Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Types of Accommodations
B&BS & GUESTHOUSES
» Island B&Bs and guesthouses offer an alternative to the high prices and insularity that
come with rooms in resort hotels in the tourist zones.
» The best are distinguished by friendliness and attention to detail from the owners or hosts,
who can provide local information, tour bookings and other amenities.
» Standards vary widely, sometimes within a single property. The cheapest rooms tend to
be small with few amenities and a shared bathroom. Nicer ones come with added features
such as a balconies, fully cooked breakfasts and en suite bathrooms.
» Not all properties accept children.
» Minimum stays (usually three nights) are common.
CAMPING
» Camping is the most economical approach to a Virgin Islands vacation. Prices run from
about $35 for a bare site with no tent to more than $135 for a deluxe tent that looks like a
tree house at Maho Bay Camps.
» Facilities usually include access to drinking water and a shared bathhouse with flush toi-
lets and cold-water showers.
» Campgrounds are sprinkled throughout the islands. St John, St Croix, Water Island, Tor-
tola and Jost Van Dyke all have at least one site.
» Many of the campgrounds, especially in the USVI, are environmentally friendly and use
wind and/or solar power.
» Popular campgrounds such as the one at Cinnamon Bay on St John have a 14-night limit
during the winter season and require reservations.
» Most sites stay open year-round, with the possible exception of September.
HOMESTAYS
How do you feel about staying on the couch of a perfect stranger? If it's not a problem,
consider joining an organization that arranges homestays. The following groups don't have
membership fees, and the stay itself is also free.
Couch Surfing(
www.couchsurfing.com
)
Hospitality Club(
www.hospitalityclub.org
)
