Hi Southern Girl,

I know you specifically asked Islander this question but I wanted to reassure you that you chose a great place to go on vacation. My boyfriend and I just returned from a week long stay on STT. It was our first time going to the Virgin Islands or anywhere in the Caribbean so we had no idea what to expect either.

You will be fine. Please don't be scared or it will ruin your vacation. If you let the fear take over the wonderful experience you are about to have will be overshadowed.

We are cautious people ourselves but we were out and about all over STT, STJ, and STX. We met some very nice people (locals and tourists) along the way. Just be cautious. If you see someone who makes you uncomfortable just go the other way--we did a couple times and that was it. We smiled and greeted everyone and almost all of them smiled and greeted us back.

Another thing we did, which others may diagree with, was we didn't go out at night. But after all the acitivity during the day we were too tired anyway. I don't know where the bad areas are on the islands but if you are going to frequent the places that you find in all the tourists books and you are out during the day I feel you have nothing to worry about.

It is possible to be fearless yet very cautious at the same time. We did and now we have memories that will last a lifetime. Please let your worries go and think of all the wonderful memories you are about to create!

Southern Girl,

I have never, on any of my visits to the USVI (15 visits or so over a little more than 10 years - this doesn't include former residency as a child - but I am not native), been a victim of any kind of crime. Nor have I ever been afraid of anyone or anything. All of the "grumbling" kind of greetings (this is the extent of my complaints) to me have always been from older ladies (60s+).

I have even happened upon a lone rasta sitting in an isolated place (as I was walking out along the rocks at Megans Bay)....I smiled and said hi, he said hi, I asked him what was on the other side of the rocks he was sitting on, he smiled and said it was a nude beach and I thanked him for the heads up and decided to relax on my side of the rocks. He sure looked scary, but was so friendly.

As I have said before, I don't think there is a race issue. The fact that you are white will not impact your visit. There are many, mnay white islanders. There are many, many French on the island - hench, "Frenchtown" and the upcoming Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament - and many French celebrations that take place. The whites and blacks inter-marry and you'll find many mixed race children.

If there's a bad attitude toward you, it's because you're a tourist - not because you are white. You could be a black tourist and you would get the same treatment - probably worse.

Anyway, I don't think you've made a mistake. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised once you arrive. If you're like me, the worst experience you'll have is that some old lady will bunch up her face at you or the lady at Subway will complain to you becasue you are ordering too many subs for her to make.

Southern Girl,
I sympathize with your concern over what you've been reading here lately, but let's look at it objectively for a moment. Let's say this was a forum about New York City, discussing what's playing on Broadway, the best restaurants, tours, hotels, etc. But then imagine that every serious crime that occurs on a daily basis in NYC was given the same press and attention that every serious crime on St. Thomas is given on this forum. You'd be understandably terrified to visit such a dangerous and crime-ridden city. And you would miss out on a great experience, because NYC is a blast, and very safe if you behave with even a bit of due caution and intelligence. Similarly, St. Thomas and the other islands are incredible places to visit, and are safer by far than the vast majority of US cities. (The very fact that a shooting is such a big deal illustrates this clearly.)

Because of the tropical charm of the islands, we northerners tend to forget that they're not just one huge Disneyland themepark. They're real places, inhabited by real people who are generally friendly and gracious, but sometimes also have moods, attitudes, problems, and occasionally commit crimes, just like in your town. But NEVER let that fact discourage you from visiting, nor make you walk in fear every waking moment you're there. Use the same common sense you'd use when traveling here in the States, pick out a spot on the beach, grab a cool drink, and have a great time.

Very well put, Regan! Kudos to you for stating what many of us have been trying to put into words for the visitors of our islands.

Hello Southern Girl,

Flying to me is like riding on a smooth, long road that is up in the sky. Flights are usually smooth, the AC keeps you cool, you can close your eyes/go to sleep or look out the window, read, eat, watch a movie, play cards... and before you know it you are there. The chance of something happening to the plane is there but the chance that you will get where you are going is much greater. Bring some things (books, cards, magazine) to keep you occupied.

There is not a tourist hate problem in the Virgin Islands. There is not a hate for white, early 30 year olds either. The likelihood is that of the people you meet they will be a mixture of whites and blacks, younger and older, Virgin Islanders, West Indians from other Caribbean islands and continental transplants. Some board users have reported poor customer service and tied it into race issues and others have refuted this and provided explanations. I would say of customer service people you come across at the hotel, restaurants, stores, activities, taxis… 85% will be friendly and helpful, 10% neutral and 5% disinterested, coming off as rude or just rude period. To say all those living here are friendly, personable, good ambassadors for the islands would be untrue. But I do feel that many of us are or at least try to be.

Do not stay cooped up at your resort… there are some very nice resorts here so say you are staying at the Ritz for a few days you could very easily do a spa day, pool, beach, take a boat trip, do some snorkeling from the beach and just hang out there the whole time... but then you wouldn't see any of the island. During the day; go beach hopping, snorkeling, shopping, sailing, fishing. During the night you can go out for dinner, for a few drinks. Be cautious when out at night. Use taxis if you aren't renting a car, park in well lit areas if you have a rental car, don't walk/wonder around, don't drink too much if you do drink, don't seek out weed and if someone approaches you in a bar or elsewhere and asks if you want some just say no thanks and be on your way. If renting a car and out at night make sure no one is following you when you are returning to your hotel and likewise that no one is lurking around your car when its parked. Be cautious.

Have a safe and uneventful flight and have a wonderful vacation on St. Thomas. Please post how it all goes when you get back.

All the best,
--Islander

Southern Girl, (This is coming from a Southern Boy!) Jimmy Buffet wrote a song titled Coconut Telegraph, refering to inter-island communications. The real coconut telegraph has become message boards, like this one. When something very rare happens like the recent crimes, everybody starts talking about it and by the time a string gets to be a mile long it appears somewhat hysterical! We just love our islands and this board is where we come to share ideas, reviews and yes concerns. You will have a wonderful time. Just sort of stay where other tourists are and follow Islanders advice at night. I have visited the islands 15 times in the last 20 years and have never felt threatened or unsafe at any time. We look forward to your trip report when you return. My brother in law is a pilot for American Airlines and pointed out his mother (who is a nervous flyer) that air travel is about 100 times safer than driving to the airport. But occaisionally there are "bumps" in the air just like there are bumps in the roads of your town.

Ya know you are all so right! when i first started reading the post on this board I was sooooo excited that I had decided on STT for vacation this year. I guess since I am new to the whole island experience I let all the negativity block the positive. I am just going to relax and have a blast because that is why we are taking this vacation. Thanks bluwater you always have such wonderfull things to say about the islands thay are lucky to have someone like you 🙂 Same goes for you islander. Wes I love that jimmy buffet song, hey we are flying with american airlines maybe you brother-in-law will be our pilot Ha!Ha! I may get to check the forum one more time before we leave but if I don't i will post my trip report and pictures as soon as I get back. Again thanks to all of you for being so helpfull