Jet Set Destination: The US Virgin Islands

If you fancy yourself an avid traveler mixed with a world history buff, look no further than the U.S. Virgin Islands. Made up of the three tiny islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, this tropical trio is an often overlooked and underappreciated vacation spot but is nonetheless, a true hidden gem for those looking for a bit more humility than what other overly commercialized destinations have to offer. Like most Caribbean hot spots, USVI offers an array of beautiful beaches and aquatic adventures set in glassy cerulean water, but it also maintains a certain mystique that is uniquely it’s own. 

“The Islands Under Seven Flags,” as it is known, came from having been under the separate rule of seven different nations throughout its long (and bloody) history. Beginning in the late 1400s when St.Croix was first targeted by the Spanish, the islands eventually went on to fall under the individual rule of six other nations: Holland, England, France, Denmark and Malta; all before being collectively purchased by the United States in 1917. While this destination has all the trappings of your typical island paradise, it has bones that tell the story of Old World conquest in a way unfound in its tropical neighbors. Taking a trip to the USVI not only gives you the chance to get a rockin’ tan, but it also gives you the chance to see and feel the lasting effects of an ever-changing identity that gave each tiny landmass its own unique vibe and a more memorable island-hopping experience. 

St. Thomas:

Best for: Relaxing in Style & Night Time Entertainment

Once you land in St. Thomas you will be both amazed by the beauty of its expansive panorama and pleasantly surprised by the unexpected (but very much appreciated) free shot of rum available next to the airport baggage claim. USVI is home to the famous Cruzan and Captain Morgan rum distilleries and they want to make sure you know it! This kind gesture serves as the first taste of what awaits in this fun-loving locale and gives excited travelers little to no time to start their tropical fun-in-the-sun adventure! Already with rum on the tongue and luggage in hand, your next move is simply hopping inside one of the many taxi vans ready to transport passengers across the 32 square miles of tropical terrain.

Whether you came looking for relaxation, solitude, or adventure, you can find the perfect accommodations at one of the many resorts scattered along the island’s crisp shorelines: Embarc on a family boating trip from the Sapphire Beach Villas, check out the 17th-century landmarks in the heart of Charlotte Amalie, or simply get cozy with your partner at Point Pleasant Resort’s private beach landing. Whatever you decide to do, try to save a little energy because all of that daytime recreation quickly turns into evening time entertainment right after sunset. The cooler evening air makes the perfect environment to enjoy an exotic Caribbean dish with a view at The Ritz-Carlton’s open-air restaurant or test a local IPA at St.Thomas’ very own Rock City Brewing Company.

St. John:

Best for: Hiking & Outdoor Activities

Fancy yourself a true outdoorsman (or woman) Take a quick ferry trip over to the smallest of the bunch-St.John. It’s super lush landscape remains unspoiled by too much human intervention but that doesn’t mean that you more adventurous folks don’t still have the opportunity to lose yourselves (metaphorically, not literally) in all that wondrous nature. Since two-thirds of the land has been designated as a national park there are plenty of ways to play.  

Start off the morning with a nice leisurely stroll along one of the many winding walking trails before grabbing lunch at the very colorful and eclectic Bajo El Sol Art Bar & Gallery. Once you’ve had enough walking you can get to splish-splashing around by signing up to explore the island’s fascinating underwater ecosystem with a fun snorkeling adventure through the coral reef.

Regardless of how you like to experience nature, I would highly recommend any of the activities offered in this natural wonderland. 

St. Croix

Best for: Shopping & Historic Tours

If you’re like me, you like to divide your time between being extremely active with a day or two of casual relaxing. The USVI’s largest (and most difficult to pronounce) island of St. Croix is the place to devote your day to perusing the many crafty trinket shops, munch on a fried fish sandwich at the boardwalk, or sip on a craft cocktail while people-watching the flood of passengers departing their cruise ships. But don’t worry, you can still make your lazy day feel eventful by taking a self-guided tour of Fort Christiansvaern – the very hard-to-miss 18th-century fortress that overlooks the harbor. 

For just $7 you can check out this big, blindingly yellow fortress and all of its quarters. It’s well-equipped artillery, creepy dungeon, and colonial architectural style make for cool photo ops that you are sure to look back on fondly (except the dungeon, that part is pretty heartbreaking.) But beware! The sun here is strong. The unshaded area around the fortress quickly turned this laid-back activity into a very hot lesson in history.

All and all, the US Virgin Islands offered me a more humble type of vacation than usual. These islands may not be as coveted as some others, but they gave me the chance to fully realize the level of resiliency that they and their residents have. Not only have they survived centuries of being passed off to others with the inhabitants forever fighting to have their voices heard, but their descendants are seemingly still locked in a constant battle of keeping their home intact as they preserver through one tropical storm after another. I may have left the area with the physical markings of a Caribbean vacation- deeper bronze skin covered in a million mosquito bites- but more importantly, I left with an understanding of how important it is to maintain a stable identity. One that cannot be stolen or sacrificed. One that sets you apart even when you’re surrounded by those who may be waiting to see you fall.