Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
saving money
ON A RENTAL CAR
Car-rental rates vary even more than
airfares. The price you pay will depend
on the size of the car, the length of the
rental period, how far you drive it,
whether you purchase insurance, and a
host of other factors. You can save hun-
dreds of dollars by asking a few key
questions, including these: Are special
promotional rates available? Are week-
end rates lower than weekday rates? Is
a weekly rate cheaper than the daily
rate? Is it cheaper to pick up the car at
the airport compared to another island
location? How much does the rental
company charge to refill your gas
tank if you return with the tank less
than full?
Don't forget that if you're a member
of AARP, AAA, a frequent-flier program,
or a trade union, you may well be enti-
tled to car-rental discounts of up to
30%. Also, many package deals include
airfare, accommodations, and a rental
car with unlimited mileage. To see if a
package might offer a good deal, com-
pare the prices of packages with the
cost of booking airline tickets and
renting a car separately.
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are also some along the major roads and at Frederiksted. On St. John, make sure your
tank is filled up at Cruz Bay before heading out on a tour of the island.
Gas stations are not as plentiful on the British Virgin Islands. Road Town, the
capital of Tortola, has the most gas stations; fill up here before touring the island.
Virgin Gorda has a limited but sufficient number of gas stations. Chances are you
won't be using a car on the other, smaller British Virgin Islands.
Taxes are already included in the printed price. One U.S. gallon equals 3.8 liters
or .85 imperial gallons.
BREAKDOWNS
All the major islands, including St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix,
Tortola, and Virgin Gorda, have garages that will tow vehicles. Always call the rental
company first if you have a breakdown. If your car requires extensive repairs because
of a mechanical failure, a new one will be sent to replace it.
By Taxi
Taxis are the main mode of transport on all the Virgin Islands. On
St. Thomas,
taxi
vans carry up to a dozen passengers to multiple destinations, and smaller private taxis
are also available. Rates are posted at the airport, where you'll find plenty of taxis on
arrival. On
St. John,
both private taxis and vans for three or more passengers are
available. On
St. Croix,
taxis congregate at the airport, in Christiansted, and in
Frederiksted, where the cruise ships arrive. Many hotels often have a “fleet” of taxis
available for guests. Taxis here are unmetered, and you should always negotiate the
rate before taking off.
On the
British Virgin Islands,
taxis are sometimes the only way to get around.
Service is available on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada, and rates are fixed by the
local government.
By Bus
The only islands with recommendable bus service are
St. Thomas
and
St. Croix.
On St. Thomas, buses leave from Charlotte Amalie and circle the island; on St. Croix,
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