America's Caribbean Paradise: the U.S. Virgin Islands

Another American Caribbean Paradise (no passport required) favorite of mine and many other travelers is the USVI short for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Here you are surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Caribbean with an average temperature ranging from 77F in the winter to 83F in the summer. Each of our three major islands – St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John – possesses a unique character of its own.

The U.S. Virgin Islands provides the perfect destination for traditional vacationers, adventure travelers, divers, snorkelers, shoppers, beach lover and is also an ideal setting for corporate meetings. Their year-round warm temperatures, first-class accommodations, exciting leisure activities, and professional business atmosphere offer something for everyone. Visitors to St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas will discover the unrivaled convenience and distinct personalities of the islands that set the USVI apart from other Caribbean destinations.

Whether you're looking for a quiet, secluded inn a few steps away from a white sand beach, a vacation packed with kayaking, scuba diving, and hiking, or luxurious accommodations a stone's throw from world-class golf and shopping, the U.S. Virgin Islands have exactly what you want.

When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel – including on-line check-in – making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.

Major airlines offer daily service into the territory, including direct flights from U.S. cities such as New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Philadelphia, and Charlotte plus the USVI are a short commuter flight hop from Puerto Rico.

This summer you can take advantage of a special Sizzlin’ Sampler promotion. This package includes a complimentary fourth night, $300 air credit, $50 worth of certificates for attractions, a $50 dining certificate and a $500 coupon booklet containing retail special offers. The Sizzlin’ Sampler is valid for bookings made from March 15 to October 15, 2009* for travel between April 15 and October 31, 2009 and is based on a four-night minimum stay. Reservations for this promotion can be made through your favorite travel agent or with a number of tour operators including Apple Vacations, Certified Vacations Group, the Mark Travel Corporation, MLT Vacations, Travel Impressions, US Airways Vacations and Vacation Express.

As usual I recommend that you deal with a local agent. You should be able to locate someone who has been there or has graduated USVI Specialist program. Or feel free to contact me.

Happy travels and I’ll talk about each island in future posts!