thats an unfair loaded question... would you consider it safe for them to travel to new york city, detroit, atlanta... there are problem places in "every city usa". the short answer is yes its safe, its as safe as anywhere else. i keep reading all these posts of "what about the crime?", "im nervous", "is it safe?" i mean there are something like 25 homicides this year in the VI. ok thats awful, unacceptable in fact. however there have been years where homicides exceeded 700 in Houston Tx. would you think twice if your family was going there to visit??

i see your view point and yes, my question was unfair...yes, i have traveled to ny and many other cities alone. thank you for your reply. the 2 guys who were shot just alarmed me, but after re-reading my local paper i see where you are coming from.

esmith... I didn't take offense to your question. I understand your concern for your daughter and grandson if you are not familair with your destination and only hear bad reports about it. It's not your fault that the only time an island destination is in the news is if something really bad happens. How many times did you hear about Aruba in the news before that terrible disappearance?

And yes, just like in any town or city in America, there are places to avoid. And even avoiding those areas is not a guarantee that nothing will happen. But precaution is a great idea.

Since the murders on St Thomas, crime is a very sensitive issue on this forum as there are many residents and visitors of St Thomas who are upset about the reputation it has taken on due to bad press.

I hope that someone can take the time to answer your question. if not, your husband can probably guide you in the right direction.

Lysa i didnt take offence to the question i simply dont think its a question that can be answered in a manner as not to offend certain groups of people and neighborhoods. as for the murders you speak of ... lets look at the facts from the point of esmiths concerns for her daughter and grandson. im sure she wont be downtown at the greenhouse partying and drinking until after 2 in the morning and wind up a few blocks away in a section of town that can be politely described as questionable at that hour.

That's a good point. It is a hard question to answer on a public forum. I guess the general rules of precaution are best, then. Don't be out too late, be aware of your surroundings, move on if a place feels uncomfortable.

I can relate to the question, though, as safety and the ability to explore (and not be stuck at a resort) are some of the reasons why I choose a certain travel destination.

esmith: Are you coming over to stay from a few days or doing a day trip?

to stay a few days. thanks to all who has taken the time to reply

Okie dokie. Of course it will be safe for you to travel and stay on St Thomas or St John. If it is only for a few days, maybe staying on the east end of St Thomas where you would have easy access to St John? Then you could unpack once. Sapphire, Secret Harbour, Elysian, the Ritz are some ideas. You didn't mention your grandson's age, but most youngsters (and even oldersters) enjoy Coral World. It is a great place to get acclimated to the wonders of the ocean!