USVI-On-Line

Hi everyone.

We have a STJ villa rented for this Friday - Thursday and tried to reschedule due to Gustav and the more recent Earl (This is our first trip to STJ). The villa's management did not give us many options, so our choice is to pack up and head down there Friday...or lose our money

So we made the decision to make the trip. We figured we could cut the trip short if Gustav looks eminent. My main concern is our chances of catching an earlier flight out of STT before Thursday. What do you think my chances are of being able to book a last minute flight once on the island? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

We are staying positive and very excited about our visit to STJ....and mentally pushing Gustav far away.

I am surprised that the manage,ent company would nto work with you, that seems silly given the forecast.

It is a crap shoot if you can get out early and it will all depend on the track of the next storm. I would keep an eye on the weather forecast and the airline on speed dial.
If worse comes to worse, I would recommend heading to STT and getting a hotel room.

Make the best of it and enjoy the quiet on island.

It's actually T/S Gaston, not Gustav.

http://www.stormpulse.com/tropical-storm-gaston-2010

Hopefully Gaston will be like Fiona- peeling off to the north and never really gaining much strength.

Relax and enjoy- just keep an eye on the forecast.

Sorry, yes TS Gaston. Not sure how the name Gustav got in my head.

If the villa co isn't willing to work with you and it's money you aren't willing to lose then you have your answer. Just roll the dice and go. But I would have a plan (read on).

I do think that this situation is a reminder to folks who choose to travel during Hurricane season (especially) to purchase TRIP INSURANCE to cover these kinds of situations. CSA has lots of great feedback on this forum and you don't have to worry about losing your money on your trip or having to rebook flights at a higher cost. Once a storm is named its too late to purchase BTW.

As to your original question, once a hurricane is imminent it can be extremely difficult to rebook flights and you should be prepared to stay on island and have the cash and funds to do so until things return to normal. SOmetimes this is fast, sometimes not so much.

Make sure you know and understand the villa co's policy regarding hurricanes -- in some cases they require you to LEAVE THE VILLA and go elsewhere. So you should have a plan B or ask them what they advise before you need that info. Have a plan in place.

Also have ready access to the phone numbers and web sites for your airline (and all airlnes serving STT airport) so the minute you know that you need to make a change you can try to access reservations immediately. Don't be searching for that information on the fly.

Also it would be helpful to know what the flight options are: flight numbers, times etc. so you aren't searching for this info and can just plug that info in on-line or ask the person on the other end of the phone for a specifc flight.

That's my best advice to you.

I will say however, if you don't feel safe going and aren't going to be able to relax -- the money issue is just not worth it. You can always make more money. BUt if you feel you are putting yourself in harms way it's not worth it IMHO. Chalk it up to lesson learned.

It's up to you but I'm sure some of the folks on this forum would like to know which villa co this is that wouldn't work with you to reschedule.

Sorry this is happening on your first trip!!

On a semi-related note...I'd bring close-toed shoes (something that makes me shiver) because you may find yourself waling among some "mess", a roll or 2 of duct tape and a bunch of zip-ties.

You never know when you may be asked to help out in a pinch and those 2 things can more or less solve any problem in the universe.

they've "plotted" Gaston out to Tuesday and it looks to be not quite in line with the USVI. I'd still keep an eye on him...

Keens are the best for closed toe shoes.

a couple of bungees and a machete wouldn't hurt either

truth be told hubby always packs these items- don't judge! (another reason we can't do carry on )

Thanks for the advice everyone. We did purchase trip insurance, but they have no reason to refund our money at this point...I checked with them and to get a refund, there must be a travel warning listed on the US government website OR the villa "uninhabitable". We rolled the dice on a Sept trip...still staying positive and am working on my backup plan now.

p.s. Looks like Gaston was just downgraded to a tropical depression again.

Thanks again!

So glad you purchased the TI!! Then just go and know that if something does happen you are covered.

But do make a plan!

Good luck and keep us posted!

Gromit wrote:Keens are the best for closed toe shoes.

a couple of bungees and a machete wouldn't hurt either

truth be told hubby always packs these items- don't judge! (another reason we can't do carry on )

I'd go beyond keens to sneakers...something a little meatier.

I've brought duct tape on vacation before. Came in handy when Delta ripped our duffel up. I patched it for the trip back and did a big "HA!" at my group...who had scorned me for over-packing.

Don't forget the waterproof flashlights!
We always bring a couple down with us.
Just saying...
Smiles-
MJ

Delta ripped my bag too! I didn't have duct tape and felt like I dork hauling around my raggy bag everywhere. Thanks Delta!

Anyway, my vote is to go. Try to relax. Have a great trip and try to give us a live update.

xoxo