Questions? We have answers!

Question

What to Pack?

Answer

You're looking at a week of highs in the 80's and lows in the high 70's-80's. Whatever you would normally wear to a beach in the summertime is what you'll be wearing down here. Shorts, tank tops, dresses. You likely won't need to wear long pants at any point. There is a great deal of hiking around the island, so bring some Tevas, Keens or Chacos if you have them. There are a few gyms and opportunities to get some workouts in, so feel free to pack workout clothes and shoes as well. We have several grocery stores on island but you may be able to save some money by packing your own snacks, as food is pricey here. If you have a Passport, it is not necessary to travel but will make it a bit quicker to get through Customs on your way back to the mainland. Patience--things truly move slower down here and island time is SO REAL!

Question

Sunscreen!

Answer

Please wear reef-safe sunscreen. The coral reef is what makes the snorkeling here so incredible. Let's keep it alive. If you can't find it at home, it is available for purchase on the island. There is a USVI ban on sunscreen that contains oxybenzones--which is basically in all of the common suncreens--please don't import that stuff illegally :) SPF Shirts, hats, and shade are your friend! The rays at Latitude 18 are much more unforgiving than those around the east coast beaches. Don't be the extra-crispy burnt guy at the wedding. We promise you will still go back home with an awesome tan even if you protect your skin.

Question

Health Care

Answer

There is a hospital on St. Thomas as well as some "urgent care" places such as Red Hook Family Practice and Ambulatory Clinic. If you fall ill, there will be someone that can help. There is a Walgreens as well as some local pharmacies if you need those.

Question

Be Smart

Answer

Crime happens everywhere in the world. We see less of it on our little island, but keep your wits about you. Don't leave valuables unattended in public, keep things out of sight in your rental car, only bring what is necessary with you for beach days. Use common sense.

Question

Currency

Answer

Dollars! We are a US Territory so your money is good here. Most businesses accept credit cards but it's a good idea to have some cash on you as well. There are also ATM's here.

Question

Carbon Footprint/Plastic Reduction

Answer

Here are some ways you can have a more sustainable vacation: --Ask for no straw when you dine out. Invest in a metal or silicone straw and carry it in your bag or pocket. Plastic straws were recently banned in the USVI but some establishments will still sneak them into your drink. --Bring your own reusable cup or ask for a glass cup when you dine out --Don't leave lights on, water running longer than needed, or A/C cranking more than necessary --Take this one home with you..compost your food waste! Make soup broth from your veggie scraps/meat bones. --Try to purchase less plastic at the grocery store. Don't use plastic produce bags. They're unnecessary. No one expects perfection--but even changing one thing a day adds up to a lot over time! Mason and LB feel pretty strongly about trying to spread awareness on the amount of waste the planet is being filled up with. If you ever want to discuss this, we would love to answer questions and brainstorm how we all can do better!

Question

Groceries

Answer

There are several grocery stores on island. We recommend shopping at Fruit Bowl or Moe's. Fruit Bowl is on the Southside of the island and Moe's is on the east end in Red Hook. Please be aware groceries are very expensive here! We recommend a good balance of eating a few meals at home and a few meals out at the local restaurants. Plaza Extra (mid-island) and Food Center (East End outside of Red Hook) are also decent stores to shop at. Avoid Pueblo.

Question

Cell Phones

Answer

AT&T and Sprint work great down here. Verizon...not so much. Best bet is to double Check with your provider and make sure your data usage is covered while you’re here. It is almost guaranteed that your hotel/Air Bnb/villa will have WiFi!

Question

Credit And Debit Cards

Answer

Some Card transactions done here can raise the eyebrows of your credit card company’s fraud department. Make sure you give them a call letting you know you are traveling to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands to avoid any issues. There are also ATM’s here if you need to get cash out, but only a Bank of America affiliation. The rest are local banks. Let your bank know you are traveling so they don’t put a hold on your card when you try to get cash out to pay for some rum punches!

Question

SO. MANY. DOGS.

Answer

You will likely see at least a few stray dogs running around the island while you're here. There is a bit of a spay/neuter issue (lack thereof) here. Many of these dogs are happy to roam free and don't want to be saved. Take it from our experience, best to lest them go about their way and keep living the "island dog" life. Otherwise they may be spooked (Stranger Danger!) and run right into traffic.