Hannah & Cody
Island Tips
COVID Testing
https://www.usvitravelportal.com/
As of March 7th (after invites sent, sorry), proof of being fully vaccinated can take the place of a negative COVID test. Please make sure to upload your vaccination status to the travel portal linked above. If you are not fully vaccinated, you MUST submit a negative COVID test within 5 days prior to travel. See the Travel Portal link for guidelines and submission process.
Cash is king!
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Many taxis and other local businesses use cash only. There are ATMs available, but I would not count on relying on your card for the entire trip.
REEF SAFE Sunscreen
Avoid the "Toxic 3 Os":Oxybenzone Octocrylene and Octinoxate
As of 2019, the US Virgin Islands have banned certain chemicals in sunscreens due to the detrimental affects on the reefs. For this reason, seek out mineral sunscreens. This is for the respect of the island, ocean, and locals who live here. Not all sunscreens labelled as "reef friendly" fit this criteria, so please be cautious! Here's an article about the law: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/us-virgin-islands-bans-sunscreens-harming-coral-reefs-70158 Here's an article with some good reef safe options :) https://newsofstjohn.com/best-reef-safe-sunscreen-on-amazon/
Bugs!
Watch out for No See-Ums
From what I have red, "no see-ums" can either be a problem or non-existent after sunset. Products recommended include "Skin So Soft" or Deet -based bug repellants. They are very tiny sand fleas that thrive in the shade and once the sun is setting, so it's best to avoid the beaches dusk to dawn.
Keep It Conservative
Keep your suit for the beach!
In many of the travel pages, I have read about the island being fairly conservative. What this means is that it is typical to bring cover ups or other clothing for dining and walking around the city rather than shirtless or just in a swimsuit!