usvi-on-line
Questions from a Newbie (incl. questions about NYC)
Questions from a Newbie (incl. questions about NYC)
My husband and me are first visitors in the Caribbean, and I have never been in USA at all.
But in July we are coming. We will stay on STT for 3 days, then go to STJ at carnival day, stay for 10 days and finally go to STX for 5 days. We are really looking forward to see the islands, and I have been reading in the USVI forums for several months, have had really good information and nearly feel, I "know" many of you.
So I will ask for advice here, even though most of my questions are about NYC. But one of the members in this board has told me, that some of you live in NYC, and you would not mind that I use the board for these questions.
We are flying Continental Airlines to Newark and have bought tickets so that we the same day should depart for San Juan. But now Continental has told us that some of the schedules are changed, and we need a stay over in NY.
But where to stay and what to do that is the question??
I would like to do a little shopping too example buy the bug repellent, I have seen mentioned here: Avon Skin So soft sun block and bug repellent (I will try different types of repellent), also I want to buy Neat Sheets both for gifts and for ourselves (we don't have them, where we live) and perhaps buy some pair of Crocs (I can see on internet that you have models, I cannot buy here, and they are much cheaper. I have to pay about 82 dollars for Caymans crocs).
But I would also like to see a few of the famous sights in NYC too example Times Square, Empire State building and Central Park
We are arriving 11.45AM the 29th of June and are leaving the next day 3.10 PM.
We discuss different options
1)stay on a hotel near the airport too example Marriott Courtyard, take the air train to NYC,do some shopping, perhaps take a short guided tour if possible or take a bus around, and then take the air train home at night. We will save some money because the hotels are cheaper near the airport, but how safely will it be to take the train very late - perhaps with a lot of packages??
2)take the air train and stay at a hotel on Manhattan, do some shopping etc. and take the air train back to the airport the next day. It will be more expensive, but then we can leave the packages in the hotel and go out in the night to experience "the spirit" of NYC. Will it be insecure just to go around late evening in NYC (my neighbour says that it is)?
Will there be time enough both to see some sights in the city and to do some shopping?
Will it be better to take a taxi from the airport instead of the air train and how much more
will it roughly cost?
3)to buy the bug repellent, neat sheets and crocs on STT instead, so that we do not use our time to shop in NYC. Or perhaps buy it on a place near the airport the day we are leaving for San Juan? Does anybody know if this will be possible?
Hope very much for some proposals.
Linne
But in July we are coming. We will stay on STT for 3 days, then go to STJ at carnival day, stay for 10 days and finally go to STX for 5 days. We are really looking forward to see the islands, and I have been reading in the USVI forums for several months, have had really good information and nearly feel, I "know" many of you.
So I will ask for advice here, even though most of my questions are about NYC. But one of the members in this board has told me, that some of you live in NYC, and you would not mind that I use the board for these questions.
We are flying Continental Airlines to Newark and have bought tickets so that we the same day should depart for San Juan. But now Continental has told us that some of the schedules are changed, and we need a stay over in NY.
But where to stay and what to do that is the question??
I would like to do a little shopping too example buy the bug repellent, I have seen mentioned here: Avon Skin So soft sun block and bug repellent (I will try different types of repellent), also I want to buy Neat Sheets both for gifts and for ourselves (we don't have them, where we live) and perhaps buy some pair of Crocs (I can see on internet that you have models, I cannot buy here, and they are much cheaper. I have to pay about 82 dollars for Caymans crocs).
But I would also like to see a few of the famous sights in NYC too example Times Square, Empire State building and Central Park
We are arriving 11.45AM the 29th of June and are leaving the next day 3.10 PM.
We discuss different options
1)stay on a hotel near the airport too example Marriott Courtyard, take the air train to NYC,do some shopping, perhaps take a short guided tour if possible or take a bus around, and then take the air train home at night. We will save some money because the hotels are cheaper near the airport, but how safely will it be to take the train very late - perhaps with a lot of packages??
2)take the air train and stay at a hotel on Manhattan, do some shopping etc. and take the air train back to the airport the next day. It will be more expensive, but then we can leave the packages in the hotel and go out in the night to experience "the spirit" of NYC. Will it be insecure just to go around late evening in NYC (my neighbour says that it is)?
Will there be time enough both to see some sights in the city and to do some shopping?
Will it be better to take a taxi from the airport instead of the air train and how much more
will it roughly cost?
3)to buy the bug repellent, neat sheets and crocs on STT instead, so that we do not use our time to shop in NYC. Or perhaps buy it on a place near the airport the day we are leaving for San Juan? Does anybody know if this will be possible?
Hope very much for some proposals.
