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Good Evening, so I first planned taking taxis and tours to get around STT and renting a car on STX. I came up with this idea because all the stories I hear/read about as to how CRAZY it is to drive on STT. Well, I can't find any tours that fit in with exactly what we want to do, I don't feel like stressing my brain trying to figure it all out with taxis, and while we will be in no hurry at all, I still do not want to sit around and wait for a taxi to fill up (if the waiting is true as well). So, I THINK I'M GOING TO GO FOR IT AND RENT A CAR! :S So how bad is it really for someone that has never driven there? If it helps any I have driven the the mountains in West Virginia and the Carolina's plenty of times both on the freeway and side roads in heavy snow and rain (yes, SCARY without a truck or a jeep!). Also, I take it if I start driving on STT that STX will seem pretty easy compared to it??? THANKS!
The locals I have met told me it is actually easier than driving in the States. So I wouldn't be afraid - It won't be bad once you get past adjusting to it. I will probably be getting a rental car next time I am out there too. 🙂
The hardest thing to remember is at stop signs and you turn to your right. You want to stay right and you have to tell
yourself :STAY LEFT. Always remind yourself to stay left and have your passenger remind you too. Pretty soon, it is second nature.
Stay left, stay left and in most rentals they even have a sticker in the rental car that says in big letters "STAY LEFT" to remind you.
Most people have problems when they have to turn around and in parking lots.
Just take it slow, as most are drivng no faster than 35 miles per hour.
Another tip your left shoulder, should be on the left side of the road. Left=left 🙂
Most drivers are courteous and will let you out of side roads and other areas. They will wave you to go or flash their headlights or just sit there. Sort have to read their minds sometimes. I always give a quick wave thanks or beep.
Because of other cars on the road, you are more than likely going to be behind one that will remind you to stay left and if they are turning the same way you are just follow.
Don't drink and drive, please!
Thank you everyone! I am going with the car rental on STT as well! And yes, thank you SeaBreeze for your "reminder", that was one of the first things that crossed my mind so I am discussing it now and we will figure out who the driver will be that day and that they will not be able to drink at any "fun" stops we make! Thank you again everyone!
We've been to St Thomas 4 times now and I've driven each time. It sort of is like driving in the west virginia mountains but you are on the left and no guardrails in site. Personally I'd rather drive on the islands than in Boston or New York City any day. I have also found the locals to be courteous drivers.
just4steven wrote:
Thank you everyone! I am going with the car rental on STT as well! And yes, thank you SeaBreeze for your "reminder", that was one of the first things that crossed my mind so I am discussing it now and we will figure out who the driver will be that day and that they will not be able to drink at any "fun" stops we make! Thank you again everyone!
If your whole party wants a "fun" day, maybe that should be a day you can use taxi services. And give the rental a rest for a few hours.
That is if you can't find a designated driver in your party.
Have fun!!!! 🙂
SeaBreeze19 wrote:
[quote=just4steven]
Thank you everyone! I am going with the car rental on STT as well! And yes, thank you SeaBreeze for your "reminder", that was one of the first things that crossed my mind so I am discussing it now and we will figure out who the driver will be that day and that they will not be able to drink at any "fun" stops we make! Thank you again everyone!
If your whole party wants a "fun" day, maybe that should be a day you can use taxi services. And give the rental a rest for a few hours.
That is if you can't find a designated driver in your party.
Have fun!!!! 🙂
yes, already planning that too! So far we will rent a car and have someone that will not have a banana daquiri and then the next day we will drop the car and all have bushwackers!!! whoop whoop! again, thank you everyone for the tips, and yes Don, drove a few times through Boston and NYC and also DC during rush hour, so I think we will be fine. GETTING EXCITED!!! BE THERE IN NOT TOO LONG!
Just got back today from a week in a rental car....(drivers) shoulder to the shoulder (of the road)...no problems Mon. Trust me, it's really easy.
Driving on STT is a blast. Kinda like driving your own rollercoaster car ;). Stay on the left, keep both hand on the wheel, and FOCUS! You will rarely drive faster than 25 mph, but it feels like 60! And driving on the left side of the road feels a lot safer than American style on the right. Especially for the driver! lol. Rent a car, you can do it, and you will be glad you did! (tu)
