USVI-On-Line

I know I have seen postings on this before but can't seem to find them! Remind me of some points to remember when traveling with a group (three couples):

1) Who gets the best bedroom?
2) How do you pay for groceries? One person pays and keeps receipts and then we divide it up at the end of the week?
3) What about when you eat out? Three separate checks or one check and then split it three ways no matter if one couple add/drank more than the others?
4) We will have two jeeps so I think that solves any problems with late sleepers, etc.

Thanks for any suggestions.

j.

There's a good thread here http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... php?t=3322 that addresses your questions.

Here's a repost of my comments:

Gee, we really need to write a FAQ.


6-8 is very doable, especially if they are 3-4 couples. We have 6 going in October - the 6 that really get STJ. We do a couple of things that work well:

- Don't invite anyone who is a whiner. Don't invite anyone that you would not spend a week with 1-on-1.

- I pick the villa and the week and people get to decide if they want to come. It's okay if no one wants to come.

- You get to pick your room in the order that you pay. I've already paid the deposit, so I go first. This deals with the equal rooms problem.

- One vehicle per 2 couples with at least one person from each couple on the contract for each car. Expect there to be an early group and a late group each morning. This is not a problem. I get my own vehicle. I'm in the early group and my lover is in the late group.

- Pick a beach each day that you will hit, 11AM is a good rendezvous time. The late group can usually make it and the early group will have done a hike and another beach already.

- Do happy hour at the villa. It's cheap and 6-8 people is a party. Bring Twister.

- Dinner out for 6-8 is a pain in the a$$. Cook at the villa and do some date nights. Meet for drinks before and after dinner. There's always room at the Beach Bar and the Quiet Mon for 6-8.

- Expect to spend a day without leaving the villa. Start the blender at 10AM, but put sunscreen on first.

- Put $100 per person in a food/drink kitty for villa provisions. If someone is concerned that they won't spend that much and want differential treatment, they don't get to come. $800 will cover food and booze at the villa for 8 adults for a week. Dinner for 8 at Zozo's is $680.

Lessons learned:
- If someone whines at home, they will whine more on STJ.
- If someone pitches in at home they will pitch in more on STJ.
- 10 people feels much bigger than 8 people.
- Don't be afraid to say "I'm heading out. I'll be back for sunset."
- Newbies will assume the villa is on the beach, even if you tell them otherwise and show them pictures. If they can't get over this, they stay at the Westin.

Past trip reports and newbie guides in the archive here and at http://www.garvin.us/STJ/St_John_US_Virgin_Islands.html. I do need to add my last two trip reports to the web site...

Have fun!

Cheers, RickG

Rick that is such great advice! I definitly want to cook at the villa more the next trip so Eliz you need to start deciding on recipes! You and Kenneth can split the cooking. Jerry and I will bartend!

1) Best bedroom issue -- flip for it. Better yet, try and find a place with equal size bedrooms so it's not a problem.

2) Groceries -- make sure people understand that groceries cost more than at home. Make sure everyone takes a turn shopping so they get this. Also make sure that you agree on what you are buying in advance. You may think you NEED that soy milk, but everyone else who doesn't drink it may not want to pay for it. So decide on a grocery list ahead of time. Also, have a system for folks who want to get something they want to pay for themselves and use themselves. Some people are picky and may not want certain things to be community property. If so, they pay for it and mark it accordingly. This too heads off problems.

3) With three couples it's much easier to just get separate checks ahead of time. Inevitably someone is a cheap tipper and leaves the others holding the bag. Just keep it separate from the get go and all wil be happier.

4) I HIGHLY recommend 1 jeep per couple. Yes it costs extra, but it avoids a LOT of problems. If you decide to share when you go into town, fine. But the flexibility to go wherever and whenever will provide a lot of flexibility and and TRUST me you will be much happier.

Also, lessons learned form my past-- tell people that it will be hot. For some reason newbies don't really get this until they are on island. Also, tell them to forget the glamorous and think natural beauty. Tell ladies to leave the fancy hats at home. Make sure you wear at least SPF 15 at all times and carry bug spray ALWAYS!

Two unwritten rules of the island:

1) Always say "hello and good day" before asking someone (local) for something be it directions or placing an order for lunch. No exceptions. I once saw a guy walk up to the car rental and just give his name and ask for his car. The woman asked him to step aside and to wait for a moment. She turned to me and I said "good day, how are you?" and I got my car first. After two more people followed suit he learned quickly. He said, "Good day" and finally got his car.

2) Don't wander around town in your bathing suit. This is just not done on STJ and locals see it as very disrespectful. Once you leave the beach put some clothes on.

Hope these help!

I still think Rick G's room order selection is genius. I am organizing and paying the money upfront so I get the first pick Then in order of payment. Certainly getting similar bedrooms really helps. Our house last year with 3 couples had very equal bedrooms.

Of course, circumstances should be taken into consideration. For example, the loft (where my kid would be) and one bedroom were in the main house, so we got that bedroom. Of course, someone else could have taken it and maybe they would have gotten her breakfast at 6 am!