I would imagine people from different islands will have different ideas about safety. On St. John, solo travelers are common and the island is safe. We are much smaller than St. Croix and St. Thomas, with only about 5,000 full time residents. Of course, common sense applies, do not get falling down drunk and wander around town at night or go looking for illegal drugs. On the beach, just make sure you don't bring a lot of valuables or get yourself an Otterbox or similar waterproof case so you can take your license and money with you when you snorkel. I would come to St. John as a single female traveler without reservation. Our slow part of the season falls August through October. I like it here that time of year because you get more of an opportunity to chat with locals and meet tourists because places are less crowded. But, any time of year is good time to come. If you come during hurricane season, buy trip insurance "just in case". I will let others tell you about St. Thomas and St. Croix since I do not know much about either island. Have a great time!

I would feel comfortable traveling to STX alone. Same common sense precautions mentioned for STJ apply on STX. I would probably stay at a hotel rather than a villa, more chance for social interaction.

Same for St. Thomas. Just use the same care you would anywhere and you'll be fine. I would also recommend a hotel or condo as help is close by and you'll feel safer. When snorkeling with no one left on the beach to watch my things I give my whole beach bag to the dive shop guys to watch for me. I tip them a dollar when I pick it up. Have a great trip.

Being safe is about not being at the wrong place at the wrong time. If it feels wrong it is wrong. If you want to party at 2AM in the morning then you are probably risking problems.

STT, STX and STJ are all about the same when it comes to the statistics of crime. But if you look further into these most problems occur late at night in places that are not really tourist related. Of course you can never tell when a crime will happen.

But you can enjoy the islands to the fullest and not be concerned with the crime any different then any other place..

billd

Thank you all for your help! I do plan on staying in a hotel or inn. the idea of asking the dive shop people to hold my stuff is a good idea! And I've never hear of otterbox that's a good suggestion! Thanks! And as for stumbling around drunk at 2am I'm hoping to be in bed well before then due to being exhausted lol. I have another quick question. Do you suggest renting a car? I read the FAQ's on it and still uncertain. If I did I'd probably rent one for a few days to see the further away things. I'm glad to hear the slow part is August through October because I wanted to go away for my birthday in October. So maybe I will. Thank you all SOOOO much!!

I would definitely rent a car. It gives you lots of options for moving around.

I too suggest renting a jeep. Have a great time!

I spent a week on STJ traveling alone this past March. I was totally comfortable, loved STJ and had a great time. I did rent a Jeep and highly recommend it. Even though it will add to your budget, it provides a great deal of flexibility and I like to drive around a lot as a way to see the sights. I did take an Otter Box with me, but never did use it. I didn't take anything valuable with me to the beach. I carried a waterproof camera and took it in the water with me. As far as the bag, when I arrived at the beach, I looked for a group or family, asked if they minded if I set up my stuff next to them and then set up close enough that it looked like I was with them, but far enough away I wasn't in their space. I left my bag there. I never had a problem, but again, I didn't have anything valuable with me. Nice camera was back at the house. Not all the beaches I went to had dive shop or other facilities -- but that is a good idea to leave a bag there. I was advised to leave my Jeep unlocked with nothing in it. I didn't worry too much about the keys, as it was a rental Jeep, with rental logo clearly on it and it is an island -- where would anyone go with a stolen rental Jeep? I just wanted to be sure I didn't lose the keys.

The common sense advice listed above applies no matter where you go. I'm very cautious, maybe overly so. I was never out real late at night. I tended to have an early dinner and be back at the house where I was staying for a quiet evening. I was there to unwind and relax, not to party.

I stayed in an apartment/room attached to a house. The owners lived on-sight. I had my own kitchen, bathroom, entrance, etc. Found it on VRBO.com. It was the perfect arrangement for me.

I spent the last two nights of my trip in STT. I did not feel as safe there, but maybe that was just me. I was staying in Charlotte Amaliie, if I'd been at a beach location or resort, I might have felt totally different. I had a couple local women tell me not to be out after dark walking by myself in STT. I might have felt more comfortable if I had a car. I did not rent a car in STT.

I hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Hello Everyone,
My Countdown has started my move is Wed. the 12th at 6:am. It is permanent the thing is when I liquidated everything I got way less than expected so I am taking a deep breath and looking forward to the adventure. I am staying in Red Hook for at least the first month while looking for an apt. Any advice would be so appreciated