Passport-Free Travel - Part 2

American Virgin Islands

When the Caribbean is brought up, thoughts of white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters float into your head. Beautiful islands that run on their own time frame that is much slower than back home.

Well, you can have all that without needing a passport or a currency exchange. Last time, we talked about our Spanish speaking brethren from Puerto Rico. Today, let's turn our attention to the American Virgin Islands.

Let's get into some stats on the AVI.

• The American Virgin Islands was previously known as the Dutch West Indies before the United States bought them Denmark in 1917 for $25 million in gold coin.

• There are four major islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island, and 50 more islets within the AVI.

• There is a total population of the AVI of 105,413. This is about the same population of the city of Erie, PA.

• The artifacts of the Taino people that we discussed in the Puerto Rico blog are also present in the AVI.

• Official language is English and the currency is the US dollar.

Enough facts, let's get to the fun stuff! I'm going to break things down by major island.

St Croix - The island is only 27 miles long. It is easily traversed with a quick taxi ride (recommended!) or renting a bike/adult tricycle for shorter trips!

• There are many historic towns built in the 18th and 19th century architecture that are a definite must-see.

• Take a day trip to Buck Island and enjoy some immaculate beaches, bountiful marine life, and take the hiking trail that ends with breathtaking views of St. Croix.

• If you are a golfer, there are three different courses to enjoy.

• Full of natural beauty.

St. Thomas - Duty-Free shopping galore is in St. Thomas. Just remember that there is an $800 limit to what you can bring back.

• There is great food to be had all over the islands, but St. Thomas is the center of their food scene.

• There is great nightlife on this island. Charlotte Amelie is the largest city in the islands.

• The island is 31 sq. miles but very little of St. Thomas is flat. If you want to explore the island, a taxi might be the better option.

• Day trips to Water Island for scuba diving and other beach fun leave from St. Thomas.

• For you history buffs, Fort Christian built in 1680 is on St. Thomas

St. John - Smallest of the "Big Three" islands at only 7 miles long!

• The only way to get to St. John is via ferry from St. Thomas.

• Two-thirds of the island is under the protection of the National Park Service.

• Here you can interact with sea turtles and rays in the shallows of the water.

• You can also view the Taino petroglyphs and artifacts here at St. John.

• Like other islands, snorkeling and hiking the trails are a great activity here!

The American Virgin Islands are a unique opportunity to go island hopping throughout your vacation without leaving the country! It is even possible to start/end your vacation in Puerto Rico and then stay in the AVI. There is a popular ferry that goes between Charlotte Amelie in St. Thomas to Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Ferries criss-cross the islands daily so an itinerary can be put together for you to visit wherever you want.

There are so many activities to do across many of the islands. Ziplining, charter fishing, biking, and so many other things are available and can be reserved before you even get there! The AVI has a bit of everything for everyone!

Until we meet again...