Hi Debby,

As for the safety issue - just act like you would at home. Lock your car, don't leave valuables in sight, don't do anything to make it a target for theft and you'll be fine. We always use rental cars and in sixteen years have never lost anything from a car on the island.

As for taxis v. rental cars, I would recommend a car. Besides the fact that if you go more than two places per day with two people, a car will usually be a lot less money than using taxis. One of the main reasons I always rent is that it gives you the freedom to go where you want to on your own timetable. If you get to a beach and it's too crowded that day, you just head down to the next one.

I also love to explore the islands I visit and a car lets you get around the entire island....not just the 'tourist' places that so many one time visitors to STT get to see. There is just so more to STT than the section from the airport to downtown to havensight. Driving yourself lets you explore these areas and also get to know the people on the island better. After your first day of driving you'll enjoy the 'flow' of traffic and the left-side driving. My vote goes to renting a car.

Schultz

I'll second that motion. Rent a car, explore the islands and get to know some of the local people. We try to stay away from the tourist areas as much as possible.

Ditto on having a car, check to see if your rental car co allows you to take car to St. John. Some do, some don't. It is easy to take car ferry and explore St. John as well. Keep in mind, it is an island you can only got so lost but can't leave the island. Suggest you exploe during daylight to get a feel for where things are. Street light and signs are often few and far between so finding a place at night can be a challenge if you aren't familiar with the area.