Rent the car for the week. May be the best cost wise as well as for exploring. Don't know about your insurance figures.

RL

Good evening. Hope everyone is well. Thanks for the reply Ron, you're probably right. I should just rent for the week. It just seems a waste to have the car sit for two days while were on Jost. As for the insurance figures, I got those off the Budget and Avis links from this website. But, like I said, you're probably right. On the same subject, were is the closest rental car lot for either of these companies to Secret Harbour? I think Thrifty Car Rentals only has a location at the airport. Am I mistaken? Also, is it a must to have a 4wd on STJ, or will our mid-size do alright. And if I remember correctly, one of the rental agencies does not let you take your car to STJ. Does anyone know the answer to that little tidbit? Thank you in advance jor your responses. You have all been very kind and a lot of help.......Quig

As far as the insurance goes, bring your proof of ins. from home and some companies will accept that as insurance, thereby eliminating the need to pay extra for it.

Do a search on this board of car rentals, and you will find a post by me about a year ago breaking down the costs (at the time) and who will/won't let you take it to STJ.

Thrify's location is near the airport, not IN it. Just a quick little 2 minute jaunt. Budget is at the airpot. I think Avis is, too. Go to www.budget.com to book it, and it will be cheaper than if you just go and get one while here.

4WD is not required, but can be useful after rain. If the budget is an issue, forego 4WD and stick with the mid-size. You shouldn't have a problem, unless you want to drive on some of the trails.

Have fun!

yes marty is right...of course

also if you have american express you might have insurance through them...

GET BUDGET do it on line there is the local one on line

www.budgetSTT.com

get it for the week and get it at the AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL don't worry about finding secret harbour it is not difficult! you just hug the shore all the way they will give you directions
or follow a taxi that is going to red hook or to the ritz etc..same road
you will save the hig taxi fares to and from the airport that way tooo

we did this three times last year....worked out great

have a great time and give us your trip report!

Remeber to rent the car withOUT A/C, as every rental on the island has A/C and you can get a small discount.

NO Way get the A/C!!!!! it is worth the extra expense. I just returned from STT and rented a car for 12 days from Avis. A 4 door caviler for about $300.00 or so. Our first night we took a cab to and from Cuzzin's (from the East Side) and it cost us $40. round trip.

Quick points

1. I would definately recommend the car. The cabs are expense, the Saffari trucks are hit and miss for transportation when you want to go somewhere.

2. Check with your Credit Card company(s) most carry rental insurance. DO NOT GET IT from the rental company it self. You auto insurance and/or the CC insurance is more then enough.

3. Don't rent a car from the Airport locations they charge Avis charges an extra 11% as a "service"

4. Don't worry about going to ST John with the rental car. Take the people ferry and rent a car over on St John. It is cheaper, easier and you can stay later (the last car ferry is at 6pm the last people ferry is at 10 or 11pm) The car ferry is $27 - $30 each way and you can rent a 4x4 on the STJ or $57.00.

5. You have to drive on the island at least once Just remember look right! Drive Left! It is an experience you will never forget. The WHOLE islands of ST Thomas and ST John are up or down hill and 20-25 mph feels like 70mph.

Good luck

Resser2, read my message. I said, "Remeber to rent the car withOUT A/C, as every rental on the island has A/C and you can get a small discount." NOTE THE "EVERY RENTAL ON THE ISLAND HAS A/C" and even if you rent one without A/C IT WILL STILL HAVE A/C!!!

Quig:

In one word......Yes. You should rent a car...it will be cheaper.

Use the Hertz, Avis or Budget internet site (i.e www.hertz.com, www avis.com, etc.).

Use your AAA or Entertainment Book or any other discount you may qualify for (military, corporate, government, etc.).

Both AAA and the Entertainment Book give 10% discounts. With Hertz we rented a compact car (last year) for a week for $153 (after the discounts). In October (2005) we rented a full size car for $233.)

As for insurance....check with your current auto insurance and see if you're covered. If you have a Gold Master Card then that should provide up to $10,000 extra coverage (but again check with Master Card on this to see if YOU are covered.

I use my American Express Card for the extra coverage. I pay a flat rate of $19.95 (one time charge) for up to 42 days on a single rental. This covers me 100% without having to go to my personal auto insurance company.

Note: If you plan to use the car ferry to ST. John, rent from Avis.

Also, having a car provides much more independence. You do not need to wait for a taxi or bus. You can visit a number of beautiful beaches such as Sapphire, Coki, Maegans, etc. and the wife can shop, shop, shop (oops). Dining out also can get costly if you need to constantly call for a taxi.

Driving on the left side is easy. Actually I find I have a problem when I return home.

We'll be on Island Dec 2 - 10....perhaps we'll run into each other.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

F.I.

Good morning. I hope everyone is doing well. Many thanks to all of you for your help. It really was informative. However, I do have another question on the subject. Where is the closest car rental to Secret Harbour? It would need it to be Hertz, Budget, Avis, etc. Also, which ones have free pick-up and drop-off up service, I heard Budget does. And any other advise is always welcomed and appreciated. Thank you all again. 28 days and counting......Quig

Quig:

I don't know about pick-ups since we always rent from the airport. But you could take a taxi back to the airport.

We'll be on-island Dec 2-10. We rented from Avis. Budget was almost twice the cost. If you rent from Avis use the Entertainment Book. If you rent from Hertz it's either the Entertainment Book or AAA for discounts.

Best bet for pick-up info is to call the 800 lines for Avis and Hertz.

Regards,

F.I.

Could you please share what "The Entertainment Book" is and where to get one. Thanks!

5under:

The Entertainment Book is a "Charity Sales" type book that provides restaurant, travel, etc. discounts. They are normally available in large metropolitan areas, i.e. New Jersey. I got mine from the "Lions Club", but schools sell them too.

Go to www.entertainment.com to purchase online ($10. discount)

I paid $25. for the 2006 edition (I save more than that in dry cleaning discounts alone). Avis & Hertz gives a 10% discount, plus vehicle size upgrades. So with a $200. rental you're already saving $20.

Regards,

F.I.

Good evening, as always I hope all is well. I did book my car rental with Budget. I was able to book it through the Saphire Beach location. That will save on airport taxes. They will come to the hotel and pick us up, so that may save on the taxi fares also. Have yet to find out about a few particulars. But, I'm sure that will go off without a hitch. I will post more when I have more 21 days and counting:D.........Quig

one quick thing

which rental companies allow the cars over in st john
i know hertz doesn't but avis? budget?

thx

Hi Ginger,

The last time I checked, both Avis and Budget allow cars to be taken on the ferry to St. John.

However, I know that with Avis should something happen to the car on St. John, they will require you to get the car back to St. Thomas on your own (i.e., they will not provide any service for the car on St. John). I assume that Budget has a similar policy, but you will want to double check with them.