That Frommer's warning is based on an incident that happened over a year ago, and involved a dispute between two locals. The tension eased after the conviction of one of the parties involved.

As a tourist in the US Virgin Islands you should have no problems whatsoever as long as you don't drink excessively in public, don't drive under the influence, greet everyone with a smile and good morning, afternoon or night as appropriate, stay away from drugs, and secure your valuables at the beaches.

We have been traveling to St. John for a few years and we've never experienced anything but an absolutely amazing vacation. The locals have been more than friendly and very helpful. As with any travel just be smart about your traveling in an unfamiliar place. Don't walk alone at night, don't flash cash around and be leary of your surroundings. Act as if you are at home and just be smart amount your traveling. The islands are amazing and you will have an incredible trip. Just be smart about your ventures!

Hi,

I am a senior class sponsor, we are planning on taking a group of about 20 18 year olds on a senior trip next May. They had originally planned on going to Cancun. Our school board recently voted that they could not go anywhere that a passport is required. They are now considering the Virgin Islands. Would this be a place that teenagers would enjoy? Also, are there any safety concerns we should be aware of before making a final decision. Your help would be most appreciated. Thank you

dianed,
If you can get rooms for 20, 18 year olds, I would think the Buccaneer Resort, ST Croix USVI.

dianed: I don't know how these trips work but would the group be chaperoned? I presume they would be and I think they would have a fantastic time in the islands.

Being out during the day is the "big thing" here with loads of opportunities for beaching, snorkelling, sailing and sightseeing, along with learning the history of the islands and enjoying the multi-faceted culture that exists here. Obviously you'll need to decide where you want to stay but if you read through the numerous posts on this forum and use the search engine you'll find all sorts of opinons about accomodation ranging from camping to villas to the Ritz-Carlton. It might be rather fun for the students themselves to do research so that you can come up with a plan which will suit everyone's interests.

I'd suggest staying on St Thomas and making a couple of day trips to St John, a trip to Water Island too. With enough advance planning I think you could come up with a fantastic agenda and there may even be some organisations here who might arrange a sort of cultural exchange with teenagers here - a beach party at Magen's Bay, for instance.

If you let us know your initial thoughts, the length of your proposed May stay, your budget, etc. we can offer a bunch of suggestions to give you a head start and help you make plans. No safety worries for your group as long as you can drive left (which is very easy to get used to, particularly when you rarely get to drive over 35mph!)

Without passports you won't, in May, be able to visit our sister British Virgin Islands but between St Thomas and St John you'll enjoy a wonderful trip. Of course I mean no disrespect to St. Croix in seemingly omitting it - in fact, if the STT-STX ferry is running at the time of your visit, this could also be a great day trip.

Sorry for babbling on but this does sound like a great project and there are many residents on this forum who would really enjoy making it happen for you all. Cheers!

Dianed,
I think that staying on St. John would be a bit safer and more fun that St. Thomas for that age group. What about one of the camp grounds? Or are they wanting a bit more pampering? I think STJ is a much better idea than Cancun. Cancun is all about getting into the clubs and drinking. There is no real hiking there. Even though they are technically on the Caribbean, the waters are not like the USVI. Many people on this forum would jump in and help with good suggestions. It's a good place to take young adults. Good luck & let us know what you choose.

EL: Dianed already knows about Cancun and that passports are the issue. The group may be able to find a deal on STJ but their best bet is on STT where price is concerned and given the help by residents who might be able to secure them a realy good deal, Your comment on the "safety" issue is rather strange in re STT vs STJ. Maybe you were posting at the same time that I was writing? Cheers!

STT,
I think we were posting at the same time. Don't mean to tread on your territory. I'm partial to STJ. No harm, but I don't feel as welcomed on STT. Maybe because it's more populated or something. And don't get me wrong, ,we are not ones that travel and feel that everyone needs to be waiting on us. We definitely try very hard to blend in and feel/appreciate the culture. We felt the need to keep our guard up more on STT. It's like they are two separate islands. Why is that?

And as I'm posting this, the dog in the neighbors yard is barking loudly and a flashlight is shining in our small back yard and the police are out front and someone is running through the neighborhood...sheesh. Talk about not feeling safe. Turns out he's a meth addict and doesn't know where he is. Good grief. Talk about not feeling safe in your own neighborhood...and we live in a $500,000/house area. Geez.

TooSHay...STT Resident!