This Caribbean Destination Should Be At The Top Of Your Future-Travel Bucket List
December 15, 2020BruceDayne#DMTBeautySpot #beauty
While travel may still seem like a far-off dream for many as the pandemic continues, we're using this time to plan some much-needed future vacations. On the top of our list: the U.S. Virgin Islands: the sandy, multicultural Caribbean destination that U.S. citizens don’t even need a passport to visit.
Currently, travelers to the U.S. Virgin Islands are required to use a screening portal upon entry, in addition to submitting a COVID-19 test result (otherwise a 14-day self-quarantine will be necessary). Whether you're planning to travel safely now or just want to map out plans for later, we've pinpointed four of the best reasons to explore the U.S. Virgin Islands, whenever you feel safe to do so.
Curated for the traveler who wants to visit all three major islands (that's St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas) in just one week, this list really only has one requirement: Familiarize yourself with the ferry and island carrier schedules so that you can island hop to your heart's content.
Trunk Bay Beach, St. John
If you're craving some uninterrupted leisure time, Trunk Bay Beach should be your first stop on St. John, the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands. This is not your average white sands waterfront (though there is plenty of that): It’s also part of the Virgin Island National Park and home to the Leatherback turtle, so you’ll likely spot some wildlife while you’re there. The best part? A 225-yard-long, self-guided underwater snorkeling trail.
Christiansted, St. Croix
It’s impossible to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands without acknowledging the influence of Danish culture — particularly when it comes to the architecture of cities like Christiansted and Charlotte Amalie. Christiansted was planned out on a grid system, and many of its buildings, dating back to the late 18th century, are modeled after the Baroque style popular in Europe at the time of Danish settlement. In Christiansted, you’ll find bold, vibrant colors, townhouses and churches, two market squares, and, on the coast, Fort Christiansvaern, which was originally built to protect the port from pirates.
Coki Point, St. Thomas
It’s no secret that the U.S. Virgin Islands have some of the best snorkeling in the world. The water is crystal clear, the white sands are silky smooth, and the fish are friendly (actually, though — tourists were given snacks to feed the fish for years before it was banned, and now many of the fish are plenty used to human contact). At Coki Point on St. Thomas, entrance is free, but you’ll want to check the schedule to make sure that no cruise ship is planning on docking there the day of your visit — otherwise it might be a bit crowded. There’s also plenty of eats for sale from local food vendors, so you can grab a snack after your snorkeling excursion. 
La Reine Farmers' Market, St. Croix
Food is one of the best ways to experience a new place, and visiting one of the many farmers' markets that pop up weekly on St. Croix is essential if you want to experience some of the freshest local flavors, without the bells and whistles of a restaurant primed for tourists.
At La Reine Farmers' Market in particular, you’ll find fruit for days (think papaya, avocados, starfruit, guava, and pomegranate), plus special touches like honey from nearby bee farms.
If you’re not much of a street-food connoisseur or don’t have access to a kitchen during your stay, St. Croix has plenty of food options for you, too, like local favorite Savant — hugely popular because of its cuisine that blends Thai, Mexican, and Caribbean flavors.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Stocking up on souvenirs is kind of a travel requirement, and St. Thomas has more than its fair share of shopping opportunities. Case in point: the historic shopping district of Charlotte Amalie, where you’ll find textiles, jewelry, art, and more, with many of the businesses having served the city for over a century. These are the sort of souvenirs that will actually complement the aesthetic of your tiny apartment, instead of getting stored away in the back of a closet. Plus, what better way to ease back into the mundanity of post-vacation work life than with a reminder (or two) of a trip well spent.
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Emma Banks, Khareem Sudlow
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