december

Hey Jenny!

That's great news. Kelly and I would be happy to find a time to sit down and talk about our move from DC to St. Croix when you're here. Am hoping that if we buy you dinner, we might be able to persuade you to deliver some rum to my co-workers in DC! (I telework from down here.)

Re: places to stay. First need to confirm that you are renting a car (you really need one on STX for a premove visit so you can check out all areas of the big island), and then would like to know if you prefer a place with a kitchen (eating a few or all meals in can really help keep costs down) and what your budget might be.

If controlling costs is important, you'll want to complete your travel before December 15 if at all possible. That's the day the high season starts, and hotel prices go way up. We went to St. Thomas last December and stayed at Secret Harbour (which we adore!) -- the price for our oceanside room jumped from $169 a night to $279 a night on 12/15. You can expect comparable price changes from every hotel in the islands.

Hang in there -- December will come faster than you realize!

Let me know how we can help you plan fopr the trip, and we'll set a time to get together once your plans take shape.

HipCrip

Hip---Most definitely I will bring back some rum to your CoWorkers, no problem!!!!!!! I've been checking out places to stay and you sure are right about the price jump. I had originally assumed that the beginning of December was the start of the High season. I am going to try to see if I can get enough comp time to make it down there before the tail end of Dec. just to save some money. But i'm not sure.....right now I'm facing less then one day of vacation left for the rest of the year. If I am able to get about four more days of comp time by the beginning of Dec. I'll head your advice and get my butt down there.

Also, I am 25 and looking to be able to go out and have a good time while we're there. Does anyone have any goos suggestions of places to go. I know this is still months away but it's the only thing I have to look forward too.......work just doesn't cut it for excitement and neither does this area (DC).....HipCrip.....I'm sure you can agree.

Hello Jenny,

So you need a couple nights on St. Croix and a couple on St. Thomas? Do you have a budget for the accomodation/hotel? Are you renting a car?

--Islander

Islander,
Definitely going to rent a car, probably on both islands. I did that in Virgin Gorda and I loved the driving experience. (sounds funny, huh). And yes, it's looking like a couple nights on both the bigger islands and then a day trip or two to St. John. I'm thinking we'll have about a week, maybe a bit more......depending on how much time I can get off work. : (
No budget yet , but nothing too expensive, as I am trying to save as much money as possible for the move. I can get airline tix no prob, since i work in the airline industry. So that expense is going to be very minimal (thank goodness).
jenny

I have a two bedroom short term rental on St. Thomas - pool, views, full kitchen. Look at stthomasvirginisland.com.

Hello,

Here are some others to check out for St. Thomas

www.mafolie.com
www.st-thomas.com/islandbeachcomber
www.crystalpalaceusvi.com
www.st-thomas.com/galleonhouse/
http://flamboyantmanor.com
www.villablancahotel.com
www.caribbeachresort.com

Renting a car is a great idea... you will get a lot more ground covered... see more.

--Islander

Jenny,

There's a couple of affordable options for lodging on STX. We've stayed at Sand Castle on the Beach and loved it. The rooms include a full kitchen, which does allow you to keep your food costs down. Sand Castle is located right on the beach just south of Fredricksted. While some folks told mke they thought the location was a drawback because you had to drive all the way across the island to see everything, we saw that as an advantage as it would force us to see and much of the island as possible. (As it turns out, driving "all the way across the island" took me less time than many of my commutes from South Arlington to my office near the White House!)

On the north shore, look at the Waves at Cane Bay. Right on the water with a gorgeous view of the mountains, the rooms also include fully stocked kitchens, A/C, and a private proch or balcony. There is a restaurant on site, plus Off the Wall (where many of us are meeting next Tuesday) is right there down the road. (Also a few other bars and lounges in that area but as a non-drinker, I can't help with any names or reviews.)

In downtown C'sted, several folks have recommended the Pink Fancy. If you do a search of the board for that name , look for a post from Eve, who stayed there on her first premove visit and had nothing but rave reviews.

Here's the links to all of these places:

http://www.sandcastleonthebeach.com/
http:// www.canebaystcroix.com
http://www.pinkfancy.com

Keep us posted (literally) as your plans come together. And don't hesitate to ask any questions that come up. The folks here are the greatest -- we never would have made the move in the short time we did and arrived with some sanity left without these great people and their vast knowledge of the territory. Am hoping I can even make a dent in giving back part of what I received.

HC

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!!!!

lots and lots of info on here. I really appreciate this. Now I will have lots to keep me busy and even more to keep me drooling till the day I finally make it down there (pictures is all i have).