Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE VIRGIN
ISLANDS IN
DEPTH
The golden beaches shaded by palm trees and crystal-
2
line waters teeming with rainbow-hued sea creatures
are undoubtedly the main attractions in both the U.S.
and British Virgin Islands. Most visitors are more than happy
to spend their mornings on the beach, their afternoons browsing the bou-
tiques, and their evenings savoring a fresh-caught dinner. But the history
of the Virgin Islands encompasses much more than the history of resort
tourism. Like so many other islands in the Caribbean, the Virgin Islands
were deeply involved in the colonial ambitions of Western Europe and the
slave trade with North America. This chapter gives a peek at the cultural
and historical influences coursing just beneath the surface of any modern-
day escape to the Virgin Islands.
This chapter will also give you some information about the scenes of the
various islands today, and will help you select which islands to visit during
your Caribbean vacation. In this chapter, we explore the lay of the land,
and provide information on the myriad outdoor activities available to you.
We'll also give you tips about when to go (or not to go in the hurricane
season), and what to eat and drink while there.
CHOOSING THE PERFECT
ISLAND
Peering at the tiny Virgin Islands chain on a world map, you may find it
difficult to distinguish the different islands. They vary widely, however, in
looks and personality, and so will your vacation, depending on which island
or islands you choose. It's important to plan ahead. For example, if you're
an avid golfer, you won't want to spend a week on a remote British Virgin
Island with only a rinky-dink 9-hole course or no course at all. But that
same island might be perfect for a young couple contemplating a romantic
honeymoon. By providing detailed information about the character of each
inhabited island in both the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin
Islands, we hope to guide you to your own idea of paradise.
