There's only one island that I find myself returning to, year after year, and that is St. Croix. I mean, I guess that's what happens when you date marry a Crucian man and Christmas with the in-laws is spent in a sunny paradise. Poor me.
St. Croix is one of those gem Caribbean islands that more people need to visit. It has character, a diverse cuisine, and some of the most sublime swimming and snorkeling spots in the world.
But before you visit, let's dive into the five things you have to know.
1. Saint Croix is a passport-free destination for US Citizens
St. Croix is part of the US Virgin Islands, which is a United States territory. So that means your flight to St. Croix is technically domestic and you can enter with just your driver's license. Now, this next piece of information is incredibly important, so listen up.
All passengers leaving St. Croix must pass through US Customs and Border Protection before clearing TSA. The USVI is known as a Customs Territory, so there are certain regulations passengers must abide by when reentering the continental United States.
Because of this, I do advise traveling with your US passport if you have one. If you're a permanent resident, you’re gonna wanna have your green card and/or any other documents ready for US CBP review. For more information, visit the US CBP website.
Global Entry lanes are typically available at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, but you must have your physical Global Entry card to be able to use the service.
Also- fun fact: your global entry card is an acceptable federal ID to fly with! No need to use your passport or license.
2. There are no ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, so if you want to explore, rent a car.
You will not be Ubering around the island, unfortunately. If you want to maximize your freedom and enjoyment in St. Croix, I highly recommend renting a car. Cars can be rented from the airport as well as other locations around the island. Commercial nationwide options like Avis and Hertz are available, but there are also local car rentals such as Judi of Croix and Centerline Car Rentals.
Taxis and private drivers are available, but their costs can add up. There is also a shared public taxi system, sort of like buses that you can ride for $2.50 a journey. More information on taxi services can be found here.
Now, if you are adamant about not renting a car, I would recommend staying in town in Christiansted or Frederiksted. That way you can walk to shops, restaurants, etc..., without needing a car, and you’ll be close to a taxi stand.
3. The USVI is the only place in the US that drives on the left
There's only one place in the entire United States where you drive on the left side, and that, my friends, is the US Virgin Islands. When you fly into any VI airport, you are bound to see signs everywhere reminding tourists to drive on the left. It can be confusing at first, but you'll catch on to the roads quickly. Just remember, your left turn is now a right, and your right turn is now a left.
4. Winter is St. Croix's peak tourist season
St. Croix’s peak season is December through March. Winter in St. Croix is gorgeous because the weather cools down just a tad. Winter is also significant because late December through early January is the Crucian Christmas festival. It’s a great time ago because you get to envelop yourself in cultural happenings, but it's also incredibly busy.
If you’re planning a visit during this time, I would recommend booking your activities, rentals, and restaurant reservations far in advance. If you're interested in a calendar of Carnival happenings, check out the USVI Tourism Board website.
5. Adapt to Island time
Island time gets a bad rep, but as a city girl who's constantly on the go, I warmly welcome it. St. Croix is going to slow you down, and that's okay. Things are a little bit slower-paced. There's not the same urgency or rush to do things, (which I know can be frustrating at times). But my best advice would be to embrace it.
Crucians are very warm and kind. You'll notice people will greet you with a good morning, good afternoon, or good night, depending on the time of day. There's a large culture of respect for others, as well as the island in St. Croix. As a tourist, I hope you'll welcome that spirit as well.
St. Croix is a magical island, that I know you're going to love.
Happy Travels!
Love,
Alexa
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