Fodor's U.S. and British Virgin Islands

I've been to the Caribbean more times than you can shake a stick at, because I have family in St. Lucia. I've been to most of the islands from St. Thomas in the North all the way down to Grenada in the South. I have experienced the Caribbean and I plan to go on experiencing it for many years to come. It's a wonderful place to take your vacation. The Virgin Islands are right up at the top of my list as gorgeous places to visit. The people are friendly, they speak English (after a fashion) and they like to party. They play late in Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted. And even if you just want to relax the day away, you can do that to in both the USVI and the BVI. Fodor's U.S. & British Virgin Islands will show you what's what's and where it is. It'll help you plan your trip and it'll even give you ferry routes and times between the islands. There are separate sections on St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John, Tortola and Virgin Gorda (my favorite island). There are all the maps you'll need here and good recommendations on where to stay. In short, if you're going to the American or British Virgin Islands, this book will make your stay so much more enjoyable.

I'm currently planning a trip to the Bahamas in January 2010, and this little book made me wish I had chosen the US Virgin Islands instead. If that's not an unsolicited testimonial, I don't know what is. I've never been there before, but this book gives a wonderful feel for the place, people and food. The book focuses on 5 major island areas: St. Thomas (main Airport arrivals & departures) St. John St. Croix Tortola Virgin Gorda It details the major highlights and attractions for the islands. Such as the areas with the best beaches, scuba and snorkeling. It details all of the frequently asked questions, along with questions about how to get married on the island. (licenses, time required for approval, etc.) Also how to get around from island to island, via Ferries and/or rental cars. In addition, there are 2 special "Feature" sections entitled, "Below the Waves" and "Try a Yacht Charter". The Try a yacht Charter section is one of the most informative, regarding the costs and types of boats you can rent, and the configuration. (2 people for 5 days/ 6 people for 7 days, etc.) Along with expenses for crew, or self guided, along with any additional requirements. (sailing certifications on the smaller crewed boats) Because some of the diving and snorkeling points are only accessible by boat, this would be the idal way for people who are mainly interested in those activities. The book overall captures a lot of information in a small guide book. Much better than I've seen for most U.S. City guide books. Highly recommended.

This is a fantastic detailed travel companion and guide for the U.S & British Virgin Islands. The guide covers way more then I thought. It has maps, beaches, where to eat, hotels, shopping, nightlife, outdoor activities, do's and don'ts, sight seeing attractions. The book is full color which is nice and helps with the maps. It goes into full detail on each subject for each island. I've been to St. Thomas before and did see alot of the things I did and saw listed in the book. I also did notice that there were a few listings that tend to be the main or most popular things which can be more expensive or more crowded, although they are those things the places are safe and have plenty of people so the chances of problems or crime are less for tourists (at least that was how I felt when there). There is a yearly temperature guide so you know before booking your trip what the average temps will be like. The guide also lets you know with a scale how expensive the local restaurants listed will be and what kind of atmosphere they are. The same is for just about everything in the guide like shore excursions, beaches, attractions, tele numbers and web sites are listed too on most. Because its the Caribbean there are a lot of water activity listings for each island and of course beaches and the listings for the most popular and even some of the secluded areas. If your planning to or have already booked your trip to one of the islands listed in this book (St. Thomas, John, Croix, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke) This is a great guide to get and bring along on the trip.

For the price, you cannot beat it! Between the few books available, I found this to be the most informative.

Fodors has a formula and they cover it all nicely. Sure some of the local places are left out, they are hard to fine or don't cooperate much with writers, but the info is accurate for the most part, those things change every year and businesses change hands or close up or start up, but still, this guide is very useful for before and during your trip.