USVI-On-Line

Dumb question. My wife and I made a trip to St. John in 2007, and have not been back since. We fell in love with the place and have been dreaming of coming back ever since. We finally booked a trip for next spring and are anxiously awaiting our return trip. I worry a little bit, though, about having having such fond memories of our first visit that we may be in for a letdown when we get back. In other words, that it will not be as great as we remember it. Is that crazy or what?

Joe

It hasn't changed much, except that the beaches seem busier, even in off season. But most beaches are still pretty empty before 10am, so there's an easy fix for that (get up earlier). The snorkeling is as good as ever. If anything, I think there are more turtles and rays everywhere. There's a little more going on in Coral Bay, but in a good way.

Actually, I guess your question wasn't about whether the island has changed but whether it was really as wonderful as you remember. I don't know what you are remembering exactly, but I'm guessing that you won't be disappointed.

Everybody's different, but I think you'll enjoy STJ just as much if not more so on trip two. It's just one of those places where you either "get it" or you don't. And if you do get it, you'll love it forever.

My wife and I always thought we were "one and done" vacationers. Of course, that was six trips to STJ ago. Now we can't imagine spending our limited time and vacation dollars anywhere else. We always get the most bang for our buck there if you know what I mean.

Every trip to STJ is great, but I do think the 2nd trip holds special significance because the learning curve is diminished the most between trips one and two and you will feel that much more empowered to seek out those STJ experiences that provide you with the most enjoyment...people beaches vs isolated beaches...eating out vs cooking in...villa selection...broadened exploration driving, hiking and snorkeling...BVI trips, etc. Where as an amusement park (or resort) may lose a bit of its luster once the novelty wears off, a National Park's main drawing cards endure.

BTW, I also think the way you do research using resources such as this forum improves mightily between trips one and two. You're much more precise in what you're looking for and what bits of info you extract because you know what's truly beneficial to your enjoyment.

Enjoy the anticipation. It will only serve to heighten the experience.

I don't know what your previous experience was, and I don't know exactly what excites you. But it sounds like you "get it."

I agree with others that the second trip will generally be better than the first. The reason is that the initial orientation process is over. You probably know how to get to Starfish and Maho Bay. You will probably be going to a mixture of old places and new places. You will now see things that you drove past the last time because you didn't know that it was something you wanted to see or do.

There are some changes. The traffic circle/rotary/round about has been completed in Cruz Bay. Some restaurants have closed and others have opened. The park in front of the ferry has been improved.

I think that you will also find that the sand is softer, the flowers are more fragrant, the rum is better, the restaurants have improved, and the weather is even more fabulous than you remember. It is that way for me.

Have a great trip!

JIM

If you loved it the first trip, you'll probably love it more the second. My favorite trip was this past trip in March. It was our 6th trip and I'm already booked for our 7th trip next April! It can't get here soon enough!

Last trip was our first time staying in Coral Bay and we loved it. That crazy Callabash Boom road! What an adventure! We got to try so many new restaurants and beaches and look forward to discovering more next year. Have a great time!

IA Joe wrote: I worry a little bit, though, about having having such fond memories of our first visit that we may be in for a letdown when we get back. In other words, that it will not be as great as we remember it. Is that crazy or what?
Joe

I had the same worry. My husband and I got out of debt in 2002 so we decided to take a real Honeymoon. I thought about St. John, which my family had visited when I was a kid. In 1972.

So yeah I worried a lot about about it not being as great as I remember, not to mention whether or not my husband would love it.

Long story short - it was terrific for both of us and we make it back at least once every other year. Our now 8 year old son loves it too.

-Sandy (Going back next year for my 50th birthday )

Unless you have changed a great deal since your last trip, this one should be even better. We have been traveling to the island for the last 16 years and do not tire of it. We are still finding new places to see and new things to do. It just seems to get better every year. If anything, it might be a little more crowded than you remember but as other posters have mentioned there ways to avoid that. Relax, have fun.

If you loved it enough to want to come back, then you shouldn't be disappointed. The island remains wonderful and breathtaking in so many ways.
But, I would be concerned that you will be disappointed with either your villa choice or your rental vehicle. There have been lots of stories coming out about poor service with vehicle rental agencies. And if you are lax about your villa selection, you may not get what you anticipated and feel disappointed. Do your research on those topics, and the rest should be smooth sailing as long as you have a positive attitude, a smile on your face, and remember to say "Good Morning/Good Afternoon/Good Evening".
And in case it matters to you, there are now rules about smoking on the NP beaches just so you are aware as it seems to have ruined some peoples' vacations.

"Letdown, going to a tropical island??"

Relax, I think you will still enjoy the island. Little has truly changed over the years. The thing that I think changed most, is me...few more pounds, little less hair...We did have one trip, few years back where we did a lot more "villa relaxing", only 1 beach day, just hung out at the villa more. We thought that maybe the allure had faded. Then the next trip we brought the first pair of adult kids down so they could experience the "rock" and it rained every day, visibility was less than zero, and again we questioned ourselves. Also, we regretted the previous trip that we just "layed" low. The next trip we brought the other set of adult kids and two grandkids, girls. We had perfect weather, the time of our life and I will never forget while holding one of their hands, the sound of my grand-daughter screaming "Octopus" through her snorkel (sounded more like omapuf ) our first Octopus sighting ever!! You just never know what you might get...So will you be letdown, I guess only if you want to be...

M

Joe Joe Joe,

Don't worry you will hate it even more the 2nd time around.

The 2nd trip firmly set's the hook and most other future yearly vacations will be held up to the STJ standard and will be hard pressed to surpass the experience that is St John.

Don't worry too much....don't plan too much and don't pack too much.

Enjoy!

Dave