place is sweet! Probably a little more than we wanted to spend, but very nice!
July 2003 - Honeymoon at The Westin
July 2004 - Glenmar, Gifft Hill
July 2005 - Arco Iris, Fish Bay
December 2007 - Dreamcatcher, GCB
July 2008 - Ellison Villa, VGE
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John LMBZ06
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Post by John LMBZ06 »

I was there last October and there are a lot of good points about October as you can see from the posts above. We got there two days after that hurricane came through. One point not mentioned is that it is low season. No lines or waits to eat at restaurants. In fact, some are closed. No crowds at the beaches. Easy to get a rental car and the prices for villas are lower. Kids are back in school. Water temp is perfect. The wind has started to pick up just a bit.
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Lulu76
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Post by Lulu76 »

We went Columbus Day 2007, and it was lovely. We had great weather. It rained when we got there Sunday night for a little bit, and then a little bit Thursday morning, but other than that, the weather was perfect.

Most days we were the only people on the beaches. The water was still and they tell me the snorkeling was great. When we went in November, the water was so rough that our two snorkelers only got out once, and it wasn't for long.

The only bad thing about October is lots of places tend to be closed. Several restaurants and even some shops close up for hurricane season. However, we got a discount on our rental car and we never waited in line for anything. Several boat captains were taking vacations themselves, as well, so we had to look a little harder to book a boat trip.

I love October. If it weren't for wanting to attempt 8 Tuff Miles in February, I would be going back in the fall.

I do get travel insurance. I think it's a must-have for "hurricane season."
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mahojim
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Post by mahojim »

Sox-
Was there in late October last year, it was deelish!
Lulu is right, though; some places tend to still be closed...
We stayed at Seabiscuit last April which shares a common driveway with Bayhouse. Great location, let me tell you. VERY close (@ 100 yards) to Aqua Bistro, Island Blues, Skinny's, etc...
Why not wait 'til the 2nd week in November? Our party will be there during the week of 11/07-11/14, and I think I still owe you a beer (or 10! 8) )
We're staying at Island Horizons again this fall, and if you can't change the dates offered from work, check it out. Great price, and totally groovy home. Did you read my TR from last year? It's basically in the same location as Bayhouse & Seabiscuit.
Good luck, and congrats on your upcoming free trip!
Smiles-
Jimmy
Last edited by mahojim on Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:10 am, edited 1 time in total.
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augie
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Post by augie »

October(ish) is our favorite time to visit. Last year we were only there for the last few hours of October, but the year before it was all in mid-October.

I think Jorge may have been less than thrilled with one of your villa choices - he might have renamed it "Pain and Resentment", but you'll need to check with him for details.
Come see us!
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mahojim
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Post by mahojim »

Oh yeah, forgot to mention...-
Augie blew me off when we were supposed to meet up at Skinny's last year... :evil:
Smiles-
MJ
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