St. Thomas
The most populous and urban of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is a one-stop shop for fun, beaches, relaxation, and island-inspired nightlife. Just minutes from St. John and about an hour from St. Croix, St. Thomas is home to two main settlements - Charlotte Amalie (also known as downtown) and Red Hook (also known as the East End). While Charlotte Amalie is where the cruise ships come in and most of the shopping is centered, both areas offer a number of dining and partying options. Make no mistake, the party never seems to stop here. Still, thanks to the natural beauty and sandy beaches nearly all the way around, there’s always somewhere you can escape to.
Most people get to St. Thomas via cruise ship or flights into local airports. Ships often bring lots of tourists into port so be sure to anticipate the island's extra full capacity. There are plenty of places to rent cars once you are in town but beware of left side of the road driving. An easier but more expensive option would be taking advantage of the abundance of taxis and shuttles at the disposal of locals and tourists alike!
As far as safety goes, pedestrians need to be extra careful while walking roadside- roads are often narrow and busy, and left side driving often throws newcomers for a loop. Most shops and restaurants close around 8 or 9 each night so its best to avoid being out and about alone after the locals settle in for the night. Also, water is potable most everywhere on the island but tends to be warmer in temperature than most people expect so don't be alarmed!