Choosing the perfect virgin island for your vacation

At first glance on a world map, the islands that make up the chain of the Virgin Islands are difficult to distinguish from one another. What is a US territory? What is a British Isle? Where do I need a passport? All good questions, but it’s really not the most important question to ask yourself when choosing which island you want to visit. The real question is what kind of atmosphere, vibe and experience do you want to have. Despite their proximity to each other, they are dramatically different. Deciding what type of trip you want to do in advance is the key to choosing which islands to visit in the VI chain.

Planning ahead is always a good thing, and half as much fun, so take a little time to do your research. A few hours online will help you find the perfect Virgin Island for you.

It’s also important to note that VIs from the United States and Great Britain vary in characteristics, and knowing the differences is critical. For example, a remote British Virgin Island might not be as appealing to an avid golfer looking for an 18-hole course as it would be to a young couple looking for a romantic getaway.

USVI vs. BVI

The difference in American and British cultures and lifestyles is evident in the imprint they have left on the Virgin Islands. The US Virgin Islands, with the exception of St. John, offer the familiar hustle and bustle of the continental United States, including shopping malls, restaurants, high-end boutiques, and fast-food chains. In contrast, the BVIs are more relaxed and much less commercial. Except for a few fancy hotels and resorts, they have somehow managed to maintain the rustic appeal of the Caribbean.

If you are interested in shopping, restaurants, nightlife and the hotel scene; with a bit of sun and snorkeling on the side, the US Virgin Islands, particularly St. Thomas and St. Croix, is your destination. However, St. John is very different: it shares the laid-back, laid-back vibe found in most of the British Virgin Islands, but is still a US territory. There are no chain stores, no big malls, no sprawling developments. In fact, only around 5,000 lucky suns call this place home. Thanks in large part to millionaire tycoon Laurance Rockefeller, who once owned a large portion of the island and donated it to the National Park Service, the island is protected from growth and commercialization, but is still very close to St. Thomas. , about 8 minutes. boat.

The British Virgin Islands range from unparalleled luxury to total seclusion. Tortola, being the most populous island, still has limited shopping, nightlife, and dining compared to the main US Virgin Islands. It is more of a destination for yachtsmen and boaters, which has been aptly dubbed the “Cruise Capital of the Caribbean.” On Virgin Gorda, Peter Island, and Scrub Island, you’ll find luxury resorts. On islands such as Jost Van Dyke and Anegada you will find laid back beach bars, restaurants and attractive more local accommodation.

The US and British VIs comprised some 60 islands combined. By planning ahead, getting an idea of ​​your perfect island paradise vacation, and keeping in mind that each island has its own unique personality, you’ll find the idyllic Virgin Islands for your perfect island paradise vacation.