We (two couples) rented a villa near lamishure bay. Everyone is different, but here are some of my dos, don'ts, and depends for an awesome week in St. John

1. Do rent a jeep to explore the island. The roads are ludicrous.

2. Do go to Island Blues and get the cheesefries. They are perfect, reasonable, and come with good drinks and live music. Say hello to taco while you are there, (but he may be OUT, so don't wake him).

3. Depends what kind of shape you are in, but the island has some of the best hiking. The reef trail is great. Save it for a rainy day on your trip. The rain will keep you cool and the sounds of the forrest are great. Don't take the guided tour unless you really think you'll have a hard time getting back up the trail. You'll need to burn off the cheese fries anyway.

4. Depends on how much you are willing to spend on dinner, but Asolare is great. Very pricy, but awesome food and sunset views above Cruz Bay. I hear the rum-tini'swere great too.

5. Do visit all the beaches. The whole island has a totally untouched feel and is perfect for exploring it's natural beauty. Everywhere you turn is an incredible bay different from the next. Snorkeling at Watermelon Cay, Salt Pond, and round bay is great.

6. Don't try to park in Cruz Bay.

7. Do rent a house. Resorts can be great, but the entire island can be your resort ifyoudo it right.

8. Do shower at Trunk Bay before they close. They won't kick you off the beach, but they do turn off the water. We planned on going straight to a nice dinner from there and had to shower with ice cold water from a nalgene bottle.

9. Don't plan too much. St. John is the perfect vacation for people with no plans. Eat when you are hungry, drink when you are thirsty, swim when you are hot, sleep when you are tired, and hike and snorkel when you're not. Doesn't get better than that.

10. Do watch out for wildlife in the roads. The donkeys and goats can sneak up on you. We had a wild ass chase us for 1/4 mile down a hill on the east end. I guess it didn't chase us as much as it just started toward us and then couldn't stop until it hit the bottom of the hill 1/4 mile later. I told you the roads were ludricous. Donkey's can't even stop the hills are so steep.

11. Don't be surprised that you never want to leave and that when you do you are disgusted by the number of people in the world outside of paradise.