Gromit's 20 "Insider" (not really) Tips for Newbie
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:24 pm
I was pulling together my tips list for my family members traveling with us in June. ONe is a Newbie and the other has only been once but we were with her all the way to STJ.
I figured there are folks out there who might find these helpful as well.
If not, that's OK too
Gromit's 20 "insider" (not really) tips for a smooth trip to STJ
1) When you arrive at the airport get your luggage (yes this will seem like it takes forever) and head outside. Tell a taxi captain (you’ll be able to tell who he his) where you want to go and how many people you have in your party. If you have a large quantity of bags tell him that too. He’ll tell you gruffly to wait and do just that. Don’t get pissy or impatient. They will get you taken care of as quickly as possible.
2) You need to have an idea of the ferry schedule and where you want to get the ferry (Charlotte Amalie or CA – pronounced Amalyuh, or Red Hook, RH) I personally like CA because it’s a shorter cab ride and a longer ferry ride. That’s just my preference. But if you’ve got folks who get seasick easily then take the cab to Red Hook. Although the roads are curvy enough that you may feel as if you’re on a boat!
a. In order to minimize wait time on STT you’ll need to take a quick look at the ferry schedule (above) and the time on your watch. If it’s close, ask the taxi captain if he thinks you can make it in time. To get to Red Hook from the Airport it takes about 30 minutes. To get to CA from the Airport takes about 5 minutes.
3) Don’t tell the taxi driver how to pack. They do this all the time and he/she will just get annoyed.
4) Try to have small bills to pay the taxi (plan on $15-$20 to CA –More if you’re going to Red Hook) and the ferry ($11.50 for each of you- $5.00 for Red Hook)) when you get there.
5) Let the ferry guys do their thing. I see so many people get stressed out about their bag system. But I have never known anyone to not get their bags. As always though I would keep money and jewelry with me at all times. Anything that doesn’t look like a suitcase can be carried on. If it looks like a suitcase you’ll have to pay extra for it to go on the ferry with the other luggage. That’s just the way it is.
6) When you get on the ferry you need to decide whether to sit on the top or bottom. Keep in mind it gets really hot up top and you can get sunburned if you aren’t careful.
7) Before your plane lands, take a moment to put on some SPF 15 or higher sunscreen. You may have to wait a while for the ferry and I guarantee that you will burn if you don't have any on.
Make sure that you each have a bottle of water with you when you arrive-- you'll probably need it. Just grab one at your layover airport and keep it with you.
9) Wear shorts and warm weather clothing-- I don't care what the temperature is at home-- don't wear long pants or jeans or you will be hot.
10) Have an umbrella or lightweight poncho just in case it rains. Usually rain showers are short lived, but you can get soaked if you aren't prepared.
11) Have a hat handy.
12) Don’t forget the bug spray!
13) Drive on the LEFT. Don’t get pissy when a local stops their car in front of you to have a conversation with a friend on the sidewalk. Go around if you can or be patient. Never honk your horn in anger on island. It isn’t done.
14) When on the hairpin/blind turns give a “beep, beep” before you head around. This warns someone else that you’re coming. Likewise listen out for someone else honking from the other direction.
15) Don’t touch the coral. Don’t stand on the coral. Don’t take coral souvenirs home. Be especially mindful of fire coral - Which can be painful.
16) NEVER, NEVER, NEVER leave unattended food on the beach while snorkeling. Your wallet is genrally safe – as there is almost no crime on STJ – but the Mongoosedem (STJ plural for Mongoose) will have a field day with your lunch while you are snorkeling and looking at fishies. It’s very entertaining for your beach mates to watch the Mongoosedem tag team and take turns digging in your bag, but a pain when you have to drive back into town for another sandwich. BTW the mongoosedem are responsible for the lack of snakes on STJ, so we like them!
17) DON’T LEAVE VALUABLES IN AN OPEN VEHICLE. This is inviting trouble. While crime is very low on island, youknowwhat still happens. Don’t invite trouble. Lock your stuff up or take it with you.
18) Don’t expect things to be what they are at home. STJ has its own pace. Be a lover, not a hater. Embrace the pace. Slow down. After all, you’re on vacation. Try to tip well. Just to make ends meet on island most folks have to work several jobs.
19) SUPER IMPORTANT TIP. When dealing with locals and local businesses ALWAYS look them in the eye, smile and say “good morning/day/evening” before getting down to business and asking for what you want, otherwise they WILL make you wait or won’t answer your questions. There, a smile and a courteous greeting goes a long way!
