The Cruise Ships bring out the worst in the shop owners. They are all fighting for their piece of the action. It reminded me of a feeding frenzie in a school of sharks. My wife and i hit the shopping district between cruise ships and find it much more relaxing. We also shy away from the larger jewlery stores and have always gone back to a small family run place called Glitters which is in the same building as the Hard Rock Cafe. We always rent a vehicle from Dependable Car Rental, another small family run operation. As for day sails each year we go on S/V New Horizons out of Sapphire Marina. It goes to St. John but it is only a snorkeling day sail. We always take the car to St. John via the ferry at Red Hook. Plenty of swimming and hiking on St. John. We'll be going back again this year and will also be trying to get to the Baths and St. Croix.

The shopping area is as you described with store barkers and taxi's vying for your dollar. However it is very easy to avoid this area expecially if you don't want to shop - you just don't go to the shopping area. There are great beaches, trails on St. John, island drives, restaurants, nightlife - lots of keep you busy and for you to enjoy. The island is safe - however like any where else there are areas that are not so safe and most of these are residential in nature so there is really no reason a visitor should be there anyway. Much of the crime is domestic and/or related to illegal activity - your best bet is not let all your guard down - yes you are in paradise and on vacation but still be causious - if something looks unsafe then dont procede and you should be fine. Have a great time.

Hi Everyone,

I'm going solo to St. Thomas the week of April 22nd. Will I miss all of the fun Carnival activities? Is it safe for a single woman during this time of year? I do want to shop but, like Mama, I don't want to be harassed. Are there other shopping areas?

Thanks

Actually you will be there for all the major Carnival Events. The Carnival Village opens on the 22nd, the Food and Craft Fair is the 24th in Charlotte Amalie and on the 25th you have J'Ouvert, the 26th is a Children's Parade and the Adults Parade is the 27th ... there are also fireworks on the 27th. It is safe for a single woman, however you should use caution because during big events there is usually a higher level of crimes commited, people let their guard down, people are wired because it's a big party time and things happen more commonly - so it is a good idea expecially at night in the Village and J'ouvert if you choose to attend - use caution. All day time activities like the parades and food fair are must sees since you will be here and they are safe. Have a great time.