Linne
Can't help you on the NYC stuff. But I would recommend purchasing bug repellent and other items before your get to the VI. It's just more expensive in the islands. Don't forget about the liquids rul for domestic travel. All carryon liquids must be 3 oz or less and fit in a quart size bag if you want to carry them on the plane. Not sure what the metric conversions are.
*Another fine scatterbrained production
Welcome
I’ve used these trains, but I’ve never really done this routing in this direction, so this is how I THINK your choices would play out. Maybe somebody who has actually done the overnight in Newark with a trip into the city thing will chime in on pros and cons and costs.
Your choices are humping your luggage from Newark airport into the city either by the train (less expensive) or taxi (more expensive) to stay right in the city, which could be a chore. Also taxi to midtown Manhattan would not be quick from the airport. While the airport hotels aren’t cheap, they are less than in the city.
If you stayed near the airport, you could drop your bags, take their courtesy van back to the airport, take the airtrain to Northeast corridor line of NJ Transit, where I think you can catch a NJ Transit train right into the NYC Penn Station under Madison Square Garden in NYC or go one stop up on the NJ Transit line to Penn Station in Newark and take the PATH train to 33rd and 6th. Or, take a cab from the airport hotel (ask them how much it would be) to Penn Station in Newark to take the PATH or NJ Transit into the city. From there, you can walk midtown to see Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller center, etc. up to Central Park etc. or subway to other parts of the city – depends how much walking you want to do.
As for buying island kind of stuff in the city, there is a Quicksilver surf shop in Times Square.
Midtown has become pretty tourist friendly in recent years, not too many worries regarding carrying shopping bags back on NJTransit or the PATH, although of course any normal big city awareness/precautions would apply. Now when in Newark, you really don’t want to leave the train station and really shouldn’t have to, except to step outside to get a cab back to your airport hotel, if that’s the way you going to do it.
Info on the airtrain here: http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet. ... nectionsTo
Hope this helps somewhat. Note that our public transportation systems are not as slick or easy to use as most European systems.
I’ve used these trains, but I’ve never really done this routing in this direction, so this is how I THINK your choices would play out. Maybe somebody who has actually done the overnight in Newark with a trip into the city thing will chime in on pros and cons and costs.
Your choices are humping your luggage from Newark airport into the city either by the train (less expensive) or taxi (more expensive) to stay right in the city, which could be a chore. Also taxi to midtown Manhattan would not be quick from the airport. While the airport hotels aren’t cheap, they are less than in the city.
If you stayed near the airport, you could drop your bags, take their courtesy van back to the airport, take the airtrain to Northeast corridor line of NJ Transit, where I think you can catch a NJ Transit train right into the NYC Penn Station under Madison Square Garden in NYC or go one stop up on the NJ Transit line to Penn Station in Newark and take the PATH train to 33rd and 6th. Or, take a cab from the airport hotel (ask them how much it would be) to Penn Station in Newark to take the PATH or NJ Transit into the city. From there, you can walk midtown to see Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller center, etc. up to Central Park etc. or subway to other parts of the city – depends how much walking you want to do.
As for buying island kind of stuff in the city, there is a Quicksilver surf shop in Times Square.
Midtown has become pretty tourist friendly in recent years, not too many worries regarding carrying shopping bags back on NJTransit or the PATH, although of course any normal big city awareness/precautions would apply. Now when in Newark, you really don’t want to leave the train station and really shouldn’t have to, except to step outside to get a cab back to your airport hotel, if that’s the way you going to do it.
Info on the airtrain here: http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet. ... nectionsTo
Hope this helps somewhat. Note that our public transportation systems are not as slick or easy to use as most European systems.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
jmq, you tackled a tough one.
Linne,
I do know that the sporting goods store Modell's sells Crocs. There are stores in Manhattan and there's also one close to EWR (Newark Airport) in the Jersey Gardens Mall (Elizabeth, NJ). Modells should also have some bug repellant. You can also buy a lot of NY Yankee (baseball) stuff there and other NY sports teams.
I don't think you can buy Avon's Skin So Soft in stores. I've seen some kiosks in the malls but they're not permanent stores.
Neatsheets are usually available at drug stores/pharmacies (CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens and Rite Aid) and some larger department stores. There are Rite Aids and CVS's in Manhattan.
I don't think you'd be able to hit that many NYC sites for such a short stay. I'd say to go to Times Square that night and have dinner around there.
Linne,
I do know that the sporting goods store Modell's sells Crocs. There are stores in Manhattan and there's also one close to EWR (Newark Airport) in the Jersey Gardens Mall (Elizabeth, NJ). Modells should also have some bug repellant. You can also buy a lot of NY Yankee (baseball) stuff there and other NY sports teams.
I don't think you can buy Avon's Skin So Soft in stores. I've seen some kiosks in the malls but they're not permanent stores.
Neatsheets are usually available at drug stores/pharmacies (CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens and Rite Aid) and some larger department stores. There are Rite Aids and CVS's in Manhattan.
I don't think you'd be able to hit that many NYC sites for such a short stay. I'd say to go to Times Square that night and have dinner around there.
Linne:
I really can't help you with the NY info but I can tell you that I was just in STJ 3 weeks ago and they have more Crocs than I have ever seen in the states (at least in PA). They're all over STJ and the price is no different than in the states. I seen most in Coral Bay at Jolly Dog (next to Shipwreck's).
XOXO
Bug
I really can't help you with the NY info but I can tell you that I was just in STJ 3 weeks ago and they have more Crocs than I have ever seen in the states (at least in PA). They're all over STJ and the price is no different than in the states. I seen most in Coral Bay at Jolly Dog (next to Shipwreck's).
XOXO
Bug
One hotel to consider might be the Sheraton Suites in Weehawken. You can taxi there or they might have a shuttle, not sure. Then I know they have a shuttle to the ferry which will take you right across the river and you have easy access via cab or bus to anywhere you'd like to go.
Also in Jersey City there's a Hyatt and Marriott Courtyard with easy access to PATH trains. I'm sure there are other hotels in Jersey City but those 2 come to mind.
here's the link for the sheraton
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/ ... rtyID=1177
Also in Jersey City there's a Hyatt and Marriott Courtyard with easy access to PATH trains. I'm sure there are other hotels in Jersey City but those 2 come to mind.
here's the link for the sheraton
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/ ... rtyID=1177
Hi Linne
Is it possible to check your luggage in at Newark airport for your flight to St Thomas or just have them transfer it from one flight to the other and then head to Manhattan? You could have clothes for 1 day in your carry on. Just a thought.
Regarding bug spray, New York City prices with tax will be as high or higher then St John prices. I buy my bug spray at St John Spice, they are right next to the ferry station in St John, Ruth has a huge assortment of sprays and patches.
Regarding Neat Sheets, I have seen them online to buy, perhaps you can have them shipped to you at home.
Maybe someone knows if anyone sells them in St John or St Thomas.
Personally I would stay in NYC for the night, you can tour in the morning too, if you stay in New Jersey you probably will not have time. Since this is your first time in the USA, you probably want to see as much as possible! Check hotel prices on Hotwire.com or Priceline.com I find good prices for hotels using these sites! We have always felt safe at night in NY, we usually taxi it back to the hotel if we are out late somewhere.
Crocs ... we saw lots of Crocs in St John and St Thomas.
The pharmacy at the Marketplace is excellent if you forget anything or just want to wait and buy your personal products down there.
Have a great trip! Please write a trip report for us!
Is it possible to check your luggage in at Newark airport for your flight to St Thomas or just have them transfer it from one flight to the other and then head to Manhattan? You could have clothes for 1 day in your carry on. Just a thought.
Regarding bug spray, New York City prices with tax will be as high or higher then St John prices. I buy my bug spray at St John Spice, they are right next to the ferry station in St John, Ruth has a huge assortment of sprays and patches.
Regarding Neat Sheets, I have seen them online to buy, perhaps you can have them shipped to you at home.
Maybe someone knows if anyone sells them in St John or St Thomas.
Personally I would stay in NYC for the night, you can tour in the morning too, if you stay in New Jersey you probably will not have time. Since this is your first time in the USA, you probably want to see as much as possible! Check hotel prices on Hotwire.com or Priceline.com I find good prices for hotels using these sites! We have always felt safe at night in NY, we usually taxi it back to the hotel if we are out late somewhere.
Crocs ... we saw lots of Crocs in St John and St Thomas.
The pharmacy at the Marketplace is excellent if you forget anything or just want to wait and buy your personal products down there.
Have a great trip! Please write a trip report for us!
Newark Airport
If you are going to stay in Newark, dont stay at the Courtyard, there is a Marriot right on the airport property which will make it easier for you to get in and out of the airport. If you intend to visit NYC and see the sights, from Newark Airport you can get to Jersey City where Liberty State Park is and visit the Statue of Liberty. Also should you decide to head into the city, you can always jump mass transit and get into Manhatten in under a half hour.
Hi Linne
I told you the people here are great. The times that I have been to New york we have got a pass for the double decker buses and for one price you can get on and off where ever you want and they have tour guides on them telling about the city. I think they are called grayline tours. Now all you own us is a trip report when you get back
Tom
I told you the people here are great. The times that I have been to New york we have got a pass for the double decker buses and for one price you can get on and off where ever you want and they have tour guides on them telling about the city. I think they are called grayline tours. Now all you own us is a trip report when you get back
Tom
By getting to Manhattan in early-mid afternoon, you can do at least one sightseeing trip and then a little shopping. Many shops are open until 8 p.m. or so. You can eat after that since restaurants are open until even later.
A good thing about Manhattan is that you could do some sightseeing while shopping. Just by walking around the city, you’ll most likely come to a spot where you can see the Empire State Building or Chrysler Building, etc.
Now, whether to stay in NJ or Manhattan, I’m not sure which is better for you. Staying in NJ definitely saves some $. If you stay in Manhattan, you will have a little more time to walk around the city the next day before heading back to EWR.
Personally, I wouldn’t want to drag the luggage to/from Manhattan unless I’m taking a taxi. We live in Manhattan and when we fly out of EWR, we usually take a taxi. Trains are faster & cheaper but it’s more hassle to get to the destination especially with the luggage. If you have only carry-on, it could be a different story though.
A good thing about Manhattan is that you could do some sightseeing while shopping. Just by walking around the city, you’ll most likely come to a spot where you can see the Empire State Building or Chrysler Building, etc.
Now, whether to stay in NJ or Manhattan, I’m not sure which is better for you. Staying in NJ definitely saves some $. If you stay in Manhattan, you will have a little more time to walk around the city the next day before heading back to EWR.
Personally, I wouldn’t want to drag the luggage to/from Manhattan unless I’m taking a taxi. We live in Manhattan and when we fly out of EWR, we usually take a taxi. Trains are faster & cheaper but it’s more hassle to get to the destination especially with the luggage. If you have only carry-on, it could be a different story though.
I agree with Betty and the others who suggested you stay in New York. You will have almost 24 hours there and you'll be a lot less tired after a long flight if you don't have to do so much transiting and toting of baggage and packages. If you stay anywhere in New Jersey, you may get a total of 12 hours in New York and spend twice as much time getting back and forth. Stay near Times Square, but eat dinner elsewhere.
Your neighbor is wrong about crime in New York City, it is now among the safest of all large cities in the world and probably has a lower crime rate than the New Jersey alternatives. New York is much safer than many much smaller cities in the US. There is crime in New York but most of it occurs nowhere near any place you should be.
It would be helpful if you could check the bulk of your baggage through to St. Thomas - talk to the airlines about this. With minimal luggage you have more transportation choices.
Don't waste too much time looking for neat sheets, I may get slammed for this, but I think they're very overrated. Same with saving two dollars for bug spray or sun protection. As for the Crocs? I don't know about the genuine articles but there are plenty of inexpensive substitutes everywhere - they are just molded plastic, right? How different could they be? Enjoy the trip!
Your neighbor is wrong about crime in New York City, it is now among the safest of all large cities in the world and probably has a lower crime rate than the New Jersey alternatives. New York is much safer than many much smaller cities in the US. There is crime in New York but most of it occurs nowhere near any place you should be.
It would be helpful if you could check the bulk of your baggage through to St. Thomas - talk to the airlines about this. With minimal luggage you have more transportation choices.
Don't waste too much time looking for neat sheets, I may get slammed for this, but I think they're very overrated. Same with saving two dollars for bug spray or sun protection. As for the Crocs? I don't know about the genuine articles but there are plenty of inexpensive substitutes everywhere - they are just molded plastic, right? How different could they be? Enjoy the trip!
I have one more thing to add....
I think it'd be better to stay in NJ near the airport. Upon landing, you have to go through US Customs, get your luggage and then get ground transportation. Plus, in the summer, NJ has a lot of thunderstorms so there's a slight chance your plane could arrive late. Add in jet lag coming from Europe. Nevertheless, you still should have time to take a quick trip in to Manhattan that night.
Also, don't forget that NYC is an afterthought (no offense to those who live in NYC - note that I work in NYC). I wouldn't try to cram too much in on your layover. You're making this trip to go to the USVI, and I wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardize the flight there.
I think it'd be better to stay in NJ near the airport. Upon landing, you have to go through US Customs, get your luggage and then get ground transportation. Plus, in the summer, NJ has a lot of thunderstorms so there's a slight chance your plane could arrive late. Add in jet lag coming from Europe. Nevertheless, you still should have time to take a quick trip in to Manhattan that night.
Also, don't forget that NYC is an afterthought (no offense to those who live in NYC - note that I work in NYC). I wouldn't try to cram too much in on your layover. You're making this trip to go to the USVI, and I wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardize the flight there.