20) Get ready to have some fun!
I figured there are folks out there who might find these helpful as well.
If not, that's OK too
Gromit's 20 "insider" (not really) tips for a smooth trip to STJ
1) When you arrive at the airport get your luggage (yes this will seem like it takes forever) and head outside. Tell a taxi captain (you’ll be able to tell who he his) where you want to go and how many people you have in your party. If you have a large quantity of bags tell him that too. He’ll tell you gruffly to wait and do just that. Don’t get pissy or impatient. They will get you taken care of as quickly as possible.
2) You need to have an idea of the ferry schedule and where you want to get the ferry (Charlotte Amalie or CA – pronounced Amalyuh, or Red Hook, RH) I personally like CA because it’s a shorter cab ride and a longer ferry ride. That’s just my preference. But if you’ve got folks who get seasick easily then take the cab to Red Hook. Although the roads are curvy enough that you may feel as if you’re on a boat!
a. In order to minimize wait time on STT you’ll need to take a quick look at the ferry schedule (above) and the time on your watch. If it’s close, ask the taxi captain if he thinks you can make it in time. To get to Red Hook from the Airport it takes about 30 minutes. To get to CA from the Airport takes about 5 minutes.
3) Don’t tell the taxi driver how to pack. They do this all the time and he/she will just get annoyed.
4) Try to have small bills to pay the taxi (plan on $15-$20 to CA –More if you’re going to Red Hook) and the ferry ($11.50 for each of you- $5.00 for Red Hook)) when you get there.
5) Let the ferry guys do their thing. I see so many people get stressed out about their bag system. But I have never known anyone to not get their bags. As always though I would keep money and jewelry with me at all times. Anything that doesn’t look like a suitcase can be carried on. If it looks like a suitcase you’ll have to pay extra for it to go on the ferry with the other luggage. That’s just the way it is.
6) When you get on the ferry you need to decide whether to sit on the top or bottom. Keep in mind it gets really hot up top and you can get sunburned if you aren’t careful.
7) Before your plane lands, take a moment to put on some SPF 15 or higher sunscreen. You may have to wait a while for the ferry and I guarantee that you will burn if you don't have any on.
Make sure that you each have a bottle of water with you when you arrive-- you'll probably need it. Just grab one at your layover airport and keep it with you. 9) Wear shorts and warm weather clothing-- I don't care what the temperature is at home-- don't wear long pants or jeans or you will be hot.
10) Have an umbrella or lightweight poncho just in case it rains. Usually rain showers are short lived, but you can get soaked if you aren't prepared.
11) Have a hat handy.
12) Don’t forget the bug spray!
13) Drive on the LEFT. Don’t get pissy when a local stops their car in front of you to have a conversation with a friend on the sidewalk. Go around if you can or be patient. Never honk your horn in anger on island. It isn’t done.
14) When on the hairpin/blind turns give a “beep, beep” before you head around. This warns someone else that you’re coming. Likewise listen out for someone else honking from the other direction.
15) Don’t touch the coral. Don’t stand on the coral. Don’t take coral souvenirs home. Be especially mindful of fire coral - Which can be painful.
16) NEVER, NEVER, NEVER leave unattended food on the beach while snorkeling. Your wallet is genrally safe – as there is almost no crime on STJ – but the Mongoosedem (STJ plural for Mongoose) will have a field day with your lunch while you are snorkeling and looking at fishies. It’s very entertaining for your beach mates to watch the Mongoosedem tag team and take turns digging in your bag, but a pain when you have to drive back into town for another sandwich. BTW the mongoosedem are responsible for the lack of snakes on STJ, so we like them!
17) DON’T LEAVE VALUABLES IN AN OPEN VEHICLE. This is inviting trouble. While crime is very low on island, youknowwhat still happens. Don’t invite trouble. Lock your stuff up or take it with you.
18) Don’t expect things to be what they are at home. STJ has its own pace. Be a lover, not a hater. Embrace the pace. Slow down. After all, you’re on vacation. Try to tip well. Just to make ends meet on island most folks have to work several jobs.
19) SUPER IMPORTANT TIP. When dealing with locals and local businesses ALWAYS look them in the eye, smile and say “good morning/day/evening” before getting down to business and asking for what you want, otherwise they WILL make you wait or won’t answer your questions. There, a smile and a courteous greeting goes a long way!
20) Get ready to have some fun!
