Comments on: How to Save (and Not Save) Money in the Virgin Islands

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:03:22 +0000

Yes, taxis are not only an issue in terms of the cost, but some travelers have some bad experiences with the drivers themselves. Renting a car is a good option, as is arranging your own private airport transportation. Airport taxis charge per passenger and also charge fees for your luggage and make you wait and share your ride with other people. It’s better to book a private ride and avoid the hassles, if you don’t mind spending money rather than trying to hitch a ride. If you’re staying at properties like Sugar Bay, Windward Passage, or Mafolie Hotel, they have a way to book private airport transfers through their websites.

By: Gary Blauman

Gary Blauman — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 03:45:04 +0000

My wife and I are planning a trip to the Virgin Islands and we really liked your tips for how to get around. Sharing taxis seems like a really good way to get around an island, but I have also heard that there is a ferry that takes you around from island to island. Both of these things seem like they will be very fun and affordable way to travel. Thank you for sharing.

By: Madalyn

Madalyn — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 15:52:08 +0000

ALSO! Make your own drinks 😉 we have no sales tax here, so you can buy a bottle of Cruzan for $8 for less (or if your liver feels up to it you can buy Paradise Rum for $4!). The mixer is what is expensive (which is why bars give such a heavy pour)… But just buy canned juice (like Goya or Blue Bird) and there ya go! You and your friends can drink all day for less than $20!

By: Madalyn

Madalyn — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 15:49:32 +0000

I live in St. Thomas! Your tips are very true and realistic! Another tip is to take the safari. It has a set route that goes from town through country and out to the East End. It’s only a $1 to get anywhere within each limit, and it’s $2 to get from one end to the other. I take the safari everyday to and from work. It can’t take you everywhere, but it can at least get you closer and then you can hitch from there! 🙂 Happy traveling!

By: Jacqueline

Jacqueline — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 00:56:50 +0000

You can also get fresh, local produce at a couple farmers markets on Saturdays on St. Croix.

By: Britt

Britt — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 04:46:08 +0000

I think I’m going to have to lower this region on my bucketlist. I was hoping to maybe head there after I finish an exchange in the US, but I think the parts of Central America I won’t have visited by then might be a better alternative for my student budget.

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 02:59:03 +0000

I was just watching a documentary a few days ago about Necker Island, which is Richard Branson’s island (and home) in the Virgin Islands. It’s a luxury resort which only holds 32 people or so at a time. Yet about 100 people work there. The cheapest room is $29,000 for a week long stay! More than I make in a year…

By: Lauren Meshkin

Lauren Meshkin — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 02:11:52 +0000

“The cheapest meal I saw around the islands was a small sandwich that cost $8.” WOW. great tips though, I’m definitely bookmarking this. Thanks for sharing! Also, I’ve been loving your book 🙂

Happy travels!

By: Nathan

Nathan — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 22:08:42 +0000

Thanks for the tips Matt! I would definitely snorkel so I would probably just bring my own. I wonder if camping on the island would be an option. That always my fallback when the weather permits

By: Caitlin

Caitlin — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 21:19:50 +0000

I just went to USVI for Christmas! A tip our airbnb host mentioned and we used was to pack dry goods so you would only have to pay for meats and veggies on island. It saved us a lot by buying and packing things like coffee, bagels, and goldfish! And we flew JetBlue so our bags flew free. Win-win!

And yes GO TO HAPPY HOUR! The BEST way to save $$ on island!