is it possible?

Hi Amy...
Your post may have gotten lost in the shuffle, hence the lack of response.
As far as seasons to choose form, clearly, the high season would be the best choice for obtaining employment, but the worst for finding cheap short-term housing. That said, check with Ronnie at the Crystal Palace. He has short-term rentals that are situated within walking distance of town, so you don't have to get a car for the short period of time that you are here.

So, in short, yes, it is possible...with some planning! Good luck.

Amy -

If you will PM me, I will give you what little info I have. It may help, may not. We have heard a rumor from more than one person that Hovensa is bringing in a large number of folks over the next few months that will tighten the housing market. Ronnie is so nice - Onika has given you good advice. The only info I have is for STX, but I'd be glad to share.

Becky

Thank you both for your responses. I looked up the crystal palace website--is Ronnie at the email address posted there? I will be sure to contact him!

Onika--I have been reading the board for a while now and understand that congratulations are in order! Congratulations on your new arrival!

Becky--I will PM you shortly about the info you have on STX.

Thanks again!
Amy

Ronnie lurks on the board...he'll be around soon!

Becky

Hi Amy,I researched a hostel on Stj that was reasonable,til you can find something.I can't due to my dogs and a daughter.The Hostel is on Hostelz.com.Sweet Plantation is its name.It's something to check out since you don't plan on being permanent....
Lora

Sure I lurk alright! Do email me with any questions and when on the Crystal palace website, click on the see our sister hotel link on the bottom which will take you to Villa Fairview which is what you may be looking for. I am on St. Thomas.
Ronnie

All of this information is great! I looked into the Hostelz.com website and they sound promising. However, Ronnie, I think the Villa Fairview is more what I am looking for. Can you tell me a few things about the area it is in? Obviously it is close to town so walking would be feasible, but is it safe to do so? I am not shipping a car down for a short stay like this, so I won't have a vehicle unless I rent one every once in a while. Is it in a part of town that one could find seasonal work?

Speaking of seasonal work--this question is for anyone who can answer. I found a temp agency website on st thomas--are there many such agencies? Is it a good source for a temp resident to find work? I don't much care what kind of job I have there, but I don't have any experience in waiting tables, tending bar, etc. so I am unsure if anyone would hire me for that. Any input along these lines would be greatly appreciated.

Also, thanks for all the great info BeckyR! I am looking into all of those as well!

Thanks so much!
Amy

Amy, what do ou mean that Villa Fairview is more than you are looking for? You won't find anyything for less around here until you find a roommate to share an apartment maybe. It's set up to give you time to find a real place while paying a minimal amount, rather than hotel room prices. It is within walking distance to town, but I don't recommend walking home at night, especially after working and making tips. I have now and in the past, many single women live there and say how safe they feel there.

On the emplyment issue. I doubt that more than half of the incoming seasonal workers have any experience in any of the jobs they get. Restaurants are always training new people. You should have no problem there!

Ronnie

Ronnie,

I think she said that she likes Villa Fairview better than the other - as in - Villa Fairview is more of what she was looking for. Boy, that sentence was difficult. Anyway, I may be reading her wrong. Does that make sense?

Amy,

Villa Fairview is safe and nice. I know a few people who have stayed there and it is very reasonable. Like Ronnie said it is not safe to walk back at night, although in comparison, I wouldn't want you walking back at night anywhere on the island by yourself. You might check into renting a vehicle, just to see what the cost might be. At least until you meet someone who is willing to drive you home. I drove my neighbor all over the place until she bought a car, but it was great. I actually don't get to see her now that she is independent with her own car! Good luck on your adventure!

Teresa

Thanks yet again! Teresa is correct in her interpretation of my statement. The Villa Fairview is what I am looking for. Your comments have put alot of my initial concerns to rest. Thanks so much!

Ronnie--I will email you about reservations, contracts, etc.

Can't wait 'til November!

Amy

Teresa, reading it again, it makes more sense. Some of the words jumped around before!

Amy, don't wait too late, you need to reserve at lease 3-4 months out!

Ronnie

Alright guys. I feel better about a place to stay and a job--and getting more excited by the minute! Now I am researching travel to the islands--WOW! I thought I should buy a one way ticket since I am not completely sure how long I will stay, but one-way airline prices are outrageous-especially compared to round-trip. However, roundtrip forces you to decide on a return date. Any suggestions from seasoned travelers?

Thanks,
Amy

Amy,
A friend told me yesterday that American is offering a new option that allows you to change your dates at no charge by paying a premium of 10% of the ticket price when you purchase the tickets. I checked their website a minute ago and didn't see any reference to this... but it would be worth a phone call to them to check out. Ordinarily it costs about $100 to change dates.
Good luck!

Thanks cleric! I'll check in to it.

Amy,Most airlines have a 30 day return window.But if you are still undecided about a possible return after about 28 days you can pay a small fee and change it to a later date(they usually let you slide on that).So,when you choose your return leg date,just do the limit of 30 days to be safe,you can change it later if necessity arises.Ask the airline about their policy on return dates.Most of their rules will bend a little if you need them bent. Lora

For General Knowledge in Travel: I have gotten stuck with a cancelled flight a couple times after taking a Taxi to the airport.Well,its not something the airlines do without insistance,but if you put your foot down and effectively hold up their line,they will agree to putting you up overnight in one of the nicer hotels and give you food vouchers,since the flight cancellation is beyond your control.Don't let them beleive that you can get a ride home and come back later,or they won't give you the room and YOU will be stuck with another cab fee.It's a way to enjoy yourself in the hot tub at a NICE hotel overnite if you are just a little industrious..HaHa......Hope that knowledge helps someone that gets inconvenienced someday......Lora

Oh,P.S. The NICE hotel usually gives you a free ride to the airport the following day in their shuttle at NO cost,so NO cab fee.......Lora

Ronnie,

Can you make a reservation for the Villa Fairview over the phone?

Thanks,
Amy