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First timer to SJ
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 12:54 pm
by Claggs
Booked a house this morning. I can't wait to get out of the Massachusetts cold and into the warm island sun. We are arriving the last week of Feb.
Any tips for a first time visitor?
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 1:07 pm
by Marcia (Mrs. Pete)
You are going to love it.
Spend a few hours reading this board, doing searches and then, feel free to ask any specific questions you might have.
Welcome!
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 1:55 pm
by Ksea
Get the book FEET FINS AND 4 WHEEL DR, which is sold here. There may be a copy in your rental villa, but its fun to read ahead of time in case you would like to make an intinerary. Check this forum often for tons of useful info and ask about anything else! You will fall in love with STJ!
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:08 pm
by waterguy
Call and rent your jeep right away
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:15 pm
by jayseadee
take me with you
Don't try to cram too much into the week and don't overplan. Get on island time before you get on the plane.
Lots of good "best of" threads here. Read some of the Trip Reports (search for VickiH).
Relax and have fun,
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 4:18 pm
by lazylane
Another great guide is Gerald Singer's St. John Off the Beaten Path. For a great site with lots of videos and interviews visit
www.on-stjohn.com (a daily blog) and for tons of info visit
www.seestjohn.com . Relax, get on island time and enjoy!!! I'm jealous, we don't go back until December!!
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:24 pm
by b-as-u-r
Tom, OMG, thank you soooo much for the reminder. I still don't have a vehicle booked for my May trip yet. Thanks, Ali~
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:33 pm
by theoverman
you're not going to need half the stuff you pack.
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:20 pm
by waterguy
and twice the money
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 10:22 pm
by nothintolose
Take the first day to drive the majority of the island so you can see the lay of the land and stop for lunch at Island Blues or Skinny's.
nothintolose
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 10:46 pm
by chicagoans
Top 3 rules for your STJ trip:
1. Relax
2. Relax
3. Relax
You will love it! Have fun!
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 10:58 pm
by traveler22
As other have said
1. rent your Jeep NOW!
2. 1/2 the clothes and twice the money
3. ask,ask,ask,ask- there is alot of good info around here
4.relax and enjoy St.John when you get there, there's no other place like it.
Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 9:04 am
by Robin in NC
Visit the St. John Dining blog (
http://diningstjohn.blogspot.com/) for ideas about restaurant options. My first-timer's trip report is there as well, which you may find interesting.
Robin
Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 9:09 am
by liamsaunt
Welcome to the forum!
You might want to consider buying a fish card (you can get them from this site) to help you identify all of the cool things you are going to see while snorkeling (if you snorkel).
Wear lots of sunblock and reapply often. Nothing wrecks a trip faster than a bad sunburn.
Finally, don't forget the bugspray!
Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 9:22 am
by Claggs
liamsaunt, looks like Fenway Park in your picture. I will be ready for Opening Day when I get back from my trip.
Question: Anybody have T-Mobile cell service? I can't seem to get a clear answer if I will have coverage. I know I should leave it at home but I can't escape the real world entirely. I also use it to check sports scores. I have a feeling I will not be watching much Sports Center.