Generally groceries will run you about 10-15% higher than what you pay at home. Cost-U-Less, Plaza Extra and Pueblo in that order are my recommendations to buy groceries. If you're buying milk, ....and I know I may get some flak for saying this but it is my opinion and everyone has theirs.....spend the extra few dollars and buy Florida milk. The milk from the dairies here has a unique taste that your family may find difficult to adjust. If you're just pouring it over cereal, it doesn't matter. If you're drinking it by the glass, you'll notice the difference. You can buy alcohol at the same places I mentioned - at prices cheaper than the States. Put the spices/seasonings you usually use every day in small ziplocs and throw them in your luggage. You could also consider throwing coffee in your luggage too. These items are pricey here. There's a lot of families living here on a limited budget. If you're flexible on your menu and look for food items on sale or marked down for quick sale, you will be just fine.

Beaches are free or nominal entrance fee. Mountain Top and Paradise Point are spectacular spots to see the views - won't cost you a dime unless you buy food, drinks or souvenirs there.

Rental car is cheaper than taxi's especially with the # of people in your crew. So......if you're going to "splurge", bite the bullet and rent the car.

For your elders and your little ones, just take it slow. Don't plan too much in a given day. Allow time in the afternoon to relax/rest.

Enjoy your vacation!

Definitely rent a car - any price will look affordable once you check out the taxi rates (see under "St Thomas" above) and realize that they charge per person! On the East end of the island you'll be close to the Red Hook ferry terminal from where you can take a day trip to St John. Rent from anyone but Hertz and you can pack up the car and take it over there so you can explore to your heart's content. Inter-island ferry rates and schedules are listed top right this page under "Quick Links".

I think FlBarrierIslander's estimation of food prices generally being 10-15% higher than the mainland is a little low. It's more like 20-30% unless compared to prices in, say, NYC. A few shots of rum and you won't worry about it!!!

If you haven't gone through all the information available right here on this site you'll find plenty of ideas for things to do - and a day on the beach followed by an early dinner will often be more than enough. As mentioned a day trip to St John is a "must do"; the children would love the Butterfly Farm which is located on the cruise ship dock at Havensight; and the Coral World aquarium complex on the road to Coki Beach on the East end is always a winner for visitors of all ages.

Enjoy a wonderful vacation and, in the meantime, fire away with any questions you need answered.

some ideas

rent a car, it will save you in the long run

take advantage of the hasppy hours

go to shipwrek on fridays and order the hamburgers

stay at the beaches

go to paradise point on wed for the show

Friday nights at Shipwreck Tavern at Havensight have a special on their "Voted Best Burgers" on St. Thomas. They are half price. Including beef, veggie, & chicken burgers.

Renting a car will be your best bet, because you can come and go as you please. If the children or your parents gets tired you can go back to your accommodations for a little rest and then go back out for another activity. Taxi rates for 8 ppl will cost you mega bucks for 10 days.

Pick up "The Island Trader" on Thursday morning and it will have info. about activities on island and Happy Hours with reduced drink & food menu prices/specials. You can also read it online with the following link.

http://virginislandsdailynews.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/iphone/homepage.aspx#_title

Enjoy your vacation on the beautiful island of St. Thomas!

billd wrote:
some ideas

rent a car, it will save you in the long run

take advantage of the hasppy hours

go to shipwrek on fridays and order the hamburgers

stay at the beaches

go to paradise point on wed for